Joppa holds 14th annual Iowa Homeless Memorial in Des Moines

Joppa, an aid group for homeless people, held its 14th annual Iowa Homeless Memorial on Wednesday night outside the Iowa Statehouse in Des Moines.

Wednesday is the first official day of winter and the longest night of the year, so a candlelight vigil is always at this annual event to raise awareness and to honor those who have lost their lives to homelessness.

“It’s going to be super cold over the next couple of days, and people can help by getting involved. They can donate. They can come out with us and deliver heat. They can help people survive, find housing and rebuild their lives,” Joppa co-founder Joe Stevens said.

Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a proclamation declaring Dec. 21 National Homeless Persons Memorial Day in Iowa.

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