TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Many people are gathering Friday to remember the homeless men and women who died this year.
WTXL ABC 27's Jada Williams was live Friday morning to talk about a memorial being held at the Kearney Center, a homeless shelter in Tallahassee.
In recognition of National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day, cities throughout the country will host vigils just like the one scheduled in Tallahassee on Friday.
The memorial always falls on December 21, the first day of winter and the longest night of the year.
That serves as a great reminder to people that, as the temperature drops, many people in our communities are sleeping outside.
But the vigil also serves as a way for those within the community to pay final respects, showing that, in the worst of times, bonds and relationships can still be made.
Jacob Reiter is the Kearney Center executive director.
"This year, we had about 14 folks that we know of pass away," he said. "Several of them, we knew here at the Kearney Center. I think its important to have this event because we recognize what we're doing everyday is saving lives. Our services are for folks to be able to get the help that they need and get into housing."
The Kearney Center provides beds, food, and help finding jobs and housing. There is also a health clinic inside the shelter to help.
