Special Bulletin: in memory of Utah’s homeless person’s who died in 2010

 

From The Salt Lake Tribune

Utah homeless deaths in 2010 remained high

By Julia Lyon

Read the article here.

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It was a small gathering, but full of powerful moments.

It was my pleasure, if not my duty, to attend our local candlelight vigil for National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day.

Perhaps 100 people braved the damp and cold as Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker, Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Coroon, and Utah Lieutenant Governor Greg Bell joined emcee and long-time homeless person advocate Pamela Atkinson in remembering the homeless people who died in Utah over the past year. Salt Lake City Mission provided hot cocoa and cookies.

Especially poignant was the inclusion in the program of two homeless men, who told their stories of life on the street, and read the names of those dead who were being remembered. One of these gentlemen confessed he had just recently learned to read.

Chaplain David Pascoe’s prayer was more of a call to action than a eulogy, as he challenged everyone present to do more to combat homelessness and the stigma surrounding it.

The East High Choir closed the official ceremony in song, and an Open House at the Fourth Street Clinic, which provides medical care for homeless and low-income people, followed.

Here are the names of those people who died homeless in Utah in 2010:

A peaceful rest finally came to those whose family and society failed to help them. Regardless of stigma and personal opinion, that’s what happens to homeless people. Everyone gives up on them, so they eventually give up on themselves. I speak from experience as one who nearly went the way of these lost people.

With the New Year, most people tend to make resolutions. I challenge all of you to do more to prevent and combat homelessness. Educate yourself, reach out, volunteer, and advocate. Most especially, never let anyone you know or love die alone on the streets. Sometimes, all it takes is one person to listen and care.

Until next time

Your editor

© 2010 Mr Write (J. Phillip [John] Wilkes). All rights reserved.

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”Homeless Person’s Memorial & Candlelight Vigil” 2010 was hosted and sponsored by the following (click on these links, and those above to learn more, and to help those in need):

Utah Balance of State, Salt Lake County Continuum of Care; Fourth Street Clinic; Crossroads Urban Center; Volunteers of America Utah; The Road Home; Catholic Community Services of Utah; Valley Mental Health; Rescue Mission of Salt Lake.