Winter Solstice celebrations often include rituals and traditions to honor the return of the sun after the longest night of the year, however in Madison, the date is a time to remember and honor the homeless in Dane County who died in the past year. Linda Ketcham, Executive Director at Just Dane (formerly Madison Urban Ministry) joins 8 O’Clock Buzz host Tony Castañeda to talk about The Longest Night Homeless Persons’ Memorial Service, one of many taking place throughout the US. The interfaith service, set to begin at 3 p.m. Thursday, December 21, 2023 on the Capitol Square at the intersection of East Main, South Pinckney Street and King Street, will include reflections from Muslim, Jewish and Christian communities, as well as family members and homelessness advocacy groups. If able, please bring mittens, hats, long underwear, winter clothing and blankets, which will be given to local shelters or can be dropped at First Congregational United Church of Christ at 1609 University Ave. Additionally, Porchlight is open to receive donations such as jeans, boxers, winter coats, hats and gloves daily between 4pm and 8pm at 2002 Zeier Road. The National Coalition for the Homeless is creating a database which will track the wherabouts of unhoused individuals and names of homeless people who have died.

Photo courtesy of Planet Fox on Pixabay.

 

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