Michael Sullivan

Wisconsin State Capitol
Madison, WI
12/20/2024

A group of approximately fifty people gathered on the King St. side of the Capitol Square to hold an anual memorial for homeless persons who died this past year in Madison, WI.

This memorial is hosted by Just Dane, Solace House, and representatives from the faith community and advocates working to secure housing for all in need.

According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, the number of people who experienced homelessness in 2023 was up 12 percent over the previous year. In Wisconsin, 4861 people experienced homelessness on any given night in 2023.

My thirteen-year-old daughter recently asked if it would be better to help someone who was homeless because of circumstances that were beyond their control or to help someone who became homeless because of something they did to make that happen, e.g., addiction to alcohol or gambling. I suggested to her that it should not be an either/or scenario and that both were in need and deserved equal compassion, empathy, and help. And the task would be to find a way to divide your help to help both as best you can.

Her question highlights how many view homelessness as something someone did to themselves and are therefore less deserving of help. This is not, and should not be the case.

The text below comes from the handout provided at the service.

Memorial

For those who experience homelessness

Welcome

Rev. Eldonna Hazen, First Congregational UCC

Reflection and Prayer, Jewish Tradition

Mary Fulton and Steve Koslov

Reflection and Prayer, Muslim Tradition

Dr. Ibrahim Saeed, President of the Islamic Community of

Madison Area, Inc.

Reflection and Prayer, Christian Tradition Rev. Rachel Bauman, Associate Conference Minister Wisconsin Conference United Church of Christ

Reading of the names

Linda Ketcham, Executive Director, JUSTDANE Kendra Deja, Executive Director, Solace Friends

Procession around the Square

Scott and Michelle McKinster

Gone But Not Forgotten
The Residents of Solace Home

Solace Home would like to remember each of the people who came to live in our home during their final weeks and days of life. Jean loved butterflies. Laura was beautiful and strong. Tanya had a gentle, free spirit. Earnie & Eric were loved by many. We are grateful that their paths led to our home and that we could provide each of them with shelter and love at the end of their lives. We are grateful to each of them for trusting us with their care and we will never forget any of them.

Habib Amim

• December 25, 1932 - March 1, 2024

Passed away in assisted living after formerly experiencing homelessness.

Thomas Anderson

• August 21, 1957 - September 19, 2024

"Quiet and Busy"

Lissa Annen

• November 25, 1979 - August 27, 2024

Lissa Annen was a loving and caring: Daughter, sister, mother, and friend. Lissa never shied away from others. She was always willing to help others in need in the community. Especially in her neighborhood. Lissa was a strong, independent mother, even when times got tough and seem unreal. Lissa always found a way to stay uplifted and keep a smile on her and her daughter's face. When it came to Lissa's daughter, she would move heaven and earth to make sure her needs were met. Lissa was also very passionate about dogs; she loved dogs and cats so much that she would also offer to help the neighborhood dogs.

Although she never turned people away, she was very selective who she let close. If you were one of those lucky people that got to know Lissa, you would know she was a ball of joy to be around. She had a funny but optimistic look on life.

Bruce Beelendorf

• December 1, 1953 - April 8, 2024

Derrick Benton

• October 20, 1958 - May 31, 2024

Roger "Matt" Blum

• April 3, 1969 - June 15, 2024

Survived by his parents, brother, special aunt and uncle, and other family members.

David Brown

• May 22, 1970 - July 9, 2024

Kerton Brown

• July 1, 1974 - May 26, 2024

Brian Currie

• July 28, 1958 - September 9, 2024

Richard Epperson

• April 21, 1958 - July 22, 2024

Joseph Frey

• June 1959 - November, 2023

Joe faced and overcame many challenges in his life. Returning to Madison in 2014, he worked to obtain housing & employment, which he found through Porchlight and Just Bakery. An amateur photographer, Joe took amazing photos, mostly nature & landscapes. He faced his challenges with dignity, humor, & kindness & worked for reform for the criminal legal system. He volunteered with the Innocence Project & was a resource for others who were wrongly convicted. Joe is missed by his friends, family & co-workers. We are grateful for his work in our community.

