Key West Mayor Teri Johnston and the City Commission proclaimed December 21, 2022. National Homeless Persons Memorial Day during December 6, 2022, City Commission meeting.
For the past 24 years, the community has gathered to remember those men, women, and children who have died homeless in Monroe County with this proclamation, joining the nation in setting aside the longest night of the year to memorialize those people who have died homeless.
On Friday, December 16, 2022, at 3 PM, the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition will coordinate a ceremony in honor of those who have died in Monroe County. The ceremony will be held at the Key West Cemetery. According to FKOC Executive Director Jeanette McLernon, the remains of those who died homeless this past year will be interred in the FKOC vault in the cemetery.
"The spirit of the holiday season of goodwill toward all provides an opportunity for the affirmation and renewal regarding our commitment to end homelessness," reads the proclamation.
Due to possible rain, this year's memorial for those who have died homeless in Monroe County over the past year is being moved indoors. Instead of the Key West Cemetery, the memorial will be held at the Peace Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2610 Flagler Avenue.
In the photo from L to R: Commissioners Mary Lou Hoover, Lissette Carey, and Jimmy Weekley, Mayor Teri Johnston, FKOC Executive Director Jeanette McLernon, Deacon Peter Batty, Vice-Mayor Sam Kaufman, AH Monroe Executive Director Scott Pridgen, Commissioners Clayton Lopez and Billy Wardlow, and Father John Baker.