The Fall River Homeless Service Providers Coalition held a candlelight vigil on the steps of St Anne Shrine on November 16, 2011 in recognition of National Homeless and Hunger Week. The event helped to highlight the increasing numbers of people seeking food assistance and shelter in the City with the recent economic downturn. Inspirational stories were offered by four people about their own experience of homelessness and the help that was offered to them. The program ended with a prayer led by Father Marc Bergeron. Work continues on a ten year plan to end homelessness through the City's Department of Health and Human Services. Shelter will be offered to homeless individuals through the First Step Inn on North Main Street and overflow volunteers starting in January. Click here to see a video of Kate Marin leading the group in song. Click here for photos of the 2008 vigil and here for photos of the 2006 vigil. Click here for photos of the Homeless Connect event held last August. For more information, contact Mary Camara at 508-679-0131.
 

(Top row, left) Eleven-year-old Katie Smith hands a candle to Rev. Marc Bergeron, pastor of Saint Anne's Shrine. (Top row, center) Karen Medeiros and George Demoura talk to Mary Camara of the Community Development Agency before offering their remarks to the gathered audience. (Top row, right) New York City Subway Hero Renell Davis helps Joseph Botelho get his candle lit. (Middle row) City Councilor Joseph Camara, left, and others listen as Salvation Army Major Elmer Deming gives a reading from the Bible and Toni Peck shares her own story. (Bottom row, left and center) Rev. Bergeron closes the program by leading the group in the Lord's Prayer. (Bottom row, right) Stephane Lee talks with Kate Marin after she leads the group in "Amazing Grace."

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