The Fall River Homeless Service Providers Coalition held its annual candlelight vigil on the steps of St Anne Shrine on November 20, 2013 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 Mary Camara of the Community Development Agency, the program also included singing by Kate Marin and Maddie Keyes, a statement by Mayor William Flanagan, and an inspirational message by Soloman's Porch Pastor Tom Mello. A final prayer was offered by Rev. Jeremi Colvin of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit. Shelter is available 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 the event, including Kate Marin and Maddie Keyes leading the group in song. Click here for photos of the 2012 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) Jackie Reardon of the Family Shelter on Cherry Street helps Christine Bollin and Rene Brum light their candles as Mary Camara and Mike Dion of the Community Development Agency get ready to start the program. (Row two) Rev. Donald Mier of First Baptist Church talks with some of those gathered as Rev. Jeremi Colvin of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit talks with Nancy Arthur of Occupy Fall River before the program begins. (Row three) Kate Marin and Maddie Keyes begin the program by singing "Thank You God" before Mayor Flanagan and Soloman's Porch Pastor Tom Mello speak. (Bottom row) Inspirational stories are given by several formerly homeless people, including Karen and Wallace, before Rev. Colvin closes the program in prayer.

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