Service in Rockford honors 27 people who died while homeless

ROCKFORD, Ill. (AP) - Over 100 people have gathered in Rockford to honor dozens of people in the area who died while homeless this year.

The Rockford Register Star reports (https://bit.ly/2hUzqH9) that 27 candles were lit, one for each of the people who died in 2016. There were also prayers and songs in remembrance.

Kay Larrick is executive director of Carpenter’s Place, which is a nonprofit that helps with homeless services.

Larrick says that often times, homeless men and women don’t get attention or a memorial when they die.

Those remembered ranged in age from 31 to 65 years old. At least one case is being investigated as a homicide.

The year before the service honored 32 people who died while homeless.

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Information from: Rockford Register Star, https://www.rrstar.com