Page 22 - The Indian EYE 022026

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline FEBRUARY 20, 2026 | The Indian Eye 22

Multi-Faith Vigil in Reno Honors

93 Homeless Individuals Who Died in

Washoe County in 2025

Faith leaders and residents gather at City Plaza for candlelight service and prayers,

calling for action to prevent further deaths

OUR BUREAU Candlelight Vigil for Homeless held on February 10
RENO, Nev.
“In Washoe County alone, 93 homeless people of remembrance for individuals who often lived —
aith leaders from diverse religious traditions died in 2025, which is a sharp increase from last year. and died — in invisibility. Many attendees stood in
joined community members at Reno City Pla- It is intolerable for caring citizens of our county,” silence as the names were read, some holding can-
Fza on February 10 for a candlelight vigil and Durante said. “There are too many people who fall dles, others bowing their heads in prayer.
multi-faith prayer service honoring the 93 homeless through the cracks in the system. It is our moral re- Area faith leaders said the event was not intend-
individuals who died in Washoe County in 2025. sponsibility to care for people in need. Each person ed as a political statement but as a moral appeal to
The solemn gathering, held near the iconic BE- is sacred and all faith traditions agree on the dignity conscience. “If we did not remember them, who else
LIEVE sign, brought together clergy and residents of human beings.” would?” one participant said, reflecting the tone of
in an interfaith show of remembrance and solidarity. Religious leaders representing multiple faiths the evening. The service was open to the public, and
Participants lit candles as the names of those who offered prayers and reflections in their respective residents from across Reno attended to pay their re-
died while experiencing homelessness were read traditions, emphasizing compassion, human dignity spects and express solidarity with neighbors who died
aloud — many of them victims of exposure to harsh and collective responsibility. The interfaith format, without stable housing. Organizers framed the gath-
weather and lack of safe shelter. organizers said, reflects a shared moral commitment ering as both an expression of love for one’s neighbor
The 2025 death toll marks a sharp rise from across religious lines to protect vulnerable members and a call to acknowledge those who were neglected
77 homeless deaths recorded in Washoe County in of the community. and left this world without safe and warm shelter.
2024, underscoring what organizers described as a Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, who has partici- The event was sponsored by the Life, Peace and
growing humanitarian crisis in the region. pated in previous vigils, stressed the universal value Justice Commission of the Roman Catholic Diocese
The vigil, now in its fifth year, was organized by of human life and the need for coordinated solutions. of Reno, the Nevada Interfaith Association and the
a coalition of local faith leaders who say they intend “Every life holds value. Human beings dying Good Neighbors Warming Center.
to continue holding the annual service as long as in our midst because of the lack of basic necessities As candles flickered against the early evening
preventable deaths among the unhoused persist. should not be acceptable to us as a community,” sky, faith leaders said they hoped the vigil would not
Father Chuck Durante, Rector of Saint Thomas Zed said. “Coordinated efforts are needed to pro- only honor the dead but also inspire renewed com-
Aquinas Catholic Cathedral and coordinator of the tect lives; and saving lives should be the highest pri- munity commitment to addressing homelessness in
vigil, said the increase in deaths should serve as a ority of various agendas.” Washoe County — so that future gatherings might
wake-up call for the community. The vigil was described by organizers as an act mark progress rather than rising numbers.

www.TheIndianEYE.com