On the longest night of the year, a crowd gathered at Pioneer Park for the Homeless Persons Memorial and Candlelight Vigil, a yearly commemoration of those who have died in 2011.

The count stands at 68 men and women ranging in age from 26 to 87. Many deaths will have resulted from chronic illness and mental illness, substance abuse problems and sometimes all three.

Some died on the streets, but many in hospitals, shelters and permanent supportive housing, homeless advocate Pamela Atkinson said Wednesday.

"Occasionally we’ll have someone out on the street, but there’s no reason for anyone to stay out," Atkinson said earlier. Most shelters have room, but some people don’t want to come in and "we have to go out and bring them in."

For those who absolutely refuse, Atkinson works with Volunteers of America and many other providers to give them food, clean socks and underwear, warm coats, hats and boots.

For those who drink, Atkinson has some sound advice: Take a few drinks, then put on your hat and gloves and get into your sleeping bag so that if you nod off, you’re protected.

Many of those who attended the vigil were people who offer shelter, food, clothing, medical care, counseling and comfort to those who need it. Many knew those who died this year. Some attendees simply joined in solidarity with all homeless people.

The featured speaker was Troy Gorman, who told of his younger years as a rough, tough guy with an attitude and an addiction. He got into trouble with the law, which led to being shot by an officer and landing in prison.

Upon his release, Gorman said, he was homeless, with nowhere to go and all alone.

Then Monte Hanks, client service director at the 4th Street Clinic for the homeless, "reached down to me," he said.

"I never give up or give in, but I had to learn the balance, the truthfulness of myself," Gorman said.

Today, he has a home, a loving partner, family and a good life.

"I am living proof you can succeed. It can be done. I did it," he told the crowd. "Never give up."

Then he read the names of the dead: Bill, Lloyd, Rebecca, Cole, Margaret, Kenneth and 62 others. After a prayer from Chaplain David Pascoe, the crowd drifted away, still holding the votive candles that helped illuminate that cold, dark corner of the park.

Atkinson had said earlier that some participants will ask why the vigil isn’t held indoors, and she has a ready answer.

"It’s temporary for us," she said. "For some people, it’s not temporary."

Peg McEntee is anews columnist. Reach her at pegmcentee@sltrib.com and facebook.com/pegmcentee.