In 2008, at least 15 homeless individuals lost their lives while living on the streets or in shelters in Lee County.

The Lee County Homeless Coalition’s 12th Annual Candlelight Vigil was held on Sunday, December 21, at 6 p.m. on the steps of the Old Lee County Courthouse in downtown Fort Myers.

The Candlelight Vigil mourns those who have died while living on the streets or in shelters, and it educates communities that the lack of affordable housing, shelter, living wages, and accessible health care is a problem that must be addressed, said Janet Bartos, Homeless coalition coordinator with Lee County Dept. of Human Services.

The Candlelight Vigil included opening remarks by Bartos and Allan Bratton, chairman of the Community Awareness and Education Task Force. Father Robert Browning provided the opening prayer and Christian Allmendinger performed Taps for those who attended.