Sunrise Memorial Service honors homeless who died in 2015
The Sunrise Homeless Memorial Service honored 50 homeless people who died throughout the year in Corpus Christi. The 15th annual ceremony occurred Friday at Kinney Park, and over 60 people remembered the deceased by name and with yellow and white roses that were placed in water.
“Some of them may not have a traditional memorial service, so this is the way we honor them once a year,” said Amy Granberry, the CEO of Charlie’s Place, a local rehab facility. “I think what people really need is a hand up, not a hand out … offer them support to get their lives back on track.”
Representatives from Charlie’s Place, the Veterans Administration and the Salvation Army attended the memorial to honor those who died and to represent the communities in Corpus Christi that are willing to help homeless people. The event was organized by Jesse Elizondo, the social service director of the Salvation Army. According to Elizondo, the number of deceased homeless people increased since last year, and the only way to change it is for the community to come together and help those in need.
