Final farewell for homeless

One by one they approached the microphone, reading the names of 56 homeless men and women who died this year in Hillsborough County.

Cory Crocker read the name of his friend David Kelly, 41. He had lost touch with Kelly for several months, only to learn of his death Tuesday night at the Homeless Persons' Memorial Day ceremony at Joe Chillura Courthouse Square.

"He was a sweet, sweet guy," said Crocker, a pastor at Covenant Chapel Ministries in Tampa.

Crocker said the candle-lighting ceremony helps remind the community it needs to step up and assist the homeless population, which was estimated at more than 9,500 in Hillsborough County in 2009.

"We have some awesome service providers in the county," Crocker said. "But no one service provider can do it all. It's going to take everybody.

"It's a community problem that takes a community solution," he said. "Everybody's going to have to take ownership. These are our neighbors."

The 56 died from beatings, drownings, suicides, untreated medical conditions and from being struck by vehicles, said Lesa Weikel, spokeswoman for the event organizer Homeless Coalition of Hillsborough County.

The annual event, which takes place on the first day of winter, helps those who lost a family member or friend grieve and reach closure, Weikel said.

"This is a way of giving back respect and dignity," she said. "For people who knew someone whose name was read, it's a way to say goodbye."

Nan Neville read her husband's name. Mark Neville, 58, died in May from health problems. They were homeless for eight years, living in Tampa and later in Brandon.

"I just wish he was with me today," said Nan Neville, who was a guest speaker at the event. "I just loved him so much."

She hopes the event inspires others to help.

"I've dealt with homelessness and I know how hard it is here on the streets," said Nan Neville, who is now living with friends.

For more information, contact the Homeless Coalition at (813) 223-6115 or www.homelessofhc.org.

jpatino@tampatrib.com

(813) 259-7659