A message from our friends at PACEM:

Winter is fully upon us. The harsh weather and barren trees are a stark reminder of just how essential shelter is. All research shows that housing is healthcare. It's a foundational need for a healthy life. I'm grateful for all of you that help PACEM deliver shelter all winterlong. 

I invite you to join us in our annual memorial for our neighbors who died while experiencing homelessness. Homeless Persons' Memorial Day is traditionally held on the longest night of the year, December 21, in communities across the nation. Charlottesville will hold its vigil on Thursday, December 18, 3-4pm, at The Haven. 

PACEM will honor and remember those we lost. In particular, we will remember Michael Syrkes Jr who passed away in his sleep while staying in our shelter hosted at Sojourners last month. We will also remember Robert Coombs who had been staying in our shelter off and on this season. He died while sleeping outside at Market Street Park yesterday morning. We are heartbroken; we carry on the mission.