Memorial Service Honors Homeless People Who Have Died In 2013

By Tim Jimenez

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - There was a gathering in Center City Thursday night in remembrance of 127 homeless people in our area who died during the past year.

A somber crowd of about 100 listened as dozens of names of the fallen were read. It's a "Homeless Memorial Day" service organized by Project H.O.M.E.

Joanne, one of their volunteers says, "I come here every year to tribute to the ones that have left us unfortunately. And it's sad that most of them die on the street."

Also speaking, Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, with a proclamation. Former Mayor Wilson Goode calling for more citizen action.

Advocates also making their passionate pleas: "No person should have to live or die homeless. "We Call for an end to homelessness."

And, in the shadow of City Hall, Joanne says volunteers like her can only do so much, "How do you help people when the people upstairs don't really - I don't think they care that much personally."