TCCC’s 1st Annual Homeless Memorial

On the first day of winter, Tracy Community Connections Center (TCCC) paused our outreach work to honor community members who died while experiencing homelessness in Tracy.

We gathered behind New Heart Church on Bessie Avenue on Saturday, December 21, 2024. TCCC staff, volunteers, and neighbors prayed, and heard the names of 44 people we lost in 2024, read by Pastor Patrick Williams. For each name spoken, there was also a story underneath of hopes deferred, of challenges unseen, of a neighbor we never had the chance to serve fully.

This was the first of what we plan to make an annual event. For reasons ranging from chronic illness to lack of safe shelter, the 44 people we honored lost their lives to homelessness over the last 5 years. By gathering together and remembering the losses, we emphasize the importance of empathy, respect, and making connections with every human life.

The event was reported by Bob Browne of Tracy Press and you can read their article, and interviews with our team, here:
Outreach group honors those who have died while homeless

Why We Gather

• Remembering Stories: Homelessness isn’t a statistic – it’s lived experience. By reading each name, we remind ourselves that behind every life lost was a person with dreams, struggles, and dignity.

• Building Community: The memorial draws volunteers, faith leaders, business owners, and public officials. It’s a stark reminder that tackling homelessness is everyone’s responsibility.

• Recommitting to Action: This event isn’t an endpoint—it’s a spark. In the days after, our outreach team ramps up efforts to connect more people to our housing navigation, medical recuperative care, and hygiene services.

Join Us
If you’d like to attend next year’s memorial or help us expand our outreach, visit tracyccc.org/get-involved or call us at (209) 407-9649.