Dozens rallied on Church Street in Burlington on Christmas Eve to demand an emergency shelter for the homeless population. Windsong Young, one of the protesters, questioned the system’s barriers to shelter, noting that many do not qualify due to various requirements. Tragically, Young died of a drug overdose just days later.
Elissa Johnk, who knew Young, officiated her memorial service and reflected on the need to address the despair Young saw in the community. The state conducts social autopsies to understand the intersections individuals who died from overdoses had with participating agencies, informing strategies to prevent future deaths.
While systemic changes take time, Johnk and the church are committed to filling in the gaps in community support. Young’s death underscores the urgent need for accessible shelters and resources for those in despair, especially during the holidays.
The next social autopsy report, covering 2022 and 2023, is expected to be released later this year. Burlington continues to grapple with how to prevent overdose deaths and support vulnerable populations like the homeless.
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