thanks for turnout on the Longest Night homeless vigil

the organizers of the First annual Longest Night, homeless memorial candlelight vigil, would like to thank the 94 people who turned out for this event, homeless advocates, Assistant Police Chief Mike Hardin, Modesto Bee photographer who got the story and photos in on Bee Local Section B-3, perhaps Mojo can provide a link. Members of the Housing Collaborative, Wellness Recovery Center, Golden Valley Health Center, Corner of Hope, Pastor Ron who does Legion Park, Bernie and other members of Behavioral Health staff, teacher from Johannson High, other community members, and the coffee donation from Efren and Queen Bean.

As a piece of performance art, poems were read, some by actual recent homeless friends who died this year, lighting the candles and keeping them lit, difficult on a blustery, rainy, cold and dark early December 21, with fires in the barbeque pit, some candles, and for this group, hot water and coffee, a bit of a taste of what it is like to live in a place outdoors in Graceada Park this time of year.

This event, successful enough, it will be held same time next year, perhaps ever widening what the theme seemed to be by the speakers, that we as a community, not just law enforcement, not just county workers, but everyone, the churches, volunteers, business, and the homeless themselves are what is needed to work on this long known problem. It is estimated by Assistant Chief Hardin, that as many as 3600 were homeless last night, and the 100 friends, and 10 volunteers at the shelter last night weren't at the park, but lucky to be inside. Same at the Mission.

Be glad this Christmas season, not to be out there with them, but at least send some thoughts to the many, not on drugs or alcohol, typically die prematurely of chronic illness actually. Merry Christmas.

I just did the poster for this one. Thanks to Kimberlee Hamilton, Kathryn Jones, Veronica Aguirre, and members of the Wellness Recovery Center staff for getting me in contact with their project. jim