Willian Georgeson

• February 21, 1963 - February 3, 2024

William was known by many as Will or Bill. William was an excellent artist and loved music. He was a very hard worker. He was a lost soul at times and led a troubled life but he had a very big heart and would be there if you needed him. He will be missed by many.

Ronald Gerbig

• July 31, 1962 - February 22, 2024

He was a resident of Madison, living a homeless life on his own terms in his own little hideaway. Often he sat outside the downtown CVS gently interacting with passerby interested in conversation. He had many friends and an occasional relationship with the Friends of State Street Family, sometimes relying on them during the very frigid weather and changes of season. He is survived by sisters, nieces, nephews, and other relatives and will be missed by his family and friends.

Michael Gibson

• March 25, 1963 - August 7, 2024

Michael was a determined, hardworking man who for a variety of reasons experienced about a decade of homelessness. He continued to work throughout this period despite numerous health issues. He experienced several incidences of theft, abuse and injury during the times he was sleeping on the streets. He did have community members who cared for him, allowing him to stay at both a church and his place of employment on some nights. I had the pleasure of meeting Michael in January of 2023 and began assisting him with securing housing. He was awarded a section 8 voucher through the CDA lottery in spring of 2023. He was able to move in to his home in December of 2023 with the help of the voucher and some funds from Community Action Coalition. Michael was proud of his home, and continued to work long hours in order to afford his rent.

Ezekiel "Zeke" Golden

• June 30, 1968 - January 10, 2024

Zeke lived his early years in Mississippi, later in Chicago, and then in Madison. Although he lived with his share of challenges, he was well known for his larger than life, outgoing personality, and his generous spirit. He loved people and would often write letters and cards, usually filled with poems or stories, to express his interest in others. He loved to walk and to be outdoors. Zeke was a character, he was genuine, and his smile will be missed by all who loved him.

Joseph Heise

• November 3, 1969 - August 18, 2024

Joe remained a loyal friend with a big heart. He was extremely honest and well intentioned, often giving away the money he had if he thought it would help one of his friends get ahead. He was deeply spiritual and very much in touch with the feelings of others.

Joe was also very intelligent and made easy conversation with others. His greatest happiness was simply being with other people doing something useful.

Donald "Hip" Hodges

• November 11, 1960 - August 17, 2024

Hip was a loving child and as an adult. He maintained that spirit throughout his life. He had an amazing personality and was not afraid to love.

You will be forever loved and missed.

Ed Hogue

• October 15, 1965 - May 21, 2024

Ed hung out on the Square and had a whole community there. He chatted with everyone, and people would always help him out with money or household needs.

Ed, you have lived a very rough life. Now you're at peace.

Brian Ireland

• March 1, 1975 - October 22, 2024

Robert Kohls

• September 20, 1960 - August 10, 2024

John Laughlin

• January 12, 1974 - April 5, 2024

Nicholas Lewis

• November 21, 1974 - October 11, 2024

Michael Lincicum

• March 22, 1958 - August 26, 2024

Mike was known to be a hard worker and held various jobs throughout his life. He started work before the age of 16 and was resourceful finding jobs to earn extra money. Mike had an early gift and passion for art and excelled at drawing and painting. He enjoyed sharing this gift by teaching others. He loved music, especially live music, and saw many of the biggest bands during the 70's. Mike was known to be strong willed and stubat times but had a heart of gold. He often said, if you only had $1 to your name, would you keep it or give it away? His life was not always easy but he lived it with courage and on his own terms. He never hesitated to help others in any way he could.

Sharon Linzy

• April 29, 1967 - 2024

Sharon had an infectious smile and laugh. Sharon was the type of person who could light up a room. She will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Melvin Magiera

• July 10, 1951 - November 30, 2024

Erika Marcotte

• December 27, 1991 - March 9, 2024

Erika was an incredibly kind and generous woman. She had an unforgettable laugh that was a privilege to hear. She was a talented artist, and her memory will ive on in the works of art that she shared with the people around her. She was preceded in death by her wife, Liz.

