Rest easy Melvin: In memory of the Kenmore Square homeless man
The man who called the little nook under West Gate’s front entrance will be truly missed
For years, students would pass by and talk to Melvin Ramos, a homeless man who called the front entrance to West Gate home. Melvin called Kenmore Square home for nearly 35 years.
Students, police, and pedestrians gave him some change, coffee, or even just a little bit of their time to sit down and talk with him. For years, Boston University has known and enjoyed Melvin’s presence in Kenmore.
In September when students came back to campus, there was something missing. Melvin was not in his spot. People started to look for him and to find out what happened. The news they found was heartbreaking – Melvin had passed away.
Alec Dankin, a sophomore at Boston University, decided to put together a vigil for Melvin. On Monday October 26th, about 50 students and Boston locals stood on the sidewalk next to West Gate to honor Melvin.
Some students said a few words, lit candles, and wrote kind words on a sign they made
Jenna O’Leary, a student at Wheelock College, talked about Warm a Heart, a campaign to help homeless people and shelters in Boston. She also announced that she would be collecting money in Melvin’s name for Rosie’s Place, a homeless shelter in South Boston.
By the end of the night she raised $50 for the much needed cause.
Yanzie, Psychology and Public Health
“I really wish there were more things like this. There are so many people who need our help and need to feel appreciated. It’s good to see that people will come out to things like this.”
Alec, Film and Television
“I didn’t really interact with him that much. It was mainly me nodding to him on my way to class. I gave him spare change when I could, I bought him coffee numerous times during the winter. I really didn’t know him that well, but I knew that he was well known here and that he was like an icon.
“He was very much a part of the area. He was a symbol of Boston, of Kenmore Square and Boston University. I’m a sophomore now and he was very much a part of my freshman year and my college experience, so I thought it would be a nice thing to do.”
“The woman gave a very personal anecdote, she had some conversations with him, I really didn’t. I knew him and I knew of him.”
If you would like to find out more or support the Warm a Heart campaign, you can visit Facebook or Go Fund Me.