From San Diego to NYC, from our own home in Phoenix to Florida, many, many people are homeless, indigent and broke. You can see them line up at shelters, near the beach and in parks begging, pushing carts and sleeping in public. Sadly, they are throw-away people.
What Happens When The Homeless Are Dying In The Streets
This is one part of living in the United States of America that few discuss. Municipalities have systems and protocol for handling the cremation and burial for those who have no one to pay for it for them and who cannot pay for it themselves.
Each year, in New York City alone, more than 1500 people die are discovered, their bodies removed and buried. A place set aside on Hart Island in the Bronx borough of the city is where they are buried. These kinds of areas are known as potter’s fields and in NYC, this area has been used since before the turn of the 20th century. The remains of more than 1 million people are laid to rest there. Other potter’s fields were located in Washington Square, Madiscon Square and the New York City Public Library.
As tracing one’s ancestry becomes more and more popular, even more sad that these once real, breathing, living human beings are cast away, is the fact that few if any records are kept as to where the remains of a person can be found in these burial sites. Families seldom can gain access and if they could, the graves are not marked.
In our nation’s capital, unclaimed bodies are stored for 30 days and then they are cremated. Most of these bodies are placed in regional cemeteries in unmarked plots.
Different Approaches
In Maryland and Cook County, Illinois, bodies of the deceased are donated to the state anatomical boards where they are distributed for medical research. Cook County holds the body initially for 14 days, and then for an additional 60 in the event a claimant comes forward. If a family member objects to the anatomical donation but does not wish to take control of the body, the county will pay for a burial or cremation.
The most extreme handling of indigent deaths may be in San Diego County, California where family members of unclaimed bodies are put on notice that it is a violation of law to fail to make final arrangements for a family member. The County advises that if a body is not claimed, it will be cremated and the ashes dispersed into the sea.
We believe in developing trusting relationships with families for life. We can provide advice and assistance on a wide range of legal matters that affect you and your loved ones. Call our office to schedule a time for us to sit down and talk about a Family Wealth Planning Session,™ on (480) 418-8448 where we can identify the best ways for you to ensure your legacy of love and financial security for your family.
We offer services for clients throughout Arizona, including Chandler, Gilbert, Sun Lakes, Tempe, Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, and Apache Junction.
