Updated Dec. 21, 10:28 a.m.–
By Rylie Friesen– The City of Citrus Heights has formally declared Dec. 21 as National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day in recognition of those who have died living on the streets.
Dec. 21 marks the first day of winter and the longest night of the year, marking a difficult and potentially tragic season for those living on the streets. The National Coalition for the Homeless and other groups encourage local recognition of the date.
“Hunger and homelessness continue to be a serious challenge for many citizens, who have the right to adequate food, housing, clothing, safety, and health care,” said Mayor Steve Miller, reading from a proclamation during the city’s Dec. 10 council meeting. He also said residents are encouraged to honor the lives of those who have died by “working to provide solutions to end homelessness within our city.”
Alfred Sanchez, known as the “Snack Man,” thanked the city for acknowledging the homeless and formalizing the date.
“We’d like to thank the city for signing this proclamation,” he said in addressing the council. “I would like to thank every activist, non-profit, donor, church, volunteer, people that commit acts of random kindness, the guy that buys a homeless person a cheeseburger on the street.”
Sanchez said the topic is “very emotional” to him, as he is known for his daily volunteer work bringing snacks to those on the streets of Citrus Heights. He said he makes a mental note of what people look like, so he can check on them the next day and make sure they are okay.
Sanchez, who is disabled, has lived in Citrus Heights for over 20 years. He purchases snacks and juice packs for the homeless at his own expense, mostly from Grocery Outlet and the Dollar Store.
The full text of the proclamation is included below:
Proclamation of the City of Citrus Heights Proclaiming December 21st, 2020 as National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day:
WHEREAS, December 21st, 2020 marks the first day of winter and is the longest night of the year, and the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Health Care for the Homeless Council have designated this day as National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day; and
WHEREAS, hunger and homelessness continue to be a serious challenge for many citizens who have the right to adequate food, housing, clothing, safety and health care; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights, does hereby proclaim December 21st, 2020 as National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day and ask all citizens to join together in remembering our neighbors, we can honor their lives by encouraging our citizens to support all local efforts to eliminate homelessness in our community.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have set our hand and seal this 10th day of December 2020.
