December 23, 2025

Wayside Christian Mission Honors Homeless Lives Lost

Louisville, Kentucky, December 23, 2025

Louisville’s Wayside Christian Mission held a memorial service to honor individuals from the unhoused community who passed away during the year. The event took place at the Jefferson County Courthouse, featuring music and a reading of names submitted by local shelters. Advocates highlighted the ongoing challenges of homelessness in the city and the need for community support. Since 1957, Wayside Christian Mission has provided essential services to the homeless, reflecting its commitment to addressing homelessness in Louisville.

Louisville, Kentucky

Wayside Christian Mission Honors Homeless Lives Lost in 2025

On December 22, 2025, Louisville’s Wayside Christian Mission held a memorial service to honor individuals from the unhoused community who passed away during the year. The ceremony took place at noon on the steps of the Jefferson County Courthouse, a location chosen to symbolize the community’s commitment to remembering and supporting its most vulnerable members.

The service featured music by recording artist Rev. George Mayes and a devotional by Rev. Bryan Hagan, who ministers to the homeless on Sundays at Wayside Christian Mission. During the ceremony, the names of those who died in 2025 were read aloud, each representing a life lost within the community. These names were submitted by shelters serving the homeless year-round, reflecting a collective effort to acknowledge and honor each individual.

According to local homeless advocates, Louisville has approximately 1,700 unhoused residents, including nearly 600 people living on the streets. Natalie Harris, executive director of the Coalition for the Homeless, emphasized the health risks associated with unsheltered homelessness and the significant costs it imposes on the community. The memorial service aimed not only to remember those who died but also to raise awareness about the hardships faced by individuals living without stable housing.

Wayside Christian Mission has been serving the homeless and vulnerable populations in Louisville since 1957. The organization offers a range of services, including emergency shelter, transitional housing, and support programs designed to help individuals achieve sustainable, permanent housing. Their mission is rooted in providing compassionate care and practical assistance to those in need, reflecting a long-standing commitment to addressing homelessness in the community.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the purpose of the memorial service held by Wayside Christian Mission?

The memorial service aims to honor individuals from the unhoused community who passed away during the year, acknowledging their lives and raising awareness about the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness.

How many unhoused residents are there in Louisville?

According to local homeless advocates, Louisville has approximately 1,700 unhoused residents, including nearly 600 people living on the streets.

What services does Wayside Christian Mission provide?

Wayside Christian Mission offers a range of services, including emergency shelter, transitional housing, and support programs designed to help individuals achieve sustainable, permanent housing.

Key Features of the Memorial Service

Feature	Description
Date and Time	December 22, 2025, at noon
Location	Steps of the Jefferson County Courthouse, Louisville, Kentucky
Program Highlights	Music by Rev. George Mayes, devotional by Rev. Bryan Hagan, reading of names of those who died in 2025
Purpose	To honor individuals from the unhoused community who passed away during the year and raise awareness about the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness
Organizers	Wayside Christian Mission, local homeless advocates, and community members

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