On Thursday, December 19th at dusk, Mercy Care hosted its annual Robert L. Mason Jr. Candlelight Memorial to honor the metro Atlantans who passed away in 2024 while experiencing homelessness. More than 100 attended the service honoring the 176 metro Atlantans who died in 2024 while homeless. Held outside of Mercy Care’s first clinic in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood, the assembled crowd lit a candle while each person’s name was read aloud. The event also included a performance by the Atlanta Homeward Choir and a speech by Greg White, retired City of Decatur’s Director of Parks and Recreation and advocate for the homeless.

Scheduled during the darkest time of year, the event also raises awareness of the shelter and healthcare needs of those experiencing homelessness. It can be difficult for unhoused Atlantans to find a place in shelters and warming centers with limited space. At the conclusion of the event, attendees were invited to visit the coat closet and enjoy a hot meal and beverage.

Mercy Care Chief Mission Officer Sister Jane Gerety says of the Memorial, “Mercy Care exists to serve those who have been left behind by the traditional healthcare system – persons who have been marginalized, left out, and traumatized. The persons we are honoring this year range in age from 2 to 99 years old. This annual memorial reminds our community of our ongoing commitment made by the Sisters of Mercy 40 years ago to serve the poor and vulnerable of Metro Atlanta.”

“We host this event so that we never have to again,” commented Mercy Care CEO Kathryn Lawler. “Until then, we remain dedicated to providing compassionate and clinically excellent healthcare to everyone who needs it. For many of our unhoused neighbors, that includes temporary recuperative housing or permanent supportive housing. We will continue to seek ways to offer integrated healthcare for the whole person.”