Annual Homeless Peoples' Service Remembers 58

A ceremony remembered 58 people who experienced homelessness and died in Indianapolis this year. This is the 23rd year for the service, held by the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention, CHIP. 

Bells tolled for each individual who died in 2019. CHIP Executive Director Chelsea Haring-Cozzi  says they honor them the day before the winter solstice for a reason.

"This year, as in years past, it will be a cold winter night here in Indianapolis," Haring-Cozzi says.

She says many in the city struggle because they lack secure housing, "and the reality is that some will not survive or overcome the trauma and the impact of their homelessness." 

The remembrance also included music performed by those who have been impacted by lack of housing. 

Last year, the annual ceremony honored 70 people. A count of homeless individuals on one night this year in Indianapolis was 1,567.