In 2011, at least 22 homeless individuals lost their lives while living on the streets or in shelters in Lee County. The Lee County Homeless Coalition’s 15th Annual Candlelight Vigil was held on Wednesday, December 21, at 6 p.m. on the steps of the Old Lee County Courthouse located at 2120 Main Street in 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, executive director of the the Lee County Homeless Coalition.

She offered opening remarks along with Neil Volz, Coalition board member. The opening prayer was presented by Rev. Allison Farnum, Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers. Music was provided by the First Baptist Sanctuary Choir and Taps was performed by Jay Caruthers.