BANGOR, Maine — Dozens gathered to honor loved ones who died while struggling with homelessness at Penobscot Community Health Care's annual candlelight vigil Wednesday evening.
Outside the Hope House, Bangor's only low-barrier shelter, attendees hung ornaments on a Christmas tree, each bearing the name of a loved one who passed away while struggling with homelessness or addiction.
Attendee Jimmy McCausland came to pay tribute to friends he has lost, including Dylan Smith, who died in a Bangor fire in 2021.
McCausland said he has dealt with addiction himself and is now clean.
"I do all I can to give back, to help people who are still struggling with that, see if I can help them overcome it as well," McCausland said.
The vigil highlighted the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness, especially as temperatures drop.
"It's important to remember that and to honor the ones who don't make it," Brandy Gebo, a therapist at Hope House, said.
The event comes as Bangor officials are working to close the city's largest homeless encampment, Camp Hope, by the end of February.
City officials told NEWS CENTER Maine they're working to find housing for the 55 people still living at the encampment.
Tyler Morrison, the administrator of Hope House, said his team is doing everything possible to address the needs of more than 100 unhoused individuals in Bangor as the winter season intensifies.
"We ramp up best we can here in Hope House, but also area services to support them and be there for them," Morrison said.
He encouraged the community to approach homelessness with compassion and learn about available resources.
"Awareness and understanding, and certainly tolerance," Morrison added.
McCausland urged others to contribute during the holiday season and beyond. "Just try to help any way you can, look for ways to help with people," he said.
Morrison said that donating to shelters like the Hope House is one way to make an impact.
The shelter operates 24/7 and welcomes donations of clothing, food, and toiletries year-round.