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Andrews, at Christmas time, helping Santa pass out toys at the Homeless Voice COSAC Quarters Shelter; where he worked at for several years.
JASON ANDREWS, 35 On staff at homeless center
J
ason Andrews, eldest son of Broward Circuit Judge Robert L. Andrews and former Broward School Board Chairwoman Carol Andrews, died Sunday at the Homeless Voice Homeless Center in Hollywood. He was 35. The cause of death has not yet been determined. Andrews had a history of high blood pressure. “No parent should outlive their child,” his father said. Andrews worked as the front desk manager at the homeless center, where he lived. Judge Andrews said his son was a ''good man.'' who had a big heart. About a year ago, the younger Andrews was working
D
ear Mayor and city commission: I represent 14 human rights agencies in the United States, one of them the People's United Nations and the other the South Florida Coalition for the Homeless. We are advocates for human rights. We look at policies that may be considered unconstitutional in the United States as well as looking at international policies that may be in conflict with United Nations
How’s My Vending? Call (954)
925-6466 X101
the night shift at the homeless center when a woman walked in and went into labor. He delivered the baby, Judge Andrews said. According to Sean A. Cononie, president of the Homeless Voice Homeless Center, Andrews started working at the center about three years ago “to get involved in helping people. He wanted to share his personal struggles in life with others.” Andrews chose to live at the homeless center, an option for staff members there. He was trained as the first responder to medical emergencies at the center, Cononie said. “It was counterproductive
“You've seen the signs that say don't feed the alligators, but in Fort Myers you may see one saying don't feed the homeless.” treaties. We have looked at your proposed plans where you would outlaw all feeding of the homeless in the park. First, how can the greatest country of all make a policy that outlaws the feeding of the poor? Have we gone mad? Are we trying to create a forth, fifth and six class of people in America? Besides the legal mumbo jumbo, just based on these words, “In God we trust,” where is the human compassion that all Americans should possess in their heart? This country was founded by criminals under British law; and when our found(Continued on page 8)
for him to really go home because he'd be on call,” Cononie said. Andrews’ girlfriend, Ramona Montayne, moved in with him. “We were going to get married on July 4 so the whole country could celebrate (our anniversary) with us every year,” Montayne said. “He had a lot of humor in him and that helped a lot of people in their hard times.” Before working at the center, Montayne said, Andrews promoted concerts on South Beach with J. Thomas Andrews Productions. He gave up that business after five years, Montayne said. In addition to his front-
desk job at the homeless center, Andrews volunteered as a researcher for the Cosac Foundation's International Human Rights agency, the People's United Nations Inc. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his brother, Matthew A. Andrews of Atlanta, and Benjamin M. Andrews of Hollywood. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Fred Hunter's Hollywood Memorial Gardens Home, 6301 Taft St., Hollywood. A service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. By Oliver Stephenson The Herald
Most Americans are “Two Paychecks” away from being homeless. Help the shelter stay alive. We are trying to pay the mortgage off! To help, please send a check or money order to: COSAC Foundation Burn That Mortgage Campaign P.O. Box 292-577 Davie, Fl 33329
The Voice of the Homeless
Page 2
HOMELESS VOICE
FRIENDS OF THE HOMELESS For just $15.00 a month you can keep a homeless family off the streets for a day. Please make check payable to: COSAC Foundation Friends of the Homeless. Please include on memo what name should appear in paper.
