44 lost their lives on the streets of Rapid City
By Ernestine Chasing Hawk Native Sun News Today Staff Writer
nativesunnews.today RAPID CITY – Wisps of snow floated through the air as the names of 44 loved ones who lost their lives on the streets of Rapid City flashed across the marquis at Main Street Square on the evening of November 16. The HOPE Center held its 5th annual Homeless Person’s Memorial and Candlelight Vigil to raise awareness about the tragedy of losing friends, family and neighbors on the streets from issues related to poverty. “We honored those that we’ve lost in a beautiful way, with our candles lit and our hearts full of love,” Hope Center Staff wrote on Facebook. The HOPE Center sponsors the event during Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, the week prior to Thanksgiving, as a testament to the vital importance that housing plays in the health, well-being and safety of all people, to help change the conversation about stereotypes and improve public policy. Rapid City Common Council member Jason Salamun opened the event by bringing attention to community members whose names lit up 44 candles across the front of the stage and said, “We’ve got to do better.” Brandon Ferguson a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe and Executive Director of Ending the Silence said he is currently staying at the Cornerstone Rescue Mission and homeless. Ferguson said a prayer in honor of the hundreds who roam the streets of Rapid City because they have nowhere to call home. Andrew Jandt of Trip Kit shared his touching song “Your Mind” as the staff of the Hope Center shook the hands of those who braved the cold to honor their loved ones who died.
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