In death, homeless find shelter in hearts, memories

New London - Kate Treadwell-Hill stood Monday at All Souls Unitarian Universalist Congregation to eulogize Emanuel Diggs, a homeless man and notorious regular at the Public Library of New London where she works in reference.

"He was the worst library patron," Treadwell-Hill said, and the library, for a time, "exiled" Diggs.

Diggs returned to the library this year, "a changed man," according to Treadwell-Hill.

"He was getting his life together," she said. "I miss him very much."

Diggs was one of 10 homeless people who died this year in and around New London. They were remembered at the fourth annual Homeless Memorial Day service, held by design on the winter solstice, the longest night of the year.

Earlier in the day, the St. Vincent de Paul Place soup kitchen in Norwich held a memorial service to honor the seven homeless people who died in Norwich this year.

The 40-minute ceremony at All Souls, led by the Rev. Carolyn Patierno, featured prayers, short talks and stirring renditions of the hymns, "Abide With Me," and "There Is More Love Somewhere," sung by the 45 people in the pews.

Nora Curioso, who works at the adjoining Covenant Shelter and keeps a list of the homeless who have died in the past four years, read the deceased names aloud from the altar.

Those names are: Diggs, Tom Robert, David Price, Mark A. Galvin, Frank Hempstead, Chris Machaud, Richard Danko, Ron Backus, James Hall and Louis Hernandez.

"One death is one too many," said Catherine Zall, director of the Homeless Hospitality Center and pastor at First Congregational Church in New London. "We pray they find comfort."

Following a silent prayer, Curioso recalled how Danko dug out her car during a winter storm last year and refused payment.

"He told me it was a blessing," she said.

Christopher Brand, who has been homeless intermittently in the past few years, said he knew Price when they were at a shelter in New London.

"It's good that the community knows these people," he said. "They are not forgotten people."

The service also attracted Ben Greenfield and his 10- year old daughter Elizabeth of Noank, who had planned on an evening of Christmas shopping, but heard about the service and decided to go.

"It struck a chord with us," he said. "I wanted to give Elizabeth a glimpse of another side, especially coming from a place where most people have their needs met."

Mayor Rob Pero also spoke, pledging less conflict and more "consideration" from the city government toward the homeless.

"We want to be leaders in (the state) and southeastern Connecticut," Pero said. "We don't want there to be anyone's name listed on the back of a program (next year)."