Cherokee Mason

• August 12, 1996 - October 16, 2024

Cherokee loved pit bulls, and helping others. Cherokee had a big heart that always put others first, her last gift was the gift of life to others by being an organ donor.

Linda O'Neil

• April 15, 1955 - January 18, 2024

Arvind Patel

• June 12, 1941 - April 2, 2024

Felicia Potts

• September 25, 1975 - December 15, 2024

Felica was a very nice lady she knew how to make you smile on a bad day. Felicia was an outspoken and determined woman. She wore her emotions on her sleeve. To know her was to understand presence; she knew how to draw the attention of a room. Her spirit will be missed dearly.

James Schaller

• May 29, 1985 - December 28, 2023

William Siler

• July 31, 1973 - December 5, 2023

Gearge Vivier

• July 19, 1959 - April 14, 2024

Eric Wells

• December 17, 1957 - November 29, 2024

The words that best encapsulate Eric are loving, kind, and thoughtful. But these words are more than descriptors; they are the principles by which he lived. Eric's life was a masterclass in empathy, a lesson in how to cultivate joy and spread it generously. He listened not just to respond, but to understand. He gave not to receive, but because he recognize the beauty in sharing.

In every interaction, Eric sought to uplift, to encourage, and to inspire. He was a motivational force that compelled others to see the best in themselves and in the world around them. Eric's legacy is not etched in stone but carried in the hearts of those he touched. It is a legacy of love, a melody of kindness, and a rhythm of thoughtfulness that will continue to resonate.

As we bid farewell to Eric Keith Wells, let us not dwell in the shadow of loss but bask in the light of the love he shared. Let us carry forward his spirit in our actions, in our words, and in our capacity to love deeply. Eric's life was a testament to the power of human connection and the enduring impact of a kind heart.

Let us honor Eric's memory by living as he did-with open hearts, open hands, and an unyielding zest for life. In this way, we keep his spirit alive and ensure that his song of love continues to uplift and inspire for generations to come.

Unknown Homeless Persons

• Unknown Individual - May 27, 2024
• Unknown Individual - August 12, 2024
• Unknown Individual - August 28, 2024

ADVOCATE

Gentry Bieker

• August 22, 1980 - March 14, 2024

Gentry was a strong advocate and volunteer for the homeless community, and the LGBTQ+ community. He was an avid photographer. He continually captured beautiful candid moments of friends and community alike.

A Time of Remembrance

Houseless individuals, members of local faith communities and representatives from social service agencies, as well as the general public will gather at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 21st - the longest night of the year - to remember and honor people who died without shelter in Dane County and elsewhere this year. We will hold a brief outdoor service and then proceed around the Capitol led by a horse drawn hearse.

This gathering place is near the bench where 38 year old Dwayne Warren's body was found on June 16th, 2009. Dwayne was experiencing homelessness, he died of sepsis, a blood infection that could have been treated with a simple antibiotic prescription. Dwayne's death helped bring the community together to create this annual event.

Each year we create a memorial book listing the individuals remembered at the event, and for those who may have passed and are remembered from previous years. Eventually, we would like to create a Remembrance Wall that would include these names and could serve as a traveling memorial to those we mourn. While the service is primarily intended to remember our neighbors who were homeless when they died, it is also a place where people who are formerly or currently homeless can remember others that they lost, but were unable to attend a funeral or memorial service.

At a time of year when many of us reflect on our blessings, and prepare to celebrate holidays with family and friends, we are also called to remember and offer support to our brothers and sisters who are struggling, who may be vulnerable, who are cold, and hungry, and sick.

This Memorial Service is an opportunity to ensure that every life is celebrated and remembered, and that no one's death among us goes unnoticed.

Note: I am not affiliated with any political organizations. I am an independent freelance photographer covering marches, protests, and rallies in Madison, Wisconsin, documenting the people's right to free speech and their right to organize.