It was a solemn occasion Wednesday afternoon in Albuquerque when about 100 people gathered in the International District to recognize the deaths of those experiencing homelessness in the city this year. The event coincides with Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day — a national day to mark homeless deaths. This year, more than 180 U.S. cities were expected to participate.
A silent march started at the Compassion Services Center , located at 541 Mesilla St. SE, where walkers headed east on Zuni Road to the American Indian Center for a ceremony, located a little less than a mile away at 105 Texas St. SE.
While the day was largely about remembering friends and family members who died, the volatile issues of city encampment sweeps and shelter conditions were also on the minds of many who attended.
“You know, I think sometimes we’re going backwards,” Joanne Landry, director of the Compassion Services Center, said. “They are not going to go to any of the shelters — they are just not going to do it, unfortunately. We need to find a place for them that is adequate, that’s going to work for them. Let’s get them off our streets.”