The Fall River Homeless Service Providers Coalition held its fifth annual candlelight vigil in recognition of National Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week on the steps of St Anne Shrine on November 14, 2006. Emceed by City Health and Human Services Director Michael Coughlin, the program included a reflection by Family Resource Center director Susan Jenkinson, remarks from Mayor Edward M. Lambert, Jr., and inspirational stories by two formerly homeless persons. Mayor Lambert made reference to the need for continued resources to support current efforts to serve the homeless in the city even as the city works on a ten year plan to end homelessness. Jim Haskins of the Fall River Chamber of Commerce recruited volunteers to work in the overflow shelter at the Salvation Army on Bedford street during January and February. For more information, contact Susan Jenkinson at 508-679-2109. Click here for photos of last year's vigil.
 

(Top row, left) Alliance for the Mentally Ill president Brenda Venice assists another woman with lighting her candle. (Top row, center) Family Resource Center director Susan Jenkinson kicks off the event on the steps of St. Anne Shrine. (Top row, right) Natasha Costa and Amber Fontaine look over the program with their mother Wendy Lejoy. (Middle row, left) City Health and Human Services Director Michael Coughlin, left, introduces Mayor Edward M. Lambert, Jr., right, as Father Marc Bergeron of St. Anne Parish, upper left, listens among the assembled crowd. (Middle row, right) Board member Jim Haskins of the Salvation Army tells people about the need for people to volunteer to staff the overflow shelter. (Bottom row, left) Auggie talks about his experiences with being homeless and the help that he received from multiple agencies. (Bottom row, center) Holding her two-year-old son, Michelle tells her story of homelessness and recovery to the assembled crowd. (Bottom row, right) Towne House staff member Kate Marin closes the ceremony by leading the crowd in Amazing Grace.