Homelessness coalition hosts annual memorial service for homeless people who died this year [Video]

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A group of advocates and community leaders gathered in Knoxville on Thursday for a somber event that honors people who died while experiencing homelessness.

Each year, the Knoxville-Knox County Homeless Coalition hosts a memorial service for people who died while unhoused in the area. Thursday’s memorial marked the 15th year they held the service. Organizers said the event is intentionally scheduled near or on the first day of winter — the longest night of the year.

“This event serves as a solemn reminder of the challenges faced by those living without stable housing, highlighting the realities that many encounter, including the tragic loss of life,” organizers said in a release. “For some individuals memorialized, this service may be the only commemoration of their lives.”

Organizers said in the release that in Knox County …