Community Organizations
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.