Homeless Coalition holds candlelight vigil

In 2008, at least 15 homeless individuals lost their lives while living on the streets or in shelters in Lee County. The Lee County Homeless Coalition's 12th annual Candlelight Vigil will be held on Sunday, Dec. 21, at 6 p.m. on the steps of the Old Lee County Courthouse, 2120 Main St., Fort Myers. The candlelight vigil mourns those who have died while living on the streets or in shelters, and it educates communities that the lack of affordable housing, shelter, living wages, and accessible health care is a problem that must be addressed.

The candlelight vigil will include opening remarks by Janet Bartos, coordinator of the Lee County Homeless Coalition, and Allan Bratton, chairman of the Community Awareness and Education Task Force. The Rev. Robert Browning will provide the opening prayer and Christian Allmendinger will perform Taps.