The Homeless Foundation in Calgary held a solemn ceremony this week to remember vulnerable residents who lost their lives while experiencing homelessness in 2025. The annual event, known as The Longest Night of the Year, took place on December 19, 2025.
A Solemn Commemoration on the Longest Night
This poignant vigil is designed to coincide with the winter solstice, the longest night of the calendar year. It serves as a symbolic reminder of the harsh conditions faced by those without secure housing during the cold winter months. The foundation uses this time to publicly honour and name Calgarians who have recently died, ensuring they are not forgotten.
Remembering the Vulnerable
The event underscores the ongoing crisis of homelessness in Calgary and the heightened risks faced by the city's most vulnerable population. Advocates stress that each name read aloud represents a life with a unique story, not just a statistic. The ceremony provides a moment of collective mourning and reflection for community members, service providers, and the public.
A Call for Continued Action
While the vigil is a time for remembrance, it also functions as a powerful call to action. Organizers and attendees emphasize that systemic solutions for housing, support services, and healthcare are urgently needed to prevent further loss of life. The foundation's work continues year-round, but The Longest Night offers a specific, focused moment to highlight the human cost of the housing and affordability crisis.
The gathering, reported on by Timm Bruch of CTV Calgary, remains a critical part of the city's civic dialogue on homelessness, pushing the issue to the forefront during a season when the stakes for those living outdoors are at their highest.
