Remembering and Honoring the Lives of People Living Unsheltered

Homeless Remembrance Project | Seattle, WA

The Homeless Place of Remembrance is comprised of the Tree of Life in Victor Steinbrueck Park and Leaves of Remembrance installed at various locations throughout the City of Seattle – there are currently 328 Leaves at 17 locations. Together these installations remember and honor unsheltered people who have died in King County and bring attention to the issue of homelessness.

Environmental Works is honored to be a part of this project, providing pro bono support and project management services since 2017 as well as during project start-up in 2007/08. Services include (past and present): Point of Contact for interaction with City departments (Parks and Recreation, Transportation) and Pike Market Historical Commission/Pioneer Square Historic Review Committee; Organization and oversight of hiring process for Designer/Public Artist; Assistance organizing and facilitating community meetings and design sessions; Creating Site Plans for Leaves of Remembrance dedication installations; Managing processes for obtaining permits for Leaves installations.

Leaves of Remembrance - “lost leaves scattered across the city” - bear names of homeless women and men who’ve died, so that every person will have a place to be remembered. The Tree of Life sculpture and gathering place provides contemplative opportunities - a place to experience healing and leave with renewed hope and determination to help end homelessness.