Vigil marks the deaths of 101 homeless in Philadelphia

Hundreds of people gathered in Love Park Tuesday evening to remember the homeless — and formerly homeless — who died in Philadelphia this year. The event was part of a nationwide memorial that took place in 150 cities.

Those who gathered held candles, while the names were read.

“Deborah Adams, Barbara Barr, Yvonne “Blue” Basey….”

One hundred and one homeless people died in the city this year. That number includes those who were formerly homeless, men such as Keith Williamson and Kevin Minor.

Tony Moses worked to get both Williamson and Minor off the streets.

“I’m saddened that they both are not here. But I was happy that they got what they wanted, what they dreamed for. They dreamed for their own place and they got that.”

A recent survey of the city’s homeless population found 352 people living on the streets.

Advocates say the most common factors in homeless deaths involve the use of alcohol and drugs.