MILFORD, PA — On December 21, Pike County Hands of Hope will join with organizations and spiritual communities nationwide in commemorating “National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day” with a short candlelight vigil, at 6 p.m. on the steps of the Pike County Courthouse, 401 Broad St. Prayer will be offered for all who live or who died homeless in Pike County.

Each December, in cities across the country, candlelight vigils have been held as a symbol of the light that regular citizens can bring to people who are homeless, and let them know that there are people who care, and who want to help brighten their path to a better future. For 25 years, the National Homeless Peoples Memorial Candlelight Vigil has honored the memories of the family members and friends who never made it off the streets—the people who died alone and anonymously due to exposure to the elements, dehydration and illness, without ever knowing there were people who cared.

Pike County Hands of Hope is a Christ-centered organization that provides programs, relocation services, emergency services, housing subsidies and other forms of aid to people in need in the area. The organization invites everyone from the community to gather and light a candle as a way to support and remember individuals who live or who died homeless in Pike County. Light fare will be provided at the Presbyterian Church immediately following the vigil.