Maggie Smith, of Fall River, in the foreground, sings “We Shall Overcome” during a candlelight vigil last night outside St. Anne’s Church in Fall River. The event, organized as part of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, attracted more than 100 people.

The PROVIDENCE JOURNAL / Bob Thayer

Katie Smith, of Fall River, waits as her mother, Maggie Smith, lights a candle during last night’s vigil.

FALL RIVER — If you who don’t think homelessness is a problem because you don’t see people sleeping on park benches, Auggie will say you’re just not looking in the right places.

Four years ago, “I was living under an underpass. I was using drugs and alcohol to kill the pain,” he recalled last night. “I was eating in soup kitchens, washing up in the bus terminal, doing what I could do to survive. I used to pray at night that I would die.”

He found help, has stayed clean for four years, and told his story last night to about 110 people gathered for a candlelight vigil for the hungry and homeless in front of St. Anne’s Church.

Michelle, who also didn’t give a last name, told the crowd that she was another example of a life turned around, helped by social programs in the city. Now in school and with a job, she talked about a friend with no food for Thanksgiving.

“I invited her over because it feels good,” she said. “People helped me, and I’m giving back.”

Yesterday’s vigil was organized as part of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. The microphone didn’t work. The recorded rendition of “Light One Candle” could barely be heard from the anemic boom box, and the cool breeze constantly threatened to snuff the candles. But the supporters persisted, huddling closer to hear and singing along to a soulful rendition of “Amazing Grace.”

Mayor Edward Lambert said he could see the city’s persistence and collaborative spirit just in the way people worked together to get the candles lit and keep them glowing.

“Ending homelessness isn’t only about putting a roof over someone’s head for the night. It’s getting to the root cause” and that requires dedication and cooperation, he said.

“We already have the best ingredient, and that’s good people.”

Last night’s event included a call from the city’s Homeless Service Providers Coalition for toiletries and hats, gloves, socks and other winter wear to be dropped off this week at The Salvation Army, 209 Bedford St., First Step Inn, 175 North Main St., and the Alcoholism Council of Greater Fall River, 206 Winter St.

Salvation Army board member Jim Haskins also issued a call for would-be volunteers to come to a meeting Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the group’s Bedford Street headquarters. The group has heat, blankets, and food, he said, “but we don’t have you.”