Tomorrow, Thursday, Dec. 21 is the first day of winter and the longest night of the year. The night seems even longer and colder for those who are experiencing homelessness.

The Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless (NEOCH) will observe Ohio Homeless Memorial Day tomorrow at West Side Catholic Center, 3135 Lorain Ave. in Ohio City, to honor and mourn those who died in the homeless community in 2023. 

According to NEOCH's HUD Homeless data, there are about 1,600 people in Cleveland who are currently experiencing homelessness, with about 200 people unsheltered. 

For 37 years NEOCH has led the gathering of the Cleveland community to remember those who have spent time homeless and have passed away in the last year. The gathering will honor the lives of our late family and friends with a reading of their names, candles, music, and prayers.   

Community activists, homeless service providers, people currently experiencing homelessness, and Northeast Ohio residents are invited to attend the memorial, which begins at 3 p.m.