Brattleboro Homeless Vigil is Tuesday, December 21

Source: Brattleboro Reformer, December 18, by Chris Garofolo.

BRATTLEBORO — Every December, on the longest night of the year, homelessness advocates gather at Pliny Park to bring attention to the growing issue in southern Vermont, particularly in Brattleboro.

Anticipating a chilly evening, organizers will again commemorate National Homeless Day by gathering at the park beginning at 4 p.m. on Dec. 21. The vigil includes a brief presentation, a candle lighting and songs from a chorus consisting of multiple churches and will close with a short march to the First Baptist Church’s winter overflow homeless shelter. More music is expected once participants arrive at the church.

Melinda Bussino, executive director of the Brattleboro Area Drop In Center, said the intent of having a specialized homelessness day is to create more awareness of the issue in Vermont and around the country. She said it is important to bring the community’s eyes to those who tend to remain unseen every day.

“It’s just important to keep the issue of homelessness in the forefront of the community,” she said. Homelessness around the county has greatly increased from the previous year. In 2009, the figures in Brattleboro doubled and, although it is early in the season, more families and disabled residents are finding themselves on the streets this winter…”

Full Story: Brattleboro Homeless Vigil is Tuesday, December 21.

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