Local residents will gather next week to remember victims of homelessness. On Monday, The Quad Cities Shelter and Transitional Housing Council will hold its annual vigil and memorial service. The service is dedicated to those who have died in the past year and that were, at one time, homeless.
Scott County Housing Council director Rick Schloemer says their goal is to increase awareness of homelessness in the Quad Cities. Last January, it reported that nearly 430 people were without housing. That number is likely to be the same this year.
Schloemer says Quad Citians who become homeless are usually suffering from mental illness or have lost their job and cannot afford to stay in their homes.
The memorial will take place on Monday at the Community HealthCare parking lot (500 W. River Drive) in downtown Davenport. Following the service at 7:30 am, local agencies will be on hand to accept winter clothing and blanket donations until 11:00.
