Last night, a vigil was held to remember the friends from the Greater Portland homeless community who died in 2024. On one of the longest nights of the year, a candlelit procession marched from the Maine-Health Preble Street Learning Collaborative to Monument Square. Matt Brown from Hope Squad Maine and Billie-Jo Burgess, a person with lived experience of homelessness, gave remarks, and a candle-lighting ceremony was held to honor the 50 friends and community members who were lost in 2024.
Of the 50 people who died, the average age was only 51 years old. Causes of death include chronic medical conditions, overdose, infection, and suicide. On average, the life expectancy of people who have experienced chronic homelessness is roughly 50 years of age. That is a startling 28 years shorter than that of people who are housed.
“I hope that we can get a short message that we can’t keep letting people die over here, it’s too much and it’s hard. I’ve lost so many since I’ve been out here. I can’t even tell you all the names I’ve lost,” shared Burgess. “One of those was my friend Brett. He was like my little brother. He struggled with mental illness, like most of us, and his life was knocked out.”
“Everybody needs to be heard,” added Burgess. “You got something to say for the homeless? Please say it. They need our help, and keep your love and your hearts open for everyone.” Watch Burgess’ remarks here.
While we cannot undo the traumatic and devasting effects of chronic homelessness, as a community, we can provide people with housing and supportive services. Everyone needs a roof over their heads and a place to call home. Site-based Housing First is an effective, evidence-based approach for people who’ve experienced chronic homelessness. Read more about it here.
This annual vigil is a more than 25-year-long tradition, with Portlanders gathering to mourn the people whose lives were cut short and to commit to changing the broken systems that allow so many of our neighbors to fall through the cracks.
“I am often one of those responsible for responding to the scene – be it a tent, a trail, or a sidewalk, to care for the deceased,” shared Matt Brown, founder of Hope Squad Maine, a mobile outreach program serving Southern Maine. “I have experienced more often that I care to count, both the incredible anguish, but also the distinct honor and privilege of caring for our friends who have died on these streets.” Matt also shared a poem in tribute to the friends and loved ones from the unhoused community who died this year. You can read it below.
The Vigilantes (Nate Nickerson, Phil Hoose, Toby Hollander, Peggy Akers, Megan Connolly, Sandi St. George, Ally Giuliano, Maddie Fitzgerald, and Lisa Bisceglia), led the crowd in singing a few songs, including “The Streets of Portland.” LumenARRT (Projection Art Projects) contributed a large-scale projection in Monument Square to memorialize the 50 people that have died this year.
The City of Portland, Greater Portland Health, Maine Medical Center, Northern Light Mercy Hospital, and Preble Street sponsors the annual event.
YOUR LAST RIDE
My dear friend, as we take you on your last ride
We want you to know tonight what we are all feeling deep inside
We are so grateful that we have the opportunity to care for you tonight
Even though every part of us wishes you were here and that things were alright
We want you to know a few things that live in our hearts
In the few precious minutes we have together tonight before we part
Even though we are sure you had moments when you felt so adrift
We want you to know your presence here was truly such a gift
Even though you may have felt at times that you weren’t seen or heard
Know that we DID see you, and we deeply listened to your every word
Even though at times you must have felt like you didn’t matter and all you saw was the dark
We want you to know, you DID matter, and that your life truly made such an indelible mark
That your presence in our lives can never ever be replaced
That we think you were so brave, facing all that you faced
And that despite the dark, the fear and the anguish
We saw a unique and beautiful light within you that nothing-even death itself- can EVER vanquish
So as we come close to the end of your last ride
We want you to know we will never really ever leave your side
Because your memory will live within us all and will never ever die
And our friendship will forever shine brighter than any star in the sky
And Because even though physically we may now be apart
No one is EVER truly homeless that has a home in our hearts
