10th Annual National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day held at Milam Park

SAMMinistries, several of its partner agencies held candlelight vigil

SAN ANTONIO – It was a somber scene at Milam Park Wednesday night during the 10th annual National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day.

The focus was on the city's homeless population and those who have died while homeless in 2016.

"Homelessness in the city is very bad these days. It's very sad. It's very tragic," said Gina Flesch, who said she was once homeless.

SAMMinistries and several of its partner agencies held a candlelight vigil and read aloud the names of those who have died this year.

"This particular year, we have 70 persons that have passed away that are homeless, versus the 61 that there was last year. There’s all kinds of different reasons," said Navarra Williams, president and CEO of SAMMinistries.

Williams said at last count, the homeless population was at 2,900 in the area, a significant drop from the 3,600 in years past.

Flesch spends her time volunteering and helping the same people she once shared the streets with. She wants to make sure the homeless know about all the services available to help them, but ultimately knows it takes an individual to want to change.

"I was tired of being tired. (I was) ready to do something different," Flesch said.


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