National Homeless Persons Memorial Day

December 21st is the first day of winter, typically the longest night of the year, and happens to also be my birthday.  More importantly, National Homeless Persons Memorial Day is observed each year on December 21st in our nation's capital and throughout the country.  To learn more visit the National Coalition for the Homeless' website www.nationalhomeless.org.  As we celebrate the holiday season, please join me and take a moment on Tuesday, December 21, 2011 to remember our homeless citizens, neighbors, and friends who have died over the past year.  I also urge you to learn more about Opening Doors (www.usich.gov) and More than Shelter (www.housingcoalition.charlottenc.gov), our respective federal and local plans to end and prevent homelessness.  My New Year's resolution is to continue envisioning a time in the near future when National Homeless Persons Memorial Day will honor the lives of those lost before homelessness ceased to exist.