NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — In honor of “Homeless Persons Memorial Day,” the city of New Bedford will be holding a candlelight vigil. The event is to honor of those who have been lost to homelessness, and those who still remain in the unsheltered community. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, on December 21 each year, communities around the country commemorate National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day to remember “our neighbors who lost their lives before they could exit homelessness.” The vigils held coincide with the longest night of the year. Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless states that a total of 190,141 are experiencing homeless in Massachusetts, while 7,000 families are experiencing homeless in the state. The vigil will take place at 5 p.m. at the New Bedford Library steps on Purchase Street, and will include light refreshments. Categories: News