About 50 people attended a vigil in Bangor on Wednesday to honor residents who have died as a result of being homeless.
The annual vigil takes place at the Hope House, a homeless shelter in Bangor.
“This is the week of the winter solstice, which is the shortest day of the year, longest night of the year,” said Tyler Morrison, a Hope House administrator. “That’s kind of a very visible and tangible reminder [that] it’s getting colder, it’s getting darker longer, and the issue of homelessness and the need hasn’t subsided.”
This year’s vigil comes as the city is preparing to close Bangor’s largest homeless encampment, located in the wooded area behind Hope House. The city recently approved delaying the closure until Feb. 28, 2025, to give staff more time to find housing for the people living in the encampment.
Among those experiencing homelessness who died this year was 35-year-old Joseph P. Demanuele, Jr. of Bangor, who was killed Nov. 10 when a fire broke out in his tent at the encampment.
Stephen Morey of Bangor attended the vigil on Wednesday in remembrance of his friend Craig Stevens.
“The vigil brings up good memories and sad memories,” said Morey, who hung a remembrance ornament on a tree in Stevens’ memory.
“I really miss him. We’ve lost too many.”