St George’s Cathedral bells ring to mark sad reality of Perth’s homeless
A city cathedral’s bells will ring to mark the impacts of homelessness.
St George’s Cathedral bells will ring 50 times as part of the evening prayer service on June 21 as part of Homelessness Memorial Day.
The bells will toll 50 times as 50 is the median age of death for those experiencing homelessness — more than 30 years below the general population.
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A candle will also burn in memorial throughout the day and a prayer station set up.
Homelessness Memorial Day is an initiative of WA homelessness services provider and is now in its second year.
The date was chosen to coincide with the winter solstice, the longest night of the year, to represent the harsh conditions faced by people experiencing homelessness and sleeping rough on Perth’s streets.
St Bart’s CEO Sam Drury said Homelessness Memorial Day was an opportunity to remember the lives that had been lost and draw attention to the need to end chronic homelessness and rough sleeping in WA.
“Sadly, the cold winter months are especially difficult if you’re vulnerable, experiencing homelessness or living on the streets and it is a time when too many lives are lost prematurely,” she said.