Granite Staters Mourn Friends, Family At Homeless Persons' Vigil

CONCORD, NH — They were sons and daughters. Fathers and mothers. Veterans, musicians and singers, some had careers and others were laborers. Many were generous, lighthearted, and funny, while fighting sickness and chronic pain. And some were battling demons, too, like substance misuse and abuse.

They were also people who were homeless in New Hampshire and died in 2019.

As they have for many years, residents from around the state, including activists, advocates, and members of the faith community, gathered at the Statehouse Plaza Thursday to mourn and celebrate those who died on the streets of the state.

For 2019, it was 64 men and women.

Their names were read out loud. Some were just one word – Antonio, Jennifer, and Timothy; other names offered descriptions of their lives, the contributions they made, their likes, charms, talents, and what they meant to others.

They should be more than just a name on a list, one person noted.

As the names were read, attendees turned on flameless candles for honoring each person.

Rise Again Outreach collected donations for those in need and pamphlets were distributed letting people know how they could help the homeless.

Rebecca Carlman, an outreach coordinator, said many of the city's homeless needed jackets, hats, gloves, handwarmers – "anything you would take camping."

It is unknown how many homeless people are currently in Concord but earlier this year, the Concord Coalition to End Homelessness estimated that there were between 130 and 150 in the city.

Vigils Thursday were also held in Keene, Laconia, and Manchester. Other ceremonies will be held in Market Square in Portsmouth at 5:30 p.m. Friday; 6 p.m. on Saturday at Dover City Hall; 6 p.m. on Sunday at Hampstead Congregational Church; and 6 p.m. on Monday at Nashua City Hall.

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