A Service of Commemoration for those who have died homeless in the past year
Last Thursday 7th November, Spires attended a touching service of Commemoration at St Martin-in-the-Fields church, remembering those who were homeless and passed away this past year.
This year's memorial service was heartfelt as we read out 131 names who have sadly lost their lives, an increase from the 87 names last year. There was also mention of a further 64 people who were unknown or anonymous. This year was particular poignant for Spires as among those were a former staff member as well as 11 people who have used our services this past year. It was heart-warming to come together with other like-minded communities and organisations to remember and commemorate those who have passed.
During the service we were reminded that the average life expectancy for those experiencing homelessness is 43 for men and 41 for women. We were told that the average life expectancy for those mentioned in during the service had been 51 and 53 respectively. This is drastically lower than the average life expectancy across the general population, which is 79 for men and 83 for women. This highlights the damage and impact homelessness can have upon a person.
The service led by Rev'd Richard Carter was joyful and uplifting with hymns, motivational readings, and touching eulogies, ensuring a professionally uplifting experience with a moving performance of composer Gavin Bryars’ ‘Jesus’ Blood Never Failed Me Yet’. A particular highlight were the performances from people with experience of homelessness in ‘The Choir with No Name’ and ‘Streetwise Opera’. Our thanks to Housing Justice and Museum of Homelessness for helping to organise and coordinate the event.