Media Advisory: Homeless Memorial Vigil 2011

MORE THAN 130 HOMELESS MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN DIED IN THE DENVER METROPOLITAN AREA IN 2011

Denver (December 20, 2011) – For the twenty-second year, several hundred concerned citizens gathered on the steps of the Denver City and County Building, this evening at 5:30 pm, to attend the Homeless Persons’ Memorial Vigil. 

Hosted by the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, the candlelight vigil and name-reading ceremony paid tribute to 136 people who lived on the streets of the Denver metropolitan area and died during 2011. This was the only memorial service conducted for most of these individuals. 

Speakers included: John Parvensky, President, Colorado Coalition for the Homeless; the Honorable Michael B. Hancock, Mayor, City of Denver; Reverend Cynthia James, Associate Minister, Mile High Church; Randle Loeb, Coalition Board Member and Freddy Rodriguez, Jr., musician. 

Of those recognized, 21 were women, 115 were men; and they ranged in age from 20 to 76 years. Causes of death were varied and included heart failure, pneumonia, hypothermia due to exposure, substance abuse, vehicular accidents and suicide. 

Overall, the life expectancy for most Americans is almost 80 years — yet, for those who routinely experience life on the streets, the probable lifespan is between 42 and 52 years. People experiencing homelessness usually lack access to a healthcare provider or can’t afford the high costs of treatment in conjunction with the out-of-reach costs of housing and other household needs. Conditions are then left undiagnosed and untreated for many years. 

Homeless individuals generally face multiple co-occurring conditions, including physical and psychological stress, exposure to the elements, dehydration, multiple chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease and/or diabetes, exposure to bacteria and viruses, lack of access to safe sanitation/hygiene facilities, poor nutrition, and sleep deprivation. Acute problems such as infections, injuries, and pneumonia are difficult to heal when there is no place to rest and recuperate. Living on the streets or in shelters also increases the risk of communicable diseases and violence. 

“In the struggle to survive, health care often takes second place to the more basic needs of food and shelter,” said Coalition President John Parvensky. “The first encounter with a physician often occurs in an emergency setting and only when the problem has finally become so extreme that it no longer can be ignored. Unfortunately, minor health problems can quickly become life-threatening illnesses.” 

The Coalition’s Stout Street Clinic was an indispensable option for homeless individuals in 2011. There is never a charge for services. On average, 12,000 patients are served each year, but many more still need help, especially for mental health care services. 

Since the start of the recession, homelessness has increased dramatically, especially among families. There are close to 16,000 homeless students enrolled in Colorado Public Schools. On any given night, there are an estimated 11,000 homeless men, women, and children residing in the Metropolitan Denver area. 

Although there is no official tracking of homeless deaths in Colorado, the Coalition conducts the count in conjunction with the Denver Coroner’s Office and through a coordinated process involving more than 25 homeless service organizations representing medical clinicians and other health care professionals; case managers; outreach and social workers; hospice; shelter and emergency service personnel; housing managers; chaplains; volunteers and others who provide direct assistance for those that are homeless. 

The Vigil is held in association with the National Coalition for the Homeless Campaign: National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day. In 2010, over 140 communities participated in the campaign across the United States. 

The mission of the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless is to work collaboratively toward the prevention of homelessness and the creation of lasting solutions for homeless and at-risk families, children, and individuals throughout Colorado. The Coalition advocates for and provides a continuum of housing and a variety of services to improve the health, well-being and stability of those it serves. For more information, please visit www.coloradocoalition.org. 

The 2011 Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day Roster of Names