Remembering and Honoring Those We Lost

We were grateful to participate in the Montgomery County Homeless Memorial on June 8 to remember the lives of 69 individuals who experienced homelessness in our community and who passed away over the past year.

The service is an opportunity to honor the lives of the children, mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters who experienced homelessness in our community. Most were able to pass with dignity in housing. All of those remembered were served by the Montgomery County homeless continuum of care system.

Here are remembrances of some of the Interfaith Works clients honored at the service.

Samuel Kalantari

Sam immigrated from Iran following the revolution in the late 1970s. He found work in the US as a car mechanic, got married, and had a son that he boasted about almost every day until his death.  Many things had been challenging for Sam, but making friends and building community was not one of them. Sam was incredibly smart, warm, and could laugh about the toughest of circumstances. He could be seen around Progress Place with crowds around him as he told jokes and gave life advice, calling everyone “buddy.” Sam always showed appreciation with authentic vulnerability. He was honest and sad about mistakes he made in his life, but also understood on a deep level the human need for connection and love, and never stopped pursuing it.  

Yajaira Sanchez

Yajaira was loved by her family who affectionately called her "Heidy." She was in a chapter of her life trying to better herself for her children and to address her challenges. Sadly, her challenges ended her life early at 36 years old. She is survived by her 13-year-old daughter and 21-year-old son. Yajaira was an organ donor, and, in her death, she was able to give life to six other people. Her family was grateful for the additional days they got to spend with her before her death helped the lives of others.

We remember all those in our community who have passed this year. Being without a home is a dangerous health condition and has a significant negative impact on life expectancy. According to the Interagency Commission on Homelessness, “Despite efforts by health care providers to minimize the impact of being homeless, no amount of health care can substitute for stable housing.” Housing is a human right, and we must keep serving and advocating for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Thank you to Christine Hong, Chief of Montgomery County’s Services to End and Prevent Homelessness; Evan Glass, Montgomery County Council President; our staff, who shared remembrances of members of our community; and all other speakers for sharing details and memories of the lives of these important and loved individuals.