Families of gun violence victims can feel close to their lost loved ones at a special “living memorial” at a greenhouse in Elkins Park, writes Sherry Stone for The Philadelphia Tribune.

A restored greenhouse now has window panels etched with the faces of gun violence victims from the Philadelphia area.

The families can now come see their loved ones and do some planting at the “The House of the Living” greenhouse project, which is a collaborative effort between the EMIR Healing Center and Swarthmore College students.

“It’s relaxing — there is something about seeing someone you love, with light coming in the window. The person is not just someone who was murdered — but is someone you don’t want to forget,” said Chantay Love, the founder of the EMIR Healing Center for families of victims of violence.

“In person, the greenhouse is almost breathtaking,” she added. “The light diffuses through the panels, and you just want to keep it in your heart.”

The memorial was originally the brainchild of Swarthmore faculty members Ron Tarver and Jodi Joyner. They then reached out to Love.

FarmerJawn, founded by Christa Barfield of Germantown, also contributed to the product by providing fresh foods and food education.

Read more about the “The House of the Living” greenhouse project and the work of the EMIR Healing Center in The Philadelphia Tribune.

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