CHARLOTTE -- Dozens gathered at the Men's Shelter of Charlotte Thursday to remember a population that often feels invisible.

In 2017, 51 homeless people died in the Queen City, compared to significantly less in 2016, when 30 people passed away.

Community members, shelter leaders and residents came together to say each of their names aloud and light a candle in their memory.

"We lost an infant in the shelter, we lost people of cancer, of heart disease," said executive director, Liz Clasen-Kelly. "We're just here to say that their life mattered and that we remember them. We just want to make sure that nobody leaves this earth without being recognized for their humanity."

Several homeless residents also spoke Thursday, sharing their stories and struggles, saying they are glad to have a team around them as they move toward securing permanent, stable housing.