As the longest night approaches on Dec. 21, National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day is observed. The ELCA and other faith groups signed a letter to Congress urging support for homeless assistance and affordable housing in the FY26 spending bill. “Annually on National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day, which coincides with the December 21st dark winter solstice, we somberly remember those who died while experiencing homelessness over the past year. During the cold winter months, people living outside in our country are at the highest risk of dying from treatable health conditions or overdoses. We are concerned this risk will suddenly increase this winter if funding gaps cause service disruptions to HUD’s homelessness programs,” it reads in part, continuing: “We urge you to support including a provision in the next T-HUD bill that directs HUD to renew all existing Continuum of Care grants expiring during calendar year 2026 for one year.”