The Fall River Homeless Service Providers Coalition held its annual candlelight vigil on the steps of St Anne Shrine on November 14, 2012 in recognition of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. The event highlighted the increasing numbers of people seeking food assistance and shelter in the City over the past year. Inspirational stories were offered by four people who themselves experienced homelessness and received assistance from the many services in the City. Led by Coalition chair Bonnie Paiva, the program included a statement by State Representative David Sullivan and an inspirational message by First Baptist Church's Rev. Donald Mier who are among a group working on the City's ten year plan to end homelessness. A final prayer was offered by Salvation Army Major Elmer Deming. Shelter is available to homeless individuals through the First Step Inn on North Main Street and overflow volunteers starting in January. Click here for the Herald News article. Click here to see a video of the event, including Kate Marin leading the group in song. Click here for photos of the 2011 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) People, including Susanne Moran, Kerri Colon, Dwayne Baptiste Alisha LeBlanc and singer Kate Marin, second from the right, gather on the steps of Saint Anne's Church before the program begins. (Middle row) Mayor Flanagan welcomes the crowd to the event and points out the importance of working together to serve the needs of the homeless within the City. (Bottom row) Karen and Josh are welcomed by Homeless Service Providers Coalition chair Bonnie Paiva to talk about their experiences with homelessness as the crowd listens.

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