Homeless advocates from several city agencies gathered at a Philadelphia cemetery for a burial ceremony honoring unhoused people whose remains went unclaimed after death.
The ceremony was held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia.
Organizers placed flowers on their graves and said a few words in their honor.
The initiative ensures that every person, regardless of circumstance, is honored with respect in their final resting place.
“Everyone in Philadelphia deserves to be buried with dignity, sent home with dignity and whether you’re sheltered or unhouse we wanna make sure someone remembers you, carry on your legacy. That’s why this is so important to us,” said Cheryl Hill, Executive Director for the Office of Homeless Services.
The tradition began in 2022, funded by donations from local nonprofits, community residents, and leaders to honor Lester Ross, a cherished member of the local unhoused community who passed away in 2020.
When Lester passed away, it was found that his remains were left in the city morgue. The late Michael S. Hinson, Jr. of SELF, Inc. and Mel Wells from One Day at a Time made an effort to host a memorial and bury his cremains.
After that, it was discovered that there were additional unclaimed remains of unhoused and formerly homeless men and women, and the Lester Ross Memorial Fund was established.
Wednesday’s burial comes as the city continues to try to combat homelessness. According to city data, around 4,302 individuals are experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia daily.
Organizations such as Sunshine House in Kensington provide not only food and clothing for unhoused individuals but also access to aid programs and even facilitate phone calls so people can reach out to estranged family.
“We make sure that they know that they are loved, that they are appreciated, and that they are served in a way that is compassionate,” said Roz Pichardo of Sunshine House.
It’s that compassion in life and in death that these outreach workers hope will help restore people’s humanity.
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