Homeless Advocates Memorialize Those Who Have Died While Living on the Streets

Over the course of the last year in Lee County at least 30 homeless individuals lost their lives while living on the streets or in shelters. This Friday evening, the Lee County Homeless Coalition will memorialize them, and draw attention to the ongoing issue of homelessness in the county, during its 22nd annual Candlelight Vigil for the Homeless. It is Friday, December 21st at 6:00 p.m. on the steps of the Old Lee County Courthouse in downtown Fort Myers. And also this Friday evening at 6:45 p.m. at Gilchrist Park in Punta Gorda, the nonprofit Gulf Coast Partnership will hold its Homeless Memorial Vigil to raise awareness about the homeless situation in Charlotte County. We're joined by the Lee County Homeless Coalition’s Executive Director, Janet Bartos; and Kelly Hunter, Director of Coordinated Services at Gulf Coast Partnership, to learn more about the ongoing need to provide shelter and services for homeless individuals in southwest Florida.