QC Homeless Memorial Service

GUEST BLOG by Kelly Thompson (Iowa AmeriCorps intern at the Community Foundation and Chair of QC Shelter and Transitional Housing Council)

For most of us, Dec. 21, the winter solstice, will be just another day as we sit in the comfort of our homes begrudging the official arrival of winter. But for people experiencing homelessness, it will be only the beginning of a season of struggle to find a place to escape the elements.

Earlier that day, the Quad-Cities Shelter and Transitional Housing Council will host the annual Quad-Cities Homeless Memorial Service. The service will start at 7:30 a.m. in the Community Health Care clinic parking lot at 500 W. River Drive. in Davenport. The service will include music and poetry readings by local artists, prayers and a moment of silence for those who have passed. Following the service, a vigil will be held until noon to remind us to keep those less fortunate in our thoughts during this season of celebration.

During the national point-in-time count last Jan. 25th, 605 men, women and children were counted as homeless in Scott County. Three emergency shelters, two domestic violence shelters, a seasonal overflow shelter and various other agencies that provide services still do not have enough beds to meet the need.

Your presence at the service will let those experiencing homelessness know they are not forgotten. During the vigil, donations of coats, hats, gloves, blankets, toiletries and other cold weather necessities will be accepted. Collected items will be distributed among the participating member agencies of the Quad-Cities Shelter and Transitional Housing Council. To learn about our agencies and more ways to help, please visit the council’s Facebook page.