DENVER — On the steps of the Denver Metropolis and County Constructing, the neighborhood held a candlelight vigil Thursday night time for the greater than 300 unhoused people who died on the streets of the Denver metro in 2023.
“We’re all human,” mentioned Tammy Garza, who attended in honor of her two associates.
For the thirty fourth yr, the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless organized the occasion, lining the steps with 311 luminaries. Each displayed the identify of an individual who handed away.
Vonzel Sawyer Jr. was there for his cousin, Janaldo Mims Jr., who handed away in July at 43 years outdated.
“We care about our folks, we sincerely do. And I feel that is most likely the primary motive why we even are having this occasion,” mentioned Sawyer Jr.
He mentioned his cousin was one of many fortunate ones who was laid to relaxation by household. Cathy Alderman with the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless mentioned that is not the case for a majority of the people who have been remembered on this yr’s ceremony.
“Most of the people that we’ll be studying names of tonight did not have a funeral. They did not have an occasion honoring the top of their life. So we expect it is actually crucial that we maintain this house each for these people, however in addition to the neighborhood who has suffered this loss,” mentioned Alderman.
Final yr, 270 names have been learn. Alderman mentioned unintended overdose deaths are partially responsible for this yr’s improve.
“We actually must spend money on housing, we have to spend money on shelter. And I feel the town is making nice progress. However clearly, we’re not shifting quick sufficient,” mentioned Alderman.
Candlelight vigil honors greater than 300 unhoused individuals who died within the Denver metro in 2023
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