Gather to Honor Members of the Homeless Community Who Have Passed Away

Each December, many communities across the nation gather on or near the winter solstice — the longest night of the year — when National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day is observed to remember those who have died while homeless. For Virginia Beach, the memorial service will be 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 17, in the Housing Resource Center (HRC) courtyard, 104 N. Witchduck Road.  

City staff, service providers, advocates and members of the homeless community and their loved ones will join in the HRC’s Schaefer-Friedman courtyard for reflection and to continue a longstanding tradition of honoring those who have passed away each year with a memorial rock. 

“We believe the rocks started with the clients at the Lighthouse Center,” said Suzette Ebersole, Homeless Outreach team member. “Clients started leaving rocks in memory of their friends outside of the center. Some died while homeless or they were housed but had been homeless at some point.” 

The Lighthouse Center, which had been located near the Second Police Precinct at the Oceanfront, provided day services (showers, laundry and mail) for unsheltered individuals and served as the gathering place to access the City’s Winter Shelter program. The center closed after 20 years when the HRC opened in 2018 to expand and co-locate support services, shelter and housing in one facility.  

Memorial Rocks 

The collection of memorial rocks spanning two decades was moved to the HRC and now lines the planters of the staff courtyard.  

“Each memorial rock represents a person with a story, so it’s a difficult time for those of us who work closely with the homeless community,” said Pam Shine, Homeless Services administrator. “Together, the City and our partners have made significant progress in addressing homelessness, but we also recognize this day as a reminder that our efforts must continue until everyone has the opportunity to live in a safe, stable home. By continuing this community commitment to work together, we honor the individuals who have passed away and those who continue to face the coldest months of the year on the streets.” 

As we approach the longest night of the year, the community is invited to join Virginia Beach Housing & Neighborhood Preservation, the Virginia Beach Human Rights Commission and the BEACH Community Partnership (Bringing an End to All City Homelessness) to commemorate the lives of our neighbors who have died while homeless.   

“We saw that it was important to them, so it became important to us. For some, this is the only memorial they will receive,” said Ebersole. “Everyone deserves the opportunity to be remembered with dignity.” 

Give Help 

For those who cannot attend the memorial service but would still like to join the community effort to make homelessness rare, brief and nonrecurring in Virginia Beach, the following opportunities are available to give help: 

• Volunteer for the 2026 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count: Volunteers are needed to help count and survey individuals experiencing homelessness during the PIT Count on Jan. 29. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and attend training. Learn more and register online by Dec. 19 at VirginiaBeach.gov/PITVolunteer.
• Give the gift of warmth: Virginia Beach Housing & Neighborhood Preservation’s Homeless Services division is collecting new and gently used sweatpants and sweatshirts (medium and large sizes), gloves and hats. For more information or to schedule a drop off, contact Erin Walker, 757-385-5760, EWalker@VBgov.com.  
• Connect with a BEACH partner: EACH has a diverse network of organizations that provide support services for people experiencing homelessness or a housing crisis. Find a cause and learn how to get involved at BEACHCommunityPartnership.org/Give-Help.
• Become a housing partner: Expanding BEACH’s network of organizations that provide housing opportunities is critical to significantly reduce homelessness. Nonprofits that are interested in being part of the solution are encouraged to learn about federal and state grant opportunities. To be notified about upcoming information sessions on the grant application process, organizations can email HomelessSystem@VBgov.com.
• Donate to support homeless programs: VB Home Now is a nonprofit foundation that supports and enhances the community system of services, programs and facilities to prevent and end homelessness in Virginia Beach. Donations directly impact people who are experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of losing their housing by providing financial assistance for utility and security deposits, rental arrears and emergency housing fees. To learn more or to donate, visit www.VBHomeNow.org.

Get Help

Individuals who are experiencing homelessness or a housing crisis in Virginia Beach can access the homeless service system by visiting the HRC. Walk-in hours for triage and assessment for housing and shelter programs are available 8 a.m. to noon, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. The Regional Housing Crisis Hotline, 757-227-5932, is also available from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

Organizations that provide support services, including a list of faith-based food pantries, clothing and financial resources; health services; basic assistance and more are available at BEACHCommunityPartnership.org/Get-Help. 

• Housing Resource Center
• Housing & Neighborhood Preservation