“This is a way to let people know that we do see you…”; Lex End Homelessness hosts candlelight vigil

Lexington, Ky. (WTVQ) — One Lexington organization held a candlelight vigil recognizing National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day on Thursday.

The community remembering those who have passed and let others know, someone is thinking about them.

“It’s intended to fall on December 21st on each year,” says Homelessness Prevention manager Jeff Herron. “It represents the first night of winter and the longest night of the year. And it’s a time that we honor those that have passed away while living without a home, and also to rededicate ourselves to the work still left to be done to end homelessness.”

The vigil, hosted by Lex End Homelessness, has become a tradition and it is officially recognized as a holiday in the city.

Lex End Homelessness is dedicated to ensuring everyone in Lexington has access to housing.

But some say ending homelessness doesn’t just end with housing.

“Not only connecting with people, and humanizing them and caring for them, but providing them with stable resources like housing,” says Hannah LeGris, 3rd District Council Member. “Affordable housing, mental health support, healthcare and jobs and opportunities. We want people to not only be housed, but to be safe, to be well, and to have educational opportunities here in Lexington.”

Herron remembers his first case on the job, adding that events like this help to honor those lost.

“People that are in a situation where they might be living without a home. They feel ignored or unseen and this is a way to let people know that we do see you, that you do matter. Even for those that have passed away, that we still remember and still care for you.”