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Community Corner

Speaking for the Homeless - Candlelight Prayer Vigil

Dear Friends,
On Wednesday January 11th, dozens of homeless people were evicted from the ledge across Central Avenue from the Fulton County Courthouse complex. The city of Atlanta and several service provider agencies had been working diligently to place people in housing but needed several more weeks to accomplish their goal. The state was aware of their efforts but moved to oust the homeless, giving only twelve hours notice. They came at 5 am with police troops, garbage trucks, and street sweepers. The homeless were told to take what they could carry and the rest was thrown away. They were told they would be arrested if they returned.  The Daily Report covered this event http://www.dailyreportonline.com/Editorial/News/singleEdit.asp?l=100420514132

Mark and I were very disturbed by the actions of the State as I know many of you were. To simply ignore the efforts that were underway involving the city, United Way, the two host churches of Central Night Shelter, and others seemed callous in the extreme. At the Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Father Henry's homily the Sunday after this event took place reminded us all that we have a responsibility to speak up and have our voices heard. We speak for the homeless by the presence of Central Night Shelter as we have for 32 years.

Central Night Shelter would like to invite you to join us for a Candlelight Prayer Vigil in front of the Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on the corner of Martin Luther King and Central Ave on Saturday February 11th from 8pm to 8am Sunday (or any portion of the hours in between) as we stand in thoughtful, prayerful solidarity with our homeless brothers and sisters.

We ask that you bring a candle to light your way through the night and blankets or sleeping bags to keep warm. We invite you to join us in worship the next morning at either The Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception or Central Presbyterian Church.

Prayers and Reflections on poverty, homelessness, and social justice will be offered throughout the night.  
Additional information can be found at : http://www.facebook.com/events/242041442540217/

Peace,
Katie Bashor
Director Central Night Shelter

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