The event will take place Friday, December 19th in Annapolis at The People’s Park
Annapolis, MD - Friday, December 19, 2025, the Anne Arundel and Annapolis Coalition to End Homelessness will host the community’s annual Longest Night Homeless Persons’ Memorial Service to honor and remember the lives of Anne Arundel and Annapolis community members who experienced homelessness and tragically lost their lives over the past year. The event will take place at The People’s Park in Annapolis beginning at 4:30 PM. As winter’s longest night of the year approaches, the event will be held outdoors, rain or shine, and is intended to highlight the challenges faced by our unhoused neighbors.
“As we gather and remember those who have lost their lives while experiencing homelessness, we reaffirm our commitment to ending homelessness, providing more affordable housing opportunities, and supporting our most vulnerable residents,” said County Executive Steuart Pittman. “As the federal government seeks to dismantle the permanent supportive housing programs that are a lifeline to our otherwise chronically homeless neighbors, I am gratified that people of goodwill in our county are gathering to stand up for justice.”
Members of the public from all backgrounds and beliefs are encouraged to attend the solemn memorial service, not only to commemorate lost lives, but also to reaffirm our commitment to ending and preventing homelessness for all. The event will include a candlelight vigil, a name-reading ceremony, prayers from various faith traditions, a choral performance, comments from local officials, and an opportunity for community members to share their cherished memories of those who have faced the challenges of homelessness in our community. The service will reflect unity and compassion and will highlight the importance of supporting our unhoused neighbors.
"As we stand outside tonight, we feel firsthand the weight of homelessness. We’re here to show our unhoused neighbors that they are seen, valued, and never alone—and to recognize that housing instability stems from larger systemic issues. Tonight is a meaningful moment to reflect and plan how we can act throughout the year to ensure everyone has an affordable, safe place to call home.” said Mario Berninzoni, Chair of the Coalition to End Homelessness as well as Executive Director of Arundel House of Hope, which provides emergency, transitional, and permanent affordable housing and support services to individuals experiencing homelessness in Anne Arundel County.
About the Coalition: The Anne Arundel and Annapolis Coalition to End Homelessness is a committed group of over 50 Anne Arundel County and City of Annapolis agencies, nonprofit homeless service providers, and others with a shared goal of ending homelessness in the county. The Coalition is staffed by Arundel Community Development Services, Inc., Anne Arundel’s nonprofit housing and community development agency.
For more information, contact Erin Karpewicz, ekarpewicz@acdsinc.org or 410-222-3957.