Mail check to: Friends of the Homeless, P.O. Box 292-577 Davie, FL 33329
Your Name Will Be Printed in Our Paper Every Month • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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Russell J. Ferguson Marjorie G. Rhines Jamie F. Flores In Loving Memory Of Thomas Gasbarro Cathy and Kids The Davis Family Graham R. Mitchell Essential Oil Healthline Amparo L. Korey John’s Plumbing Service Thank You Winn Dixie Adrienne and Mike Ms. Marilyn Smith Albert J. Taragowski Ruth C Grey Mike Cross Tamara Southard Raul Cardenas MD PA Al and Annie Hurricane Prevention Inc Danny and George The Thompson Family OTD Messenger, Inc M. Smith Yorick and Bonita Parrica Lee Russ & Delores B Mordon Robert Jesus Llanes Comet Couriev Proietto Family In Memory of Billy Corwin Josh Searles Patricia Lee Russ Delores B Mordon Mrs. Jenkins Everglades Moon, Covenant of Goddess, Elibet Hanson Judy B. Pascarella John Gaeta Michael R. Prokop, Jr. Jackie M. McCarty In Memory of Charles Horton In Memory of William F. Judge Todd Palgon The Morabito Family Todd Palgon
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Holly J. Andrus Lois Cross In Loving Memory of Florence & Nat Popkin Tailored Advertising, Inc Claudia K. Tapolow Margie Jones In memory of Wesley H. Woodall Maria M. Riveiro Gottlieb & Blair Family Pioneer Middle School Youth Crime Watch Rhenals-Mei Family The Strikowski family Margie Jones & Friends Ronald Prescia In Memory of Brian Groleau Laura Flash Jacqueline M. McCarty The Herrmann Family The Monserrate Family Madeline Butera Jennifer S. Nickel Marilyn R. Smith David Thawley On Behalf of Matthew Lambert Mustafa Mehmet Gokoglu In Memory of Scott Paul Cooper Robert and Ruth Baal In Memory of Melba DeSanto In Memory of My Mother Pearl McCann, Love Teresa Barbara Desanto Leah and Ray Michael & Michale Rhett Marie Sutera Floyd and Luana Coats Doug Boucher Family
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Page 3
Volume 6, Issue 6
HOMELESS VOICE Newspapers are going to be a little out of order. I apologize to my volunteer reporters. Your stories will be out shortly. We rushed this paper together at the last minute to show respect for our late staff member, Jason Andrews. We will all miss you. Thank you for giving up your time; which is always the most precious gift of all. We should all be grateful today. It is not about getting what you want. It is LETTERS TO THE EDITOR about keepSEND TO: ing what you have. P.O. BOX 292-577
DAVIE, FLORIDA 33329 FAX TO: 954-926-2022 EMAIL: info@homelessvoice.org ALL DONATION REQUESTS IN THE HOMELESS VOICE FOR ANY CHARITY ARE ADVERTISED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THIS WORDING A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE IN THE STATE 1-800-435-7352 REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEM ENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE THANK YOU FOR HELPING THE HOMELESS
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F LO R ID A A UTO IN SU R AN C E IN C . 6 7 4 0 T A F T S T R E E T, H O L L Y W O O D
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The Voice of the Homeless
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COSAC
W
e’re still remodeling here at the shelter! As for the living quarters, we are done with seven rooms…we basically have seven new rooms… and we only have another 15 rooms to go, and we still have to redo the complete downstairs. When we bought this place three years ago it was beautiful. Unfortunately, our population of people is a little rough on the surface. They tend not to treat this place like they should. Some do have the utmost respect for the building itself, but others may cause damage on purpose and some just don't realize to be nice to the place. You have to remember the population is
Let’s face it, when people come in from living on the street, you can imagine how their shoes and even clothes must smell and let’s not forget those clients who still have a made up of many who have for- problem taking regular gotten social skills or even never showers…but they are dohad them to begin with. Also ing better! These odors penetrate the mental health consumers, or “In a nutshell, for carpet and drywall, but by anyone for that one reason or having tile, it ma t t e r , ma y another, most prevents this sometimes fly off the handle everyone here may from happening. Please and cause dambe a little hard on help us by doage that they Home would otherwise the whole place.” nating Depot gift not do. In a nutcards. Please shell, for one reason or another, most everyone help us by donating anyhere may be a little hard on the thing you may think we need. Also, in recognition whole place. We bought over 100 of corporations or churches that professional job. We are very dressers when we moved in but donate $2500.00, we will place proud of them. This is what it is because of the constant opening their names on those rooms they all about. To see the pride and and closing, not abuse, they have helped to remodel. Did I satisfaction on their faces when have fallen apart. So our mention that the great workers they complete a room is a gift new goal is to remove all doing the job come from our that we don't forget. Send your Home Depot movable parts and try to population? Where people think make things more resistant that homeless people are lazy and gift card to: P.O. Box 292-577 to physical damage. We are only homeless because they Davie, Florida 33329 Written by Lois Cross are not simply building or don't want to work, this proves Where replacing things so they those people wrong. won't break like shower some towns want the homeless doors, but we are making gone from their community, things easier to keep clean these great men are doing a very and sanitary. For instance all drywall that would be subject to damage is being replaced with tile. Before renovation, the shower doors would need to be repaired once a week but now they have a nice shower curtain that won’t break and can be easily washed or replaced. The whole place will have tile. This way it will be longer term maintenance free, instead of constantly washing walls, which means washing off the paint, and constant painting, now all we will have to do it to wipe down the We, the Homeless Voice Newspaper and the tile. This not only staff here at COSAC, want to formally thank makes the place look better but it keeps the Joe and Christian for their time and efforts in germs to a minimum making our home better. and odors suddenly vanish.
