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Candles for Kenny: Maslow's Army honors man who died at bus stop downtown

Posted at 9:16 PM, Dec 31, 2017
and last updated 2017-12-31 21:16:07-05

CINCINNATI -- Dozens of people held candles aloft Sunday afternoon in honor of a man who died at a bus stop downtown.

Maslow’s Army held the event to remember Ken Martin, a man experiencing homelessness who froze to death Tuesday, the group says.

Martin worked as a volunteer for and received assistance from Maslow's Army, according to co-founders Sam and Susan Landis.

"The amazing outpouring of support that has been shown here today has been great. I mean I am completely speechless,” Susan said. “People have dropped off coats gloves it has been great."

Samuel said he’s most upset Martin died in such a public area. Martin died near Government Square.

"He had a very kind, very loving, very compassionate heart, and we think it's kind of social injustice that this had to happen to him in such a public spot just about fifty yards from Fountain Square,” Samuel said.

The Landises said they plan to channel their "justified anger" at Martin's death to finalize plans for a 24-hour shelter. Susan said she feels Maslow’s Army is in a position to start their own shelter where the homeless can come and go as they please.

The organization will light candles for Martin every Sunday until Jan. 28, the date of his funeral service.