Helping the homeless and hungry

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The U.S. Census reported nearly one in five Austinites experienced poverty in 2009, an increase from the year before. It is " Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week " in Austin and Sunday's memorial service was a continuation of the events commemorating National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week .

The 18th Annual Homeless Memorial Sunrise Service took place in front of the Tree of Remembrance on the banks of Town Lake. It was a memorial service for 168 people - the homeless who died on the streets of Austin this year.  That is a total increase of160 last year.

"They may have been invisible to many people in their lives on the streets, but today they are not invisible to us," said City Council member Laura Morrison.

The names of this year's fallen were read aloud near the tree as handmade origami swans hung from the branches. Author and local homeless advocate Richard Troxell read excerpts from his book "Looking Up at the Bottom."

Troxell planted the memorial oak tree 17 years ago.

"We are willing to work until our fingernails crack and the tips of our fingers bleed. We are the believers. We believe in equality and opportunity," he said.

About 100 people came out to remember the fallen, but for him the turnout was a disappointment.

"The turnout is pretty thin, considering this is a citywide event and this is the 18th year that we've come to the shores of Lady Bird Lake here and visited our memorial," said Troxell.

Louis Borfirio, a advocate from St. Mary Cathedral, seemed more grateful for community support and said there is always more work to do.

"I drive all over Austin and I see it everywhere. And you know you think of yourself as you get older, that could be you out there, you know?" she said.

The Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week partners will host various events to spotlight veterans, the mentally ill and women later in the week.