A candle was lit for the 22 homeless people who died in 2007.

Men and women ranging from 22 to 66 years old and often times they die alone. The annual service is a way to honor them... as well as to reflect on the everyday things we may take for granted.

"I think it really shows what a caring community we have. you can judge a community by how they treat the least and I think Rockford really demonstrates a lot of care and concern for the homeless in Rockford."

The average lifespan of a homeless person is 50 years the same age most Americans died back in 1900. Right now, the average lifespan for those who are not homeless is 78.