Over 200 attended the Edmonton Coalition on Housing & Homelessness (ECOHH)'s annual Homeless Memorial Service in downtown Edmonton on Wednesday.

The ECOHH has been holding these yearly services since 2006.

"[It's] very important to have a memorial service for the people lost in the previous year's [due to homelessness]", says Susan Watson, chair of the Homeless Memorial Committee with ECOHH.

In 2022, 156 people passed away in Edmonton due to homelessness, Watson says, adding that they believe that "those numbers are much higher."

The memorial service, held at the Homeless Memorial Plaza downtown, saw a turnout of over 200 people. Flowers were laid to rest on the Homeless Memorial statue, people engaged in a smudge ceremony, and butterflies were released to help remember those who passed away due to homelessness.

Watson said that the large turnout on Wednesday was so "important" because they are looking for more community engagement.

"Hopefully those people are aware and can encourage their politicians to take action, [and encourage] themselves to take action."

"It's not just awareness, something has to change so we don't have to be doing these memorials every year," Watson added.

When it comes to what kind of action can be taken, Watson says that the best course of action is to "just be mindful and hold our governments accountable."

"Hopefully they can build more housing, low-income housing, permanent supportive housing...and addiction resources that are quickly available to who need them, and when they need them," she continued.

Listen to the full CFWE interview with Susan Watson below: