GREENSBORO, N.C. — Guilford County commissioners signed a resolution to observe Dec. 21 as National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day.
Guilford County Division of Social Services has covered the cost of 34 burials for people in extreme poverty or homelessness.
In a ceremony, Triad leaders including non-profit organizations and Mayor of Greensboro Nancy Vaughan reflected and read the names of each person who lost their life.
The Interactive Resource Center (IRC) is just one of the many non-profits supporting this effort. It said the ceremony offers dignity to the people who've passed.
"When you are living on the street, everything is harder. A lot of times, partner agencies or a case manager might be the first point of contact when someone passes away," IRC Executive Director Kristina Singleton said.
There are many resources for them throughout Greensboro. For a second year, the city set up tiny homes at Pomona Park bringing relief for people like John Dreylick Sr.
He's now living in one of the 30 pallet homes equipped with electricity, heat, and 24/7 security.
"I was sleeping in a tent, and maybe going to the IRC every now and then. Thank God for the IRC," Dreylick said.
Supporters walked from City Hall on Washington Street, turned on Elm Street, and circled back.
The Mayor of Greensboro said the city has a goal to end homelessness.
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