Boulder’s Bridge House honors 32 homeless people who died in 2020

By AMY BOUNDS | boundsa@dailycamera.com | Boulder Daily Camera

www.dailycamera.com/2020/12/20/boulders-bridge-house-honors-32-homeless-people-who-died-in-2020/

PUBLISHED: December 20, 2020 at 8:52 p.m. | UPDATED: December 20, 2020 at 8:52 p.m.

Shanan Collins told attendees at a Sunday memorial for homeless people that the names of some of those who died aren’t familiar even to advocates.

They’re the ones who never received help, said Collins, who is the program director at Boulder’s Mother House.

“We need to learn how to change the parts of the systems that aren’t working so well so that no one, no matter what their choices, has to fall through the cracks,” she said. “We sometimes come here to these memorials to not only honor the dead, but also to release our guilt, regret and our what ifs. And we should do that, but maybe we should do less forgetting and a little bit more storytelling.”

Boulder’s Bridge House on Sunday honored 32 area homeless people who died in 2020, along with 18 people who were housed when they died, but were homeless in the past. The organization hosted a socially distanced and masked memorial at the Boulder Bandshell in Central Park.

David Prowell, right, stands during the annual Day of Remembrance honoring the homeless people who have died in the Boulder area this year. The memorial was held Sunday at the Boulder Bandshell in Central Park. (Amy Bounds/Staff Writer)

Scott Medina, director of community relations with Boulder’s Bridge House, said it’s important to remember those who were previously homeless because it recognizes the life-shortening toll it can take.

“It can stay with you,” he said.

For the memorial, the names of those who died were displayed in picture frames lining the edge of the bandshell’s stage. Roses and candles were tucked next to each frame. Several faith community leaders spoke, singer Heatherlyn performed and Medina read each person’s name before asking for a moment of silence.

“These names mean something,” said Rev. James Ray of Second Baptist Church Boulder. “Every single human has intrinsic value to God.”

Jennifer Livovich tears up as she talks about her friend, Johnnathan Pare, who died while homeless. The annual Day of Remembrance honoring the homeless people who have died in the Boulder area this year was held Sunday at the Boulder Bandshell in Central Park. (Amy Bounds/Staff Writer)

Jennifer Livovich, who was homeless for four years in Boulder and struggled with alcohol addiction, shared stories about several of those she knew who died.

Those included Josh Gallegos, who “played the piano like one of the greats;” Donna Garwood, who “didn’t have friends, she had family;” and Allen Walsh, who was a guitar player, dad, community college student and “terrific guy.” All three were among those who were previously homeless.

Livovich ended with friend Johnnathan Pare, who was homeless when he died. He was a Chicago Cub’s fan who loved to work out and was in a recovery program with her.

“Sometimes, I find myself still looking for him,” she said as she wiped away tears. “I wanted him to make it, but God had other plans.”

Rev. Pedro Silva, of Boulder’s First Congregational Church, urged those in attendance to feel both the beauty and injustice in remembering those who died. The service, he added, “also lifts up our failures.”

“We failed, but we don’t have to have to stay in our failures,” he said. “If you look at every single person here, this is possibility.”

Boulder Mayor Sam Weaver shared remarks and read a proclamation declaring Dec. 21 as National Homeless Person’s Memorial Day, but was largely drowned out by protesters chanting in the background.

“There will be time to come for the work of reducing and preventing future harm, and bearing witness to these losses today can cause us to redouble our efforts on that work, but that is not why we are here today,” he said. “We are here to remember those whose stories have ended, many of them much too early.”

Protestors chant during Boulder Mayor Sam Weaver’s remarks at the annual Day of Remembrance honoring the homeless people who have died in the Boulder area this year. The memorial was held Sunday at the Boulder Bandshell in Central Park.

The protestors, members of Boulder Valley Mutual Aid, said police conducted a homeless sweep of Central Park a couple of days before the memorial as part of the ongoing enforcement the city’s urban camping ban. The sweeps, they said, are a civil rights violation that targets an already vulnerable population during a pandemic.

Weaver speaking at the event, they said, was hypocritical because his support for the city’s policies is “killing people.” They only wanted to disrupt his remarks and supported the rest of the event, they added.

“The mayor and City Council are the only ones who can stop the sweeps,” said Izzy, a protestor who declined to give her last name.

Advocates this year have pushed city officials to stop enforcement of the urban camping ban, which prohibits people from sheltering outside. Many people in open comment at Boulder City Council meetings and through organizations such as Safe Access For Everyone (SAFE) Boulder have argued for more creative ways to house people, including a designated campground or a tiny home village.

Medina said he recognizes the need for political discussions on issues that affect the homeless, but doesn’t want that to become the focus at the memorials.

“I’m really just trying to honor the spirit of the people who died,” he said.