The Longest Night Of The Year

The Longest Night Of The Year

Posted:Dec 21, 2007
Reporter: Danielle Saar

Catholic charities organized a vigil this evening for homeless people who died this year.

Tonight, on the longest night of the year, concerned citizens and faith leaders held a vigil to remember those who have died as a result of homelessness.

On any given day in El Paso county, over 11-hundred people are homeless.

Homelessness dramatically increases one's risk of illness, injury and death.

About 20 people gathered to honor locals who died because they were homeless.

"Symbolically, if you're homeless, this probably would be the toughest night of the year," says Stephen Handen, participant.

The memorial service started in the parking lot of the Veterans Administration building, at the corner of Spruce street and Pikes Peak avenue. Participants then walked from there to Bijou house, an agency that helps the homeless.

"To me its a type of expression that draws to mind the value system that should be so basic to us, that we as human beings are all equal. We're all interdependent with each other," says Peter Sprunger-Froese, participant.

They honor them as people, people who are not defined by their homelessness, but by their souls.

"Frequently these people die, and no body really recognizes them, or their name is not in the obituary," says Handen.

Around 30 known homeless men and women lost their lives in 2007.
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