Memorial Service National Homeless Day 912-22-16

Memorial Service for Area Homeless Held in Church of a Religion Started by a Homeless Man

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In recognition of National Homeless Persons Memorial Day, approximately 100 members of the community gathered together at the First Congregational Church of Stamford last night to remember those who died homeless in Stamford this year. The nondenominational memorial service began outdoors in the cold, on the longest night of the year. 

Leaders from Pacific House, Inspirica, Laurel House and Optimus Healthcare lit candles for Shante Kippings, Ebony Jordon, Kerri Burke, Douglas Tate, Melvin Murphy and Anthony Cromedy, each of whom died without a place to call home. Four currently homeless men: Gary Butler, James Blakeley, Norberto Ramirez and David Dukes, shared their stories. “I’m 68 years old and I never thought I was going to live in the streets.  I couldn’t find a place and started feeling lonely, depressed, like nobody wants you.” said Ramirez. “At Pacific House shelter I found life.  People really care for you there and now I’m living with hope; it seems like I could still go and be someone.  There are a lot of people that don’t have a home.  Thank you to everyone that supports this place.”
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— an announcement from Pacific House
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“This is a powerful service,” said the Rev. Mark Lingle, Rector at St.

Bobby Valentine Diane Bosek Jim Bosek

Darienites Help Shelter for the Homeless Raise $500K at Gala Benefit

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The Shelter for the Homeless raised more than $500,000  on Friday, May 6 at its 15th annual “Rays of Hope” gala at the Italian Center of Stamford. Board Chair Jim Bosek of Darien spoke at the event. The gala event, which was hosted by former Major League Baseball player and manager, Bobby Valentine, the money raised will support the essential services provided by Pacific House, the area’s only emergency men’s shelter, serving the communities of Greenwich, Stamford, Darien, New Canaan and beyond. This year’s event honored Patricia Phillips who co-founded the shelter nearly 35 years ago.  Phillips, a Stamford resident and chair emerita of the organization, exemplifies compassionate care for her community. “We help to make these men whole again,” said Phillips, after receiving a standing ovation and thanking the crowd for supporting the event.  “This is money well spent,” she said.