NORFOLK, Va. — It's the longest night of the year, and it can feel even longer—or colder—if you don't have a warm, safe place to call home.
That’s why people around Hampton Roads are hosting a Night of Remembrance this National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day. One of those gatherings took place at Freemason Street Baptist Church in Norfolk on Saturday.
There, attendees heard songs from the Norfolk Street Choir in memory of the roughly 30 individuals who died in the area this year while experiencing homelessness. Each person gathered has been profoundly affected by these losses.
Watch related coverage: Winter shelter in Newport News gives free healthcare to those experiencing homelessness
"I was impacted by one of my clients who passed away," said Valerie Archer-Hubbard, a case manager. "We don't really know how long he was there or the day he died."
Archer-Hubbard attended the memorial service for closure.
"The last time I heard from him was in July. He said, 'It's my 64th birthday; I'm so happy to be alive,'" she recalled.
Watch related coverage: Chesapeake church delivers winter items to the homeless in Norfolk
She shared that story as the group gathered outside and carried candles through the cold. This was part of a walk for remembrance organized by the Southeastern Virginia Homeless Coalition (SVHC), which supports individuals in Norfolk, Franklin, Southampton, Chesapeake, Suffolk, and Isle of Wight.
Thoughts during the walk turned to how anyone could find themselves in a similar situation.
"Only about 20 percent of individuals experiencing homelessness are due to mental health issues or substance abuse. Many more are individuals who encounter a one-time emergency involving themselves, a child, or another family member, forcing them to use their funds for that," said Amanda Ofsonka, director of the continued care program at the Planning Council.
Watch related coverage: Chesapeake church prepares gifts of comfort and joy for the homeless
According to Ofsonka, roughly 700 people were in shelters or on the streets during the last one-day count in the area.
This is a concern because those experiencing homelessness are at greater risk for health issues, according to the National Institutes of Health. The issue is important to many.
"It has definitely been an issue and continues to be, finding a nice warm spot. Housing is a human right, so it's definitely something that's on our minds. We continue to seek resources to improve shelter availability or hotel space for individuals experiencing homelessness while working toward finding permanent housing," said Ofsonka.
Watch related coverage: The homeless population in Newport News is growing, here's why some people are struggling to obtain housing
The lives lost will not be forgotten. Those who work to help say their efforts have only just begun.
"Why is it important for you to do the work you do?" News 3's Erika Craven asked.
"You know, because I like seeing people make a change for the good," Archer-Hubbard said.
