In 2009, at least 19 homeless people lost their lives while living on the streets or in shelters in Lee County.

The Lee County Homeless Coalition’s 13th Annual Candlelight Vigil will be held on Monday, December 21 at 6 p.m. on the steps of the Old Lee County Courthouse located at 2120 Main Street in Fort Myers, says Janet Bartos, executive director, Lee County Homeless Coalition. The public is invited to attend.

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.

The Candlelight Vigil will include opening remarks by Bartos and Allan Bratton, chairman of the Community Awareness and Education Task Force. Jay Caruthers will perform Taps.