HOMELESS Memorial Manual

This Manual is one result of an Ecumenical Project for our Community (Rochester, MN)…

that did not come to completion.  

In the Spring of 2024, several clergy and I realized that there were deaths of homeless persons among us due to natural causes, accidents, suicide, and drug overdoses.  The deaths were among those with no families, estranged families, or homeless friends who’s lives had been disrupted by mental illness, drugs, poor choices, or legal entanglements.  We also realized we were unaware of those providing “Services” for any family or companions after the police & Medical Examiner had completed their investigative work.

 We recognized this was an indignity for the deceased, and a lost opportunity for grief ministry among the homeless community.  This marginalized community was being deprived of a way to acknowledge their loss and remember their companion – among so many of their other losses, including losing families, a spouse or children, a job, or a house, among other  possessions due to their circumstances.  Therefore, several of us organized to see what might be done / offered…to families, funeral directors, & homeless shelters.  However, after some inquiries with authorities, police, funeral homes, homeless shelters/services, cemeteries, and clergy, we could not organize enough to present a coordinated plan to offer Providers or the Public. 

This Manal was, however, prepared in the meantime now “with no place to go”. Rather than abandoning it, I decided to offer it to others: including Clergy, funeral home Celebrants, Shelter personnel, Chaplains, and Seminarians ~ any who might be called upon to offer such services in their community – sooner or later.  It is also a valuable resource for all other kinds of funerals and rites that professionals might be called upon to serve over the duration of their career.

 Thus, this is offered to you to include with your resources until needed for a special occasion. 

 A more detailed review of the Contents is available at the link below.  It is also offered for a nominal fee.  It will be sent to you via email in a Word.Doc format (not PDF) so that you can access it conveniently and “cut & paste” it easily for use in your funeral preparations.  May others be dutifully served by your concern and commitment to all God’s Children…especially at the time of their death – whether in a traditional setting or less than ideal.