Vigil honors homeless who have died on the streets

Diana Sahagun

Tuesday, Dec. 22, 1998 | 11:55 a.m.

Among tears and candlelight, members of the Las Vegas community came together Monday night to honor the homeless who have died on the streets this year during an annual candelight vigil, sponsored by the Southern Nevada Homeless Coalition.

Bracing against the bitter cold, the crowd listened as the names of the 40 homeless who died were read aloud. Six of the names were unknown, identified as "John or Jane Doe." The ceremony was quick and quiet, with no apparent family survivors on hand to speak of the dead.

To Lynn Amlotte, homeless for the second time since September, the vigil was a quiet reminder of how deadly life on the streets can be.

"It makes you feel sad, because it was people who were homeless," she said. "I have never known anyone who died on the street, but I have heard of some and known people who have been attacked," she said. However, she pointed out, you don't have to be homeless to be attacked.

The vigil began two years ago to remember those who have died on the streets from various circumstances, including homicide, suicide and natural causes. It clearly represents the problem of homelessness, said Jerry Zundell, security supervisor for MASH (Mobile Assistance and Shelter for the Homeless).

"We have a serious problem with homeless. There is little or no recognition given to them," he said. "This vigil will honor those who have died and pay respect to them."

The crowd of mostly homeless people congregated in the parking lot of MASH Village for the vigil, but eagerly and quickly changed course when clothes and food were handed out nearby.

Linda Lera-Randle El, member at large for Southern Nevada Homeless Coalition, said the event was purposely planned during the evening and cold weather.

"We purposely have it when its cold, in the night, so you know what happens to people who don't have a place to stay," she said.

Amlotte who said she left California to get away from the gangs, plans to have her own place to stay eventually. A resident of MASH Village, she is confident she won't become homeless a third time. She is enrolled in a class at MASH called Challenge to Change, which she believes will be the turning point in helping her get off the streets.

"They are teaching me about self-esteem, and myself, and how to deal with aggressiveness and anger," she said. "I hope to eventually leave MASH and go back to school."