Memorial held for homeless individuals who died in Santa Cruz County this year

An emotional tribute was held Thursday morning for the 55 homeless individuals who died in Santa Cruz County this year.

County health workers took turns reading the names of people who passed away while holding back tears.

Several people also spoke about some of the men and women who died, sharing their memories they have of them.

Matthew Nathanson with the homeless persons health project says it’s a time to remember these men and women for what they’ve contributed to society, “try to remember people not simply because of their housing status or because of why they died but because of who they were in their life kind of the joy they brought.”

One woman in attendance, Jade Yang says if it weren’t for the help she received, her name could have too been on that list, “I was in and out of the hospital due to my mental illness and also at times jail. So I struggled four years being on the street.”

While reflecting on those who have passed, service officials say this also serves as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done.

The homeless population in Santa Cruz jumped about 15% from 2015-2017.

As of 2017 there were 2,249 homeless individuals living in Santa Cruz County.

In 2018 the county has spent more than 9 million dollars on homeless services, but Nathanson says if more affordable housing is not built, this cycle will continue, “

“So many people have that experience of I got my voucher I can get in and then literally a year later they’re still not able to get it. I think there is more support from the local Housing Authority to fund housing, but I think we’ve done a terrible job at building affordable housing. We have gone backwards there.”