Vigil Held for Homeless Lost in Yakima

The Homeless Network in Yakima held their ninth annual vigil to remember the homeless people who passed away this year.

People in Yakima meet every year to light candles in remembrance of those who might otherwise be forgotten. This year's vigil was at Millennium Plaza.

The vigil is a part of National Homeless Person's Memorial Day which is held on the winter solstice, the day of the year with the longest night, to symbolize the cold temperatures the homeless must endure this time of year.

The Yakima County Homeless Network tells KNDO News an event like this is important for the community to remember to help those who need it most.

"There's so much stigma around homelessness," Annette Rodriguez said. "It's really important that people know that this is not a choice. This is something that just happens and it could happen to anybody."

The event including the reading of seven names of known homeless people who have passed this year. A relative of the one of the deceased also spoke briefly and the event ended with a singing of "Amazing Grace."

The Homeless Network believes that with enough community support, Yakima can end homelessness.