Rev. Heidi Heath

Dec 19 & 21: Homeless Persons’ Memorial Vigils in NH

December 21 is the Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day, commemorating the people who have died in the past year while homeless. December 21 is the longest night of the year and in New Hampshire, the severe cold reminds us of the suffering of those living out of doors. Many churches in New Hampshire support and serve the homeless in their communities and many of our church member-volunteers attend outdoor vigils on this night.

Here are the vigil events happening around New Hampshire that we are aware of:

  1. Concord: Thursday, December 19 at 4:00pm at City Plaza (on Main Street in front of the State House) Contact: Ellen Fries, ellenfries@concordhomeless.org See this event on Facebook. Download this flyer to share.
  2. Dover: Saturday, December 21, 6:00-8:00pm, outside Dover City Hall See this event on Facebook. Download this flyer to share.
  3. Hampstead: Sunday, December 22 at 6:00pm at Hampstead Congregational Church, 61 Main Street.
  4. Keene: Thursday, December 19, 5:30pm at the United Church of Christ Dining Hall, 23 Central Square, Keene (see flyer for extra details). Parking and entrance behind church on Vernon Street. Contact: Mindy Cambiar, mcambiar@yahoo.com
  5. Laconia: Thursday, December 19 at 5:30pm in Veterans Park Contact: Len Campbell, 603-528-3035
  6. Lancaster: Saturday, December 21 at 6:00pm, Main Street gazebo
    Contact: Carolyn Towne, Tri-County Community Action Program, ctowne@tccap.org
  7. Lebanon: Sunday, December 22 at 4:30pm at Colburn Park (The Green) Contact: Lynne Goodwin, 603-448-2944
  8. Manchester: Thursday, December 19 at 6:00pm in Veterans Park Contact: Gerry Paquette, 603-235-6823
  9. Manchester: Friday, December 20 at 12 noon at Cafe 1269, 351 Chestnut Street, 2nd floor Contact:  Craig Chevalier, cachevalier@cpinsolutions.com
  10. Nashua: Monday, December 23 at 6 pm in front of City Hall Contact: Tom Lopez, tomlopezward4@gmail.com
  11. Newport: Saturday, December 21 at 6:30 pm in Newport Town Common Contact: Rev. Jay MacLeod, jaymacleod@mac.com
  12. Peterborough: Saturday, December 21 at 5 pm at the Peterborough Town House Contact: Susan, 603-924-5033
  13. Portsmouth: Friday, December 20, 5:30 pm to 6 pm in Market Square (in front of North Church) Contact: Jessica Parker, j.parker@crossroadshouse.org