Please help us by donating Home Depot gift cards. Please help us by donating anything you may think we need.
SHOP ONLINE AT THE HOMELESS VOICE INTERNET MALL go to www.homelessvoicemall.com
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Volume 6, Issue 6
NATIONAL NEWS Says She's Healthy, But Has Nowhere to Go
"I
t isn't that I'm not ready to go. I just have nowhere to go," Sarah Nome says. (Feb. 17) - More than a year after Sarah Nome was deemed healthy and given her discharge papers, the 82-yearold woman stubbornly refuses to leave her hospital bed. Nome admits there is no reason she should be racking up unpaid medical bills - which have now topped $1 million but says she has nowhere else to turn. Now Kaiser Permanente's San Rafael Medical Center in California is suing her for the cost of her stay and trying to show her the door. "The thing is, I have no medical problem. I've been here more than a year, never had any medication, never had any treatment, never had a fever, have a perfect heart, blood pressure is like a teenager," Nome said in a telephone interview from the hospital north of San Francisco. "It isn't that I'm not ready to go. I just have nowhere to go." Exasperated hospital officials persuaded a judge to approve her eviction. But because Nome is bedridden and cannot walk, they have no intention of wheeling her onto the street. Instead, they hope the ruling encourages her to pack
her bags. "We're really not interested in her money," Kaiser attorney Stanley Watson said. "We just want her cooperation." Nome's troubles began, her daughter Jane Sands says, in 2002 when she broke both her legs while living alone. After several operations, Nome could no longer care for herself and was admitted to the first of several nursing homes. The most recent one, Nome claims, sent her to the hospital against her will. Hospital officials say she was admitted for a weeklong psychiatric evaluation, was deemed to be in good mental health, was then ordered released. But because she is suing the nursing homes where she lived before she was hospitalized, Nome and her daughter claim she has no choice but to stay put. Nome is suing the last home she lived in, Greenbrae Care Center, for sending her to the hospital. Watson said hospital officials have tried to find a suitable home for Nome, but Nome and her daughter insist on staying in Marin County, where Nome has spent her entire life. That puts Kaiser in a difficult position, given Nome's bedridden state. "If a patient were ambu-
latory, you could simply dis- wide problem. charge them and say, `Have a "This issue is becoming nice day,"' Watson said. "But I more and more contentious becan assure you that we don't cause ... we don't have a longplan on having the sheriff come term care policy in this country, in and physically remove her so there is no set way that we and put her on take care of sen"This issue is the street." iors who need Green- becoming more and more ongoing care," brae will not he said. contentious because ... take Nome Meanback because we don't have a long- while, Nome she is suing the remains in her nursing home, term care policy in this hospital gown. said Bob She said the country…” Peirce, chief doctors and operating officer of Ocadian nurses "couldn't be finer," but Hospitals and Care Centers, she has missed the news since which runs the center. her television and newspaper "She's suing us, and we privileges were taken away. "I obviously feel very strongly that think Bush might still be presishe has no case," Peirce said. dent," she quipped. Anthony Wright, execuShe passes the time by tive director of the health care reading in bed and gazing out advocacy group Health Access the window. California, said Nome's situaBy Brian Skoloff, AP tion highlights a larger, nation-
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We are looking for churches and/or other organizations to get involved by starting penny drives at your location. Call 954-924-3571
The Voice of the Homeless
Page 6
JASON ANDREWS You made me laugh. You made me feel loved. You made me want to be a better person. I'll miss your patience, your jokes, you kisses, your dragon and “jagged crew” bird, the way you'd stroke my face and call me “Bubbie” or “Princess." You used a stern facade to cover the tender and emotional part of you. I'll miss that. Our relationship went through many convolutions before ending at the door to our love. Remember resenting me when you had to check on me every hour? Or our stolen hugs and kisses on the elevator while we kept our burgeoning romance a secret? Or the late nights when we’d stay up late laughing or talking? You always had and will have all my heart, my trust, my love. I feel desperation when I think of being without you. But some of the depression goes away when I realize I don’t have to replace you. I couldn’t if I tried. I need to remind myself how lucky I was to have had all you gave me for any length of time at all. You filled my soul with the love and happiness and comfort and belonging that I needed to push out the emptiness and confusion and sorrow and pain that previously resided there clouding my vision, making me feel unlovable and my life not worth living. You made that big of a difference. Your love lifted me because it was immediate, tactile and soothing. Jason, I will always love and miss you. God gifted me with your love and you'll live in my heart forever. Love Ramona Ramona, we will step in for Jason. I know that we can't be Jason but we can try real hard at it. We can never replace him for you. I promise Jason that we will take care of you making sure you are safe. I know it is hard, but think for a moment what hard really is. Hard is not being able to see him again, hard is not knowing where he went upon his death. Hard is not knowing if he suffered at the time of his death. Hard is doing this all alone. You see there is this man who made the hard go away. He turned the hardness into softness as he will cushion you when you fall. You see he cushioned Jason to. He took his loving hands as he did for Jason and he held him as he will hold you some day. He will not only hold you, but he will take you where he took Jason. It is not hard where he took Jason. The roads may be hard because they are made of gold. The mansions he built may be hard in structure but soft in love. This man who loved you so much, as he loved so many, stretched his arms out as he lay on the cross and said, “I am doing this because I love you Jason. I am allowing these people to crucify me so you and your wife Ramona can live happily when the time comes.” Ramona any guesses who this man is? I know you know the answer, nothing is hard here on earth compared to what your friend Jesus did so the two of you can live forever. Just be patient and when it is time, Jesus will be there to greet you and I am quite sure Jason will be there as well assigning you a bed in Heaven as Jason did at the shelter. -COSAC Staff
To a friend and family member: I will miss you very much. We at COSAC are all family members. The 4 years I’ve known Jason, we have never had a harsh word with each other. We worked together trying to help to show people a better way. He is in God’s hands now. What a great place to be. See you on the other side my friend. Love Always, Joe Reed
Jason was a good friend. I worked around him for about 3 years. His job was at the center of operation and Jason was often the first person a client saw and sometimes the last. The judgment and intelligence that Jason brought to his work, along with a sense of humor made him someone that will be missed a great deal. James Sawyer Jason, what can I really say about you that we don't already know? I know at times I yelled at you when you made a mistake but that was because I wanted you to be me. I wanted you to know how to make decisions like I would. As you know I almost died last year with Meningitis and the shelter had to continue. There are times I thought that it could happen again to me and that all staff should do and think like me. I live by the golden rule, "the coach always picked on the one he liked the best" and Jason I was that Coach to you. I know in my heart that you really loved me, and Jason we all loved you. You saved me so much time when I had to do research, you got me the info I needed and then you knew all about the research. To this day I can’t figure out how you were so smart, every time I was doing a project you knew in depth about the pros and cons. You were as open minded as me and weighted things that were good and bad. Jason I was very happy when you met Ramona because I knew it was good for the both of you. I remember you breaking the news to me that I was not going to marry you and Ramona that you thought your dad should do it and we all said good call. Then I said cant we have two weddings one with your family and one here. Jason do you know why I said that? It was because I was so proud of you and I wanted to take part in that special day by bonding you two together. Jason you know my life is full of stress, so I need you to keep an eye on me. I loved you with all my heart and I have enjoyed you immensely. You were open about everything like most people should be, we all have a lot to learn off of others and I have learned from you. Do me a favor, Say Hello to Mary, Pete, and the rest of the gang. I never thought it was going to be me working on you trying to save your life, I thought it was going to be you working on me. I was confident you were the man- as they say on West Wing- that was able to do emergency medical techniques. I felt confident if something happened to me that you were able to do it without delay. I love you Jason Andrews, I love you. Sean Cononie
I am one of the many friends Jason had here at the shelter. For 2 months I was confined to a hospital, when I came home I couldn't work the road any longer so Sean started my training as front desk manager. I was lucky enough to have Jason as my trainer. I knew nothing... he knew everything; kindness, patience, and understanding. When I came home from the war I prayed I would never see another friend pass so I made no friends except one very close one, Jason. I will see you again Jason. God bless, Greg SHOP ONLINE AT THE HOMELESS VOICE INTERNET MALL go to www.homelessvoicemall.com
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Volume 6, Issue 6
JASON ANDREWS Dear Jason, How are we going to manage without you? You were the best we ever had. Actually you were the best at whatever you did, not just running the desk and all the duties that went with it. You were our top First Responder. I never worried a minute if you were around. If I think real hard, I could probably come up with a name or two of someone who was as cool and as calm as you, but for right now I have to give that honor to you. You never had a bad word to say about anyone and were always right there to help anyone in need. You put in unbelievable hours when needed or covered anyone’s shift for them if they were sick. So many times you were one step ahead of Sean when he would say to check on someone. You already had and were ready with the report. You were as faithful as they come when it came to the foundation. Of course you broke all the rules when it came to giving people a couple of dollars out of your own pocket! Ramona had a very safe place under your wing and now that the wing has left us...well life has to carry on the best we can. Just like I said when Petey died, I am stuck here in the office so I don’t have the privilege of seeing the real human and fun side of people, the interactions with each other around here, but there were fun times up here in the office. When you guys get together...well, I won't say anymore. I never had the time to ask you how to research so many of the out of the way things that you came up with, especially "you know what", that really blew my mind. Your last research is sitting on my desk right now; I think I might frame it. You were a very special person, Jason, I will miss you…we all will miss you. Nobody will ever be able to fill your shoes. Its funny, but every now and then I hear someone on the camera that sounds like your voice or look at it and see someone else's figure there but it looks like you. Just in normal conversation your name still slips off our tongues, Sean still goes to call you for something he needs. Speaking of helping him, you impressed me so much with the care you took when you put on gloves to pour his tea. Nobody else in this world would think about keeping things so sanitary “since Sean was sick with meningitis.” It will be a long time before things like this subside, but the memory of you will always be in our hearts. And I won't hear, "Oh no, (as you put up your hand in a stop motion) I can't...my stomach." You are at peace now…be another angel to look over us and intercede for us. We love you, Lois To Jason a friend that was always there; Spreading his self thin, trying to show everyone that he cared. Even with money, words, and deeds, Everyone he tried to please. Understanding he had problems of his own; His patience with others was strong. So as I say good-bye to Jason with all my heart, Only God knows why you had to part. So may the heavenly gates open and let you in, For Jason you were a good person and real friend. Love, Ronald Simmons
This is to Jason: He will be terribly missed. We knew him for a long time and he was lil Lenny’s bud. We would whisper in Lenny’s ear and make him laugh. Jason was our buddy and buddies never forget one another so we will never forget you. We love you Jason. The Pacheco family and especially lil Lenny
Dear sweet Jason, I’ll always remember your smile and the compassion you had for people. Your grin was one that lit up a room and said don’t worry everything will be okay because I’m here to lend an ear and guide you. I know you didn’t know this but I’d watch you from afar and saw the genuine empathy you owned for others. It came across by way of your facial expressions and in your sparkling eyes. I saw how you made people feel because they knew the world stood still during those moments you shared with them. It is such a battle when someone you’ve admired passes on because you know they’ve gone to a better place but your own human selfishness tells you to miss him or her immensely. Cathy Freites Well I only knew Jason for only 1 ½ years which is not very long. He would always be there when you needed him. He was the type of person that would give you the shirt off his back so to speak. He was like a brother to me personally speaking. He always tried to help out no matter who you are he was always there. I mean I can go on and on about Jason. But since I don’t have enough space to do so in a sentence I would say this, “Jason was a wonderful person!” Thanks Jason for all you have done. Your friend, Lysandra Nelson To Jason: Tears we shed we shed tears for you. It is time to say goodbye. The good times and the bad times we had with one another. We didn’t always get along but you were a friend and went to a better place. We’ll miss your smile and your laughter and you joking around with everyone. This is a hard goodbye for me to do my friend because we shared a lot together. We miss you, we love you, you made a difference in our life. It won’t be the same without you. You are now an angel with wings. You earned them so use them well. Love, Kat & John
A I
cross the survey cities it is estimated that single men comprise of 41 percent of the homeless population, families with children 40 percent, single women 14 percent and unaccompanied youth 5 percent.
n Fifty-six percent of the cities, homeless families may have to break up in order to be accommodated in emergency shelters. Miami: Two of the major shelters do not accommodate intact families. The Salvation Army and the Homeless Assistance Center may separate fathers temporarily (in the same facility) pending family room availability.
The Voice of the Homeless
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NATIONAL NEWS
transportation was just not an eight-hour day! In most cases it ing fathers decided to say, “In was well over 20 hours each day, God we trust,” this country was and then only one hour of rest; then built on religious values. then another 20 hours of work Your policy would not allow my bringing the water to your area. brothers and sisters that have Christian faith values to do what These were my homeless people, who not only sell our paper, their Savior has taught them. In but stay at one of our five shelFlorida, there are laws that were ters, who did this passed that your community. state, we have “If you allow one for At one community, the right to carry out our Christian person to share food the homeless took care of your town’s values and according to the with another person people when they book of Matthew that is not homeless, were down and out because of Mother we shall feed the poor. How can then you have dis- Nature. The same town now wishes most of us go to criminated against not to take care of church on Suntheir own people day, worship a the poor.” who are down and homeless man out. Again we are and then on reminded of how could one Monday, turn our backs on anman worship a homeless person other homeless person? Are we on Sunday and ignore one on hypocrites? Have we lost faith in Monday. our own God? I urge you to bring advoIt may be your intention cates to the table. To come up to make sure your community with other ways in has no negative impact and we commend you for that; however, which advocates, individuals, outlawing the public feeding of church groups, and any other group can feed the homeless in homeless people is wrong… your city legally. Sometimes makdead wrong. There are groups of ing policies, as ridiculous as this, people, like us, who stand behind will only create large amounts of our brothers and sisters, and procivil verdicts. We cannot sit here tect them from this misuse of and just let you take food out of government power. There are the mouth of poor people. Did advocates in this country that will you know the largest growing use civil disobedience when citnumber of homeless people are ies misuse power. There are adchildren between the ages of two vocates that will videotape any and four years of age? Do kind of action that is unfair, unyou want to be the one to be constitutional, disrespectful, known for taking food away from and/or unlawful to any person a baby? By coming to the table that is poor or homeless. and asking advocates to feed in a What even sickens me different way, or designating an more than the above is the fact that my homeless population, area where this can be done (where it will not negatively imwho sell the Homeless Voice pact neighborhoods) Newspaper in South Florida, is sometimes better than making raised $18,000 for your commupolicy. I am quite sure that if you nity and your surrounding comasked your local homeless hemunity when you were hit with roes to sit down and work with the hurricanes last year. Not only you, and you designate a differdid they work raising the money ent area where this can be done for your town’s people, they gave in a way that will be conducive to up three more days of additional the morals and goals of the local income by transporting van load community, the homeless can after van load of supplies and still be fed and no policy would water to the West Coast. The need to be developed. On the other hand, if you pass a law that takes away food from the poor, we will do what ever it takes to make sure that this policy becomes unconstitutional. If one person gets sick because of lack of food we will hold your city responsible. If you allow one person to share food with another person that is not homeless, then you have discriminated against the poor. Advocates such as myself will make sure that if at any time we see people that are not poor having food in an area where the homeless cannot eat, we will simply call the police every time and de(Continued from page 1)
WE NEED GIFT
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• OFFICE MAX • HOME DEPOT Call the Shelter @ 954-925-6466
mand action. If you want your police department to be a Maitre D' then so be it. If you think my statements are ridiculous look at your own. I am hearing that the homeless people's rights are being violated. Because of modern technology, the days of police harassment towards the homeless are gone. If your city uses such techniques, we will do everything in our power by videotaping these actions. Most people say in today's times, advocates should not write letters like this, and they are correct; however, when city politicians try to make policies like this, you cannot expect us advocates to sit back and beg so our people can eat. I do not know the attitude of your local homeless heroes that are advocates. I do not know how strong they feel about a law all such as this. We do not give the government money, just a service; so we do not hold back in our advocacy campaigns. Our job is to speak up what others cannot because of funding streams. I beg of you to solve this problem without making policies like this. Many cities have corrected problems by asking advocates to come to the table and come up with a valid plan that will not negatively impact the community. We are homeowners too, and we certainly understand your concerns; however being on both sides creates a productive and caring America. I have been one of these people who helps city governments come up with plans so that legal action can not follow. In the case of Abbott versus the City of Fort Lauderdale, the judge gave Mr. Abbott the right, his religious right to feed the poor. Sincerely, Sean Cononie Homeless Advocate
Y
ou've seen the signs that say don't feed the alligators, but in Fort Myers you may see one saying don't feed the homeless. After receiving numerous complaints, Fort Myers Mayor Jim Humphrey is drafting an ordinance to limit homeless dinners served in city parks. Christopher Peterson works at Centennial Park every day. "It's a public park, a lot of kids here," said Peterson. Kids aren't the only ones at the
park. "A lot of transients come down here," said Peterson. He says most of them mean well, but some drink or use drugs. "Drinking in public, drug using," said Peterson. Every Monday at the pavilion, there is a church service and dinner is served to the poor. It's organized by Joan Murphy. "We simply come down