Vernon’s 10th Annual Homeless Memorial Honors Lives Lost in Opioid Crisis
Vernon’s Polson Park will be the site of the 10th annual homeless memorial on Thursday, as the community gathers to remember those who have tragically lost their lives in both the opioid crisis and the ongoing homeless crisis. The memorial, organized by the North Okanagan Community Chaplaincy, aims to provide a respectful and dignified space for people to honor their loved ones and advocate for necessary change.
Rev. Chuck Harper, from the North Okanagan Community Chaplaincy, had a transformative moment in 2013 when he realized that action was needed to address the rising number of deaths among the homeless population. In that year alone, 14 homeless individuals lost their lives in Vernon. While drug use and homelessness often intersect, provincial statistics reveal that men working in trades are the most susceptible to drug-related deaths in British Columbia.
The significance of this memorial cannot be understated, as toxic drug deaths have become the second leading cause of death in the province. Shockingly, there have already been 30 deaths related to opioids in Vernon this year, with over 1,600 deaths recorded across the entire province. These harrowing numbers highlight the urgent need for greater prevention measures and support for those battling addiction and homelessness.
The memorial service will take place at the rock, a boulder located near Vernon Creek in Polson Park. This boulder is adorned with a plaque dedicated to those who have suffered and died while living on the fringes of society. Rev. Chuck Harper emphasizes that the memorial not only serves as a place for remembrance but also as a platform for advocacy. He acknowledges that the issues of homelessness and poverty will continue to affect marginalized individuals and their families. In 2014, when the memorial was established, Harper expressed his desire to create a respectful and meaningful event that would honor the lives of street friends and family members who grappled with mental illness, addiction, suicide, and even murder.
The annual homeless memorial offers solace and a sense of communal support to those affected by homelessness and addiction. Its location in Polson Park symbolizes a commitment to raising awareness and generating action to address these heartbreaking issues. The memorial organizers and attendees hope to shed light on the preventable nature of many of these deaths and ultimately work towards a society where no one is left behind.
This year’s event will take place at 2 p.m. in the serene garden beside the gazebo, located on the west side of the park. It is an opportunity for the community to come together, pay tribute to those who have passed away, and reaffirm their dedication to finding lasting solutions to homelessness and substance abuse. By remembering the lives lost in the midst of these intersecting crises, Vernon is taking a crucial step towards creating a more compassionate and supportive society for all.
