photo by: Contributed

The DARE Center and Somos Lawrence are inviting the Lawrence community to a tribute for people who have died while experiencing homelessness.

The tribute will be in the form of a Day of the Dead altar from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday in the community gardens at John Taylor Park, 200 N. Seventh St.

“People who experience homelessness have an average life expectancy of around 50 years of age, almost 20 years lower than housed populations,” the groups said in a news release. “In the last year, deaths in the homeless population have continued, with many in smaller communities. Lawrence is no exception. In the past years, we have lost many of our neighbors, and they are not nameless. Those who have passed away in Lawrence, while experiencing homelessness are part of our memories and history.”

The organizers said the deaths “compel the living to remember and to act upon the root causes of the social inequities underlying the experiences of the unhoused.”

The Ballard Center and youth groups at Art Café and Key Club International collaborated with DARE Center and Somos Lawrence for the tribute, which is free and open to the public. Hot chocolate and Mexican sweet bread will be served. People who wish to help set up the altar are welcome to drop by and contribute flowers, notes, photos and artwork.