Vigil honors Utahns who died homeless

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Utahns gathered at a vigil in Pioneer Park last night to remember those who so often are forgotten. Several dignitaries, including the mayors of Salt Lake City and county were there to honor Utahns who died in homelessness this year.

At one point during the vigil, the names of all 54 homeless Utahns who passed away in 2008 were read out loud. That reading made it an emotional evening for the dozens of students, volunteers, and friends who gathered to remember those who have died.

Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon said, "The men, women and children who died on the streets of Salt Lake this year were people from all walks of life. We are gathered here to honor their lives and to commemorate their passing."

Both Mayor Corroon and Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker spoke about the challenges of homelessness in Utah and encouraged everyone to help reduce its causes. According to the state's Point in Time Homeless Count, it is estimated that there are at least 4,000 people across Utah who are homeless each night; 18 percent are children.

A vast majority of people who experience homelessness do so for a relatively short period of time. But this past year as the number of homeless increased, the resources to meet their basic needs decreased.

Mayor Becker said, "In 2008, more people died while homeless in Utah than any other past year. The oldest was 71. The youngest was 29."

Mayors Becker and Corroon thanked everyone at last night's vigil for their efforts in the homeless community and encouraged others to get involved in the fight against chronic homelessness.

E-mail: spark@ksl.com