Dozens gather at MyHouse to remember lives lost to addiction during Candlelight Vigil

WASILLA — Community members from across the Mat-Su Valley gathered at MyHouse Mat-Su Homeless Youth Shelter Monday, Jan. 10 for the fifth annual Candlelight Vigil hosted by Kellsie’s Key dedicated to remembering those lost to addiction.

Each year during the evening of Jan. 10, Kellsie’s Key founder, John Green and other community members come together to read the names of local lives lost to addiction and take time to share their stories about their loved ones.

This year’s vigil was a little different, but it carried the same love and compassion for those lost and those left behind. Instead of reading the names out loud, they projected a slideshow.

“This has been a different year organizing things. We realized it was too important to too many people and said, ‘we’re gonna do it no matter what,’ Green said.

Numerous people from all walks of life filled the Gathering Grounds Cafe at the MyHouse main office, holding electric candles and socializing with one another, sharing hugs and words of encouragement.

“It just shows me how much it’s needed, that this is a healing thing for a lot of people. We’re just gonna keep doing it,” Green said.

Jan. 10 is the same date event founder John Green found out his daughter Kellsie Green died in prison due to health complications from heroin detox. He later founded Kellsie’s Key and helped found the Mat-Su Opioid Task Force to rally support and overall awareness around drug and alcohol addiction. He said the annual vigil and their new two-day recovery event in August are ways to remember those that have lost their lives to addiction and support their families and loved ones.

“It’s always a challenge. It’s hard because I want to be there for them but it triggers my own grief,” Green said. “This is a place where there is no judgment. There is no stigma, just love for each other. It’s just as healing for me every year. They’re not alone.”

Cook Inlet Tribal Council Peer Recovery Supervisor James Savage helped Green organize this year’s vigil. He said it’s a valuable community event that helps a lot of people.

“I think it’s something that’s been important for our community since its inception. I hope this continues to bring advocacy and awareness to our community,” Savage said.

MyHouse founder and Executive Director, Michelle Overstreet said that she was honored to offer their comfortable and community-oriented cafe for this welcoming and impactful event. She said that Green’s annual tradition has a way of helping people come together who are going through many of the same trials and tribulations to create a light at the end of the tunnel.

“It just creates a vibe of recovery and hope and encouragement,” Overstreet said.

For more information about Kellsie’s Key, visit the official Facebook page or email kellsieskey@yahoo.com.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com