WEST PALM BEACH — Thomas Collura. Jose Nieves. Christine Andrews.
James Mackey knew many of the 88 names read aloud Saturday. The Palm Beach County sheriff’s deputy said he had met them as he tried to help them over the years.
They are the people who this past year died while living on the street. About 30 people gathered to honor them on National Homeless Remembrance Day , which falls each year on the winter solstice — the longest night of the year, and an even longer lone for those without a bed to sleep in.
“They were us once,” Mackey told those who came together outside the Salvation Army headquarters along North Rosemary Avenue. “They also sat on their grandmother’s lap opening their favorite Christmas present at 4 years old. They are no different to us.”
Corrine Grego. Michael John Patruno. Brittany Hudley.
Similar ceremonies are held across the U.S. Tomara Mays, the CEO of the Homeless Coalition, says the organization reserved the first day of winter of each year for the ceremony to give those who died while homeless a dignified vigil.