Homeless who died in Santa Maria this year honored at memorial vigil

SANTA MARIA, Calif.- The annual event is commemorated across the United States and here in Santa Maria.

The focus is to build on the theme of remembrance, hope, and healing. 

Community members gathered alongside those experiencing homelessness, advocates, shelters and faith-based organizations at the vigil.

The vigil featured several guest speakers. There was also a space to remember the homeless neighbors who passed throughout the year. 

Volunteers believe it’s important to come together as a community at the vigil.

“We are all human. We're all God's creation. And as myself once deemed done, I would never change. My life was turned around. I was homeless. I was a drug addict at one time. And now I'm drug free and I have my own place and I'm working also going to college so where there is hope for me, this hope for anyone, there's always a chance for an individual to be able to change their lives. And just some of us need a helping hand," said Ernest Martinez.