POUGHKEEPSIE – The annual somber candlelight vigil to remember the homeless who died on the streets in Poughkeepsie over the last year took place on Tuesday. The December 21 vigil coincides with the Winter Solstice – the longest night of the year.
Hudson River Housing (HRH) held the vigil on the grounds of the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office where the temporary shelters sprang up during the pandemic’s onset last year. The temporary housing was, and still is, a joint effort between Hudson River Housing, Dutchess County, and several other community agencies.
HRH Executive Director Christa Hines addressed those gathered to reiterate the mission of HRH. “We envision a world without homelessness,” she said.
Reverend Susan Fortunato, Pastor of Christ Church and President of the HRH Board of Directors reminded everyone in attendance, including Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro and legislators Barrington Atkins and Breandan Lawler that everyone is “United in the core beliefs of justice, the goodness of creation, the dignity of every human being, and the power of love.” Fortuanto then recited the names of the 33 people that perished on the streets this past year.
A former homeless man, going by the name of Pharoah, read a powerful poem he authored, entitled “Nobody” that describes his interaction with another homeless person on the streets. Describing the interaction with the man, he said, “It’s funny how we can learn so much from those who don’t teach.” Describing his anger, Pharoah noted that those in need do not necessarily want anything more than for someone to listen to them. “We should all be ashamed that we live in a world so cold, where nobody cares.”
