Chum Holds Annual Homeless Memorial Vigil and March

Last night, Duluthians gathered to march, sing, and honor the lives lost while experiencing homelessness

DULUTH, Minn. — Chum Food Shelf held their annual Homeless Memorial Vigil, which included a march to Duluth City Hall.

People gathered to recognize 77 people in the Greater Duluth Area who lost their lives in the past year. The names read at the vigil represented both people who experienced homelessness and their advocates. The vigil has been held for over fifteen years and Chum Executive Director John Cole says more and more lives are lost each year.

“Every year, Chum has led the community in acknowledging those person who have unfortunately died,” Cole said. “The numbers keep increasing each year and that’s why we do this, to draw attention to the fact that we are losing too many lives.”

In a speech on the steps of city hall, Cole reminded attendees to remember the lives of those lost, not just the statistics. The vigil concluded with a prayer and a rendition of Silent Night, as well as some hot chocolate and cookies.