Memorial Held for Unsheltered Lives Lost in Utah County
PROVO, Utah — On Monday, Utah County paused to honor the lives of four unsheltered community members who tragically lost their lives over the winter. “Jimmy, Amber, Alan, and Marc,” remembered Karen McCandless, Executive Director of Community Action Services and Food Bank. Among them, Jimmy Trafny had recently transitioned into housing, expressing excitement about celebrating the holidays in his new apartment before his untimely passing.
The memorial served as a bittersweet reminder of the closing of local warming centers, which McCandless and her team oversaw this winter. “Stability leads to positive outcomes,” said Kenna Mathews, Director of Housing, emphasizing the importance of community support in providing shelter. Remarkably, none of the individuals from their shelters perished during the cold months.
However, with the homeless population increasing due to ongoing housing crises and economic challenges, Mathews expressed concern about ongoing support. The community is urged to view these individuals not with stigma, but compassion. “They deserve to be remembered,” Mathews asserted, as over 500 volunteers stepped up this winter to help those in need. As prayers were offered, community leaders called for a greater understanding and acknowledgment of every life in their midst.
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