The strength of the Long Beach Community shined bright Thursday evening as over a hundred people gathered at the beach on Granada for a march and a candlelight vigil for Todd, a homeless man who was severly beaten on the Beach near Belmont Shore on August 2nd.  The purpose was to bring a voice to the vulnerable and to let everyone know that this violence against the homeless will not be tolerated. 

According to those who have been caring for or visitng Todd in the hospital, he is making remarkable improvements but still remains in critical condition.  The attackers have not yet been found and police urged anyone with information about the attack to please call the Long Beach Police department.

Todd is  well known in Belmont shore and has been described as , ” A gentle, kind man.”  Todd frequented many stores and restaurants around Blelmont Shore.  He often stopped in at the Starbucks on 2nd street.  Employees said he always paid for his drinks.  Starbucks employees have been contacting the hospital since the incident to check on Todd’s condition.  

The March began around 7pm and wound through Belmont Shore on 2nd street with the accompaniment of a police escort.  Andria Streeter started the March by reminding those gathered, ” Not in my community. We are all one paycheck away from being homeless. This could have been your brother, your dad, your uncle.” The sidewalks were crowded with people participating in the “Stroll and Savor” event. As I marched on the croweded sidewalks I  felt nothing but support from the onlookers enjoying their evening.  Some applauded, most stared and I heard a couple people say to a marcher, “Thank you for walking for him.”

The march and vigil ended back at the beach with closing statements from different speakers from the community.  Members from area homeless outreach organizations, local clergy and employees of St. Mary’s hospital all took to the microphone to share their stories about Todd, to share words of hope for our community and to thank those who have supported Todd in his time of need.  Tom Crowe who was recently a victim of a hate crime reminded everyone that we don’t know who could be next and that being homeless does not make you less human. “We have to watch out for those who do not have a voice.”

The purpose of the march and vigil was to bring attention to the violence that occurred in our community and that it will not be tolerated.  An act of violence on one is an act of violence on us all.

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