Saint Joseph’s Mercy Care Services
Commemorates Homeless Memorial Day 

ATLANTA (December 22, 2009) – At twilight, on December 21, Saint Joseph’s Mercy Care Services hosted a Homeless Vigil in its parking lot at 424 Decatur Street, to remember and say farewell to those who died homeless during 2009. On that evening, Mercy Care Services joins cities across the nation sponsoring similar commemorative events. 

“We light candles and call the names out for the last time of those homeless persons who lived ‘invisible’ lives and died unnoticed and unrecognized,” said Robert Mason, Mercy Care Services Community Relations Director.

Homelessness causes serious health problems, most of which are closely associated with poverty—tuberculosis, chronic diseases, malnutrition, severe dental problems. Three decades of studies have linked homelessness with early death. Many homeless persons who have died had illnesses treatable by modern medicine. 

Mercy Care Services’ fourth annual National Homeless Person’s Memorial Day Candlelight Vigil is held as we approach the Winter solstice and some of the longest, coldest nights of the year. The event is attended by a wide variety of community guests, including many homeless individuals, as well as guests from local agencies, churches, Saint Joseph’s Health System, the state legislature and city government. 

National Homeless Person’s Day has occurred on or about the first day of winter since 1990. The event is sponsored by the national Coalition for the Homeless and the National Health Care for the Homeless Council. 

Located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, Saint Joseph’s Mercy Care Services has been serving its Atlanta neighbors since 1985, offering health care and health-related services to some of the city’s most needy citizens—new immigrants, persons experiencing homelessness, the uninsured and underinsured. Sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy and Saint Joseph’s Health System, Mercy Care Services’ clinics have become the medical home for thousands throughout the metropolitan area.