On Friday, December 19th at 3 PM, the Key West community will gather at the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition (FKOC) vault in the Key West Cemetery for Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day—an annual observance honoring individuals in Monroe County who died while experiencing homelessness this year.
Held each December near the winter solstice, the longest night of the year, this memorial serves as a moment of reflection and remembrance. It is a time for our community to acknowledge the lives lost, raise awareness of the challenges faced by those without stable housing, and recommit to the belief that housing, healthcare, and safety are fundamental human rights.
This year’s ceremony will include the reading of the names of those who died in 2025 while living without a home. Community members, advocates, service providers, and loved ones are invited to join together in tribute.
Event Details
What: Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day
When: Friday, December 19, 2025, at 3 PM
Where: FKOC Key West Cemetery vault
Enter at the Main Gate near the Sexton’s office; ushers will guide attendees.
Rain Location: Peace Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2610 Flagler Avenue
“As a community, we hold space each year to honor our neighbors who struggled without the protection of a home,” said Carolyn Woodhead of FKOC/AH Monroe Housing and Supportive Services.
“Their lives mattered deeply. This memorial reminds us that every person deserves safety, dignity, compassionate care, and a place to call home.”
Residents across the Keys are encouraged to attend, stand in solidarity, and help ensure that no one’s life goes unrecognized.
For more information, please contact:
Carolyn Woodhead
FKOC/AH Monroe Housing and Supportive Services
(305) 304-3341
carolyn.woodhead@fkoc.org
fkoc.org
