Vigils Set to Recognize Fallen Homeless Today

1 in every 9 homeless people in the United States live in Los Angeles County, and just this past year, 393 of them died. The Los Angeles Coalition to End Hunger and Homelessness (LACEHH), along with other advocacy and service organizations, are holding candlelight vigils to memorialize those who died, and thousands across the country are doing the same, for the National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day. In Santa Monica, a vigil is planned for 4:00 p.m. at the 3rd Street Promenade, just south of Arizona Avenue. And in Studio City, a vigil at the same time will be held at Laurel Canyon and Ventura Boulevard. At both events,which will last one hour and a half, the names of the 393 dead will be read aloud, followed by the word "Presente" which means "here" or "present" in Spanish. Candles will be provided.