Monk who helped homeless honored

Friday, Dec. 19, 2003 | 11:10 a.m.

An annual candlelight vigil this afternoon remembering homeless people who died in 2003 will also recognize a man who tried to "provide a respite from the elements" for homeless men and women, county officials said.

Brother David Buer, a Franciscan monk, will be honored by the County Commission at 3:30 p.m. today for seven years of serving the homeless as part of the candlelight vigil at American Burial & Cremation Services, 310 Foremaster Lane. Buer founded the Poverello House in Las Vegas and Henderson for the homeless.

This is the last time Buer will participate in the annual vigil, organized by fellow homeless activist Linda Lera-Randle El, because the Franciscan Order has decided to shut down four friaries, including the one in Las Vegas, by February.

The proclamation, to be presented by County Manager Thom Reilly and Assistant County Manager Virginia Valentine, notes Buer "has offered phyiscal comfort, healing, emotional support, and spiritual guidance to the poor and the vulnerable in Southern Nevada for the past seven years as part of his ministry within the Franciscan Order."

Buer also was politically active in appealing to government and community leaders to help the homeless and to raise awareness of the issue.

"Brother David has distinguished himself as a community leader through his courageous and tireless efforts to remind us all that the homeless exist in relentless desert heat or winter chill, enduring abuse, hunger, loneliness and thirst on the streets," the proclamation reads.

This year's vigil will honor 50 homeless people who died this year through today, Coroner Mike Murphy said. Last year there were 52 homeless deaths. The causes of death vary from homicide and suicide to auto-pedestrian accidents and liver disease.