On December 21, a candlelight vigil took place at Riverside Christian Church in Wichita, Kansas. This event, held on the winter solstice and also recognized as Homeless Persons Memorial Day, aimed to honor the lives of 67 individuals who were homeless and tragically lost their lives in Wichita this year.
“These numbers should not be seen as mere statistics. Behind each of these numbers, there are real people with real lives – mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters,” emphasized a speaker at the event.
Renita Belveal, a resident of Wichita, joined the vigil in order to offer prayers for her family members who are currently experiencing homelessness.
“I constantly worry about the safety of my daughter, sister, and niece. It’s a constant fear that I live with, never knowing if I will receive a distressing call or a devastating knock on the door, informing me that they didn’t survive,” expressed Belveal.
She expressed her disapproval of the city council’s recent decision to permit law enforcement to clear homeless camps without prior notice, labeling it as “heartless” particularly during freezing temperatures.
Approximately 214,000 individuals sleep on the streets throughout the United States on any given night, as per national data. Local leaders, like Sedgwick County Commissioner Ryan Baty, emphasize the significance of offering resources and emergency shelters to address this pressing issue.
Baty expressed the commitment of the community of Wichita to provide housing for everyone, stating, “We are dedicated to ensuring that every person in Wichita has a place to call home.”
The vigil held a deep personal significance for attendees like Elena Yee.
“I once knew a man named Franko who spent several years living on the streets. Tragically, his addiction ultimately led to his untimely death. Franko was truly one of the most genuine individuals I have ever had the pleasure of meeting,” she revealed.
The organizers aim for the vigil to serve as a poignant reminder of the pressing need to tackle homelessness and provide support to those who are still facing challenges in our community.