The tribute erected in Kentish Town Road for Lidia Venegas

A PLAQUE has been put up on the high street to remember a woman who experienced long-term street homelessness in Camden, as more people than ever are dying homeless in the UK.

Earlier this year, residents and businesses in Kentish Town were shocked to learn that Bolivian-born Lidia Venegas had died on the street next to her recognisable makeshift shelter of polystyrene and cardboard.

For two decades she could be spotted around the borough feeding seed to pigeons and sweeping the leaves outside St Michael’s Church.
She spent the last six months of her life living in Kentish Town Road and was found unresponsive at the beginning of January in Islip Street.

A dentist practice has put up a gold plaque on the side of its business above where she used to sleep. The plaque reads: “In memory of Lidia Venegas (also known as Maria). Circa 1963- 03/01/2023. A life that touches others goes on forever.”

SEE ALSO FOR LIDIA: SHE WAS ‘ONE OF US’ SAYS PRIEST AT OUR MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR WOMAN WHO DIED IN THE COLD

Rob Feltrin, office manager at the practice, told the New Journal: “The entire team at KT Dental was deeply moved by Lidia’s story. We did not know her, but have since then heard beautiful stories from those who did.

“Once the works on the building’s façade was completed we decided to put the plaque up in remembrance of Lidia so that her memory is kept alive for those who knew her.”

Sadly, Lidia was not the only person who died while experiencing homelessness in Camden.

Lawrence David Bradshaw Dodger, known fondly as “Dodger” to outreach workers, died last July. He used to sleep behind the Wellcome Trust in Euston Road.

Elodie Berland speaking at vigil near Downing Street for those who have died while experiencing homelessness

New research by the Museum of Homelessness (MoH) found that 1,313 people died in the UK while homeless in 2022, an 85 per cent increase compared to 2019.

Last Thursday, MoH’s held its annual vigil to remember those who died.

Tealights and flowers lined a wall opposite Downing Street, while the names of those who died – which took seven minutes to read out – were read in the pouring rain.

MoH’s co-director Jessica Turtle said: “Last year it was a blizzard, this year it’s raining. It’s fitting, as though the world is grieving too.”

Co-director Matt Turtle said: “Far stronger policy and investment are needed to deal with the appalling loss of life. With a heavy heart we expect to report more of the same in 2024, but with our colleagues we will continue to do what we can to save lives.”