[NEWS] Homeless Memorial Day: A vigil for the 2,200-plus homeless young people in Philadelphia

From the Billy Penn: 

Khaliyh Jackson will recite a three-minute poem Thursday about the nights she used to spend on benches in Juniata Park. She’s 18 years old. Two years ago she was homeless, after leaving a contentious home and ending up on the streets for two months. She’s also one of the lucky ones. Jackson is back in high school and getting good grades, while volunteering to help others dealing with homelessness.   

“I want people to know what it’s like to be homeless,” she said, “and how hard it is.”

This Thursday, several organizations, including Project HOME and Mission First Housing Group, will be hosting a vigil in Center City for Homeless Memorial Day. The event honors homeless people who have died in the last year and calls for an end to homelessness. The focus this year is on youth homelessness.