In Memoriam
Interfaith Works was proud to be part of a memorial service sponsored by Montgomery County to honor the memory of 60 people who had experienced homelessness and passed away over the past year. All of those memorialized were either housed or working with IW and other partner organizations to meet their needs.
The service was an important reminder of the elevated health vulnerabilities of people who have experienced homelessness, particularly against the backdrop of the COVID pandemic.
Staff from IW — Liz Krueger (pictured above), Scotty Arnold (pictured above), Mo Nyassi and Wendy Smith — along with other nonprofit social service providers joined County Executive Marc Elrich, County Council President Gabe Albornoz and other Council members, and leaders of Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services in sharing remembrances of those we have lost.
Here are remembrances of those served by IW in words shared by IW’s dedicated staff:
Jose, a native of El Salvador, was father of three. He loved his children so much that he was willing to sacrifice his own wellbeing so that his family could thrive. He was a brave soul, humble in spirit and a fighter who refused to take any adversity sitting down. His life’s mission was to work hard to provide for his family. Despite the fact that Jose endured debilitating health conditions and multiple hospitalizations, he worked odd jobs to support his family. He once stated, “I would rather be homeless on the street before my children go without food!” Such a bold statement, which would alarm anyone whose purpose was to ensure that he remained housed. As his case manager, I learned that in life you will have many struggles but you must learn to fight in your own way and never accept defeat. Jose, you will be truly missed and your fighting spirit will live on forever! It was an honor to have worked with you.
Aliya had a quiet, tranquil spirit, yet one could not help but notice the fighter that dwelt within. The fighter that had been through many health battles, but refused to stay down, no matter the punches packed. She fought with, and for, her four daughters; Aisha, Nicole, Samantha, Khloe Ann, granddaughter; Kayla, and her sister; Rochelle. Although absent in body, we remember and acknowledge Aliya's fighter spirit, now cheering her own to carry on in this arena called life. We salute you. Your spirit lives on.
Maria is missed by Interfaith Works and her brother. We talked to Maria just four days before she died unexpectedly. We enjoyed hearing her stories about her walks and her generosity towards others. She was extremely resilient after a long period of being unsheltered. I will always remember the excitement she had on move-in day when she had a place to call her own. She passed too soon.
Tuan was very passionate about giving back to individuals who were in need due to his experience of homelessness. He loved talking about sports and would often express interest in maintaining his physical experience. Going out for walks daily was something he looked forward to each morning.
Michael was Mikey to his family, and Rico to his friends at Progress Place, but he was a writer, poet, and amazing person to everyone who knew him. Smart and charismatic, he pushed through hardship with a profound love of people and God. While Michael would have conquered the world with his intelligence and heart of gold, God called him home where he belonged.
Lilly was strong, feisty, and intimidated by no one. A Peruvian immigrant who worked at the embassy for many years, she was affectionately called the “pretty little lady with the pink hat” by community members at Progress Place. Lillian had a smile that would brighten anyone’s day, and she is truly missed in every way.
Blanca escaped violence in El Salvador where she learned to cope with her pain with an exceptional sense of humor. She was hilarious, fun, and thoughtful, making new friends everywhere she went. Blanca leaves behind her children and family in El Salvador but also a community at Progress Place, many of whom referred to her as a mother figure.