3rd Annual Homeless Persons' Memorial Ceremony In Waukesha

WAUKESHA, WI — Twelve people who died in 2021 while experiencing homeless will be remembered in a ceremony in Waukesha, according to the Housing Action Coalition of Waukesha County.

The third annual memorial ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the riverfront next to the State Building near Union Street.

The Housing Action Coalition works with city officials, the Waukesha Police Department, Waukesha County Department of Health and Human Services, the National Alliance on Mental Illness Southeast Wisconsin, The Women’s Center, Hebron Housing Services, the Salvation Army, Hope Center, White Stone Warriors and Waukesha Memorial Hospital through an initiative called HEART, or Homeless Engagement and Response Team.

Members of HEART conduct coordinated street outreach to meet individuals and families living on the street to offer support, basic need items, meals and referrals or connections to resources and supportive services.

Jackie Smith, executive director of HAC, said the community needs to find solutions to break the cycle of trauma, mental health, addiction and the stigma of homelessness.

The county has 150 to 175 individuals and families experiencing homelessness on any given night. There are gaps in available beds and daytime shelter to nearly 30 to 40 unsheltered people, Smith said.

“Our hope is to illustrate not only the lives we’ve lost, but the conditions that led to their deaths to reduce stigma, draw attention to barriers and find ways to prevent homeless deaths. This memorial event reminds us why we must continue finding solutions for safe and affordable housing and ensure that homelessness can be short-lived and recoverable," Smith said.