A candlelight vigil focused on concern for homelessness is scheduled for 5 to 5:30 p.m. on Monday at the Phoenix Park labyrinth, featuring speakers who have lived on the streets here or are members of groups working with the city to alleviate this situation.
The public event is being organized by JONAH’s affordable housing task force and its religious leaders group, together with the Chippewa Valley Street Ministry.
It is intended to honor the memory of those who have died on the streets without a home to go to. It also aims to let community members know how they can help to alleviate this situation, according to a JONAH press release.
Speakers will include Pastors David Huber of Plymouth Congregational Church and Patrick Patterson of Trinity Lutheran Church. Others scheduled to speak include Susan Wolfgram, co-chair of the JONAH housing task force, and either Michelle Pride or Mike Henry from the street ministry as well as Maria Guzman, who has experienced the need to live on the streets.
Emily Anderson, a member of the Eau Claire City Council, and Libby Richter, a social worker at the L. E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, are also among the scheduled speakers.
The event will be aired live on facebook.com/JONAHCV.
The sponsoring groups chose Monday for the event because it is the evening before the shortest day of the year. Candles will be provided for people unable to bring their own.