San Diego Rescue Mission

San Diego Rescue Mission held its 7th Annual Candlelight Vigil on Saturday, Nov. 1. The vigil honored the 58 men and women who died alone while homeless in our community this past year.

The event began with a candlelight procession from the Mission to the SD Community Concourse Civic Plaza. Fifty-eight of the nearly 100 people in the procession carried a candle and a pair of shoes - representing each of the men and women being remembered.

Current Rescue Mission program members, concerned members of the public, volunteers, and partners from other organizations walked in unison and silence.

Upon arriving at the Plaza, participants set each candle down and placed each pair of shoes along the base of the stage. This created a powerful visual reminder of how many individuals could have been standing there had they not fallen victim to the streets.

During the program, Herb Johnson, President & CEO of San Diego Rescue Mission, offered a reflection and prayers. Leaders of other faith communities also shared remarks and prayers.

Perhaps the most powerful moments came during the reading of each name by current Rescue Mission program members.

Beautiful songs of reflection completed the evening and were offered by Audrey Archer and Wesley Wilkes, a SDRM Men's Center graduate.

All attendees hope that someday there will be no need to have a homeless memorial vigil. In the meantime, please continue to join us in caring for the homeless and poor in our county.