ORLANDO, Fla. — A special memorial service was held Monday morning to honor the Orlando area's homeless residents who lost their lives this year.
For some, it's the only service they will have. Channel 9's Steve Barrett was there as 104 names were read and attendees lit 104 candles in their honor.
The service was held at the First Presbyterian Church of Orlando a day after Winter Solstice to represent the darkness in the victims' lives as they die alone, many in the woods or on streets, according to Barrett.
"Imagine you know you're dying. There's no hospice. There's nobody gathered around you to say, 'We love you, we remember, your life had value, your life had meaning,'" said Spencer Pfeidlerer with Central Care Mission. "You're alone, some are scared."
The names read Monday included Deborah Watson, Richard Button and Todd Lemme, three people who were murdered in a homeless camp earlier this year, but most names never made news and some have had no memorial service.
"Often times they die alone, but I just think it's important for the community to honor them," said Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs.
The service lasted about an hour. Afterward, the church bells chimed for each of the 104 people represented.
WFTV
