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Homeless Coalition Commemorates Homeless Persons Day
Dec 21, 2005 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Robert Stryker, Coordinator, Lee County Homeless Coalition Lee County Homeless Coalition to Commemorate National Homeless Person's Memorial Day December 21, 2005 FORT MYERS, Fla. (December 21, 2005) In 2005, at least 31 homeless individuals have lost their lives living on the streets or in shelters in Lee County. They will be remembered at a Candlelight Vigil TONIGHT at 6:00 p.m. at Centennial Park, Fort Myers, Florida. Local and national groups experiencing homelessness will mourn those who have died and educate communities that the lack of affordable housing, shelter, living wages, and accessible health care is a problem that must be addressed. The Candlelight Vigil will include opening remarks by Dean Blietz, Chairman of the Lee County Homeless Coalition Social Awareness Subcommittee, opening prayer by Father Allen Brown, retired Chaplain, reading of the Proclamation by Commissioner Robert P. Janes, District 1 County Commissioner, and music by Britt and Yajaida Vasques. This year over 125 cities across the nation are sponsoring events, which include candlelight marches and vigils, graveside services, plays and other performances, and special religious services. The Lee County Homeless Coalition is sponsoring the 9th Annual Candlelight Vigil on December 21, 2005, the first day of winter, to bring attention to the tragedy of homelessness, and to remember our homeless friends who have paid the ultimate price for our nation's failure to adequately address the issue of homelessness. |