Candlelight Vigil For Homeless Who've Died in Yakima County
Candlelight vigil for homeless who've died in Yakima County
Dozens of people in Yakima attend a candlelight vigil tonight, to remember 34 homeless people who died in Yakima County over the past year. And those who showed up to remember the homeless who've died say they will never be forgotten.
The crowd of around 70 people each held candles during the hour long event. Speakers read the names of each homeless person who died without a roof over their heads.
Bernice Owens of Toppenish showed up to pay tribute to her brother Vernon Owens who died in August. She says her brother's alcoholism was a big part of why he ended up homeless. And his recent death is still painful for her.
"It's just really hard especially with the holidays coming up, and this coming Friday is gonna be four months that my brother is gone," she says.
The Homeless Network of Yakima County put together tonight's event. Organizers say they've made strides in helping the homeless find a place to live, through various programs including making transitional housing available for them.
Yakima is one of 100 cities nationwide observing the Homeless Persons Memorial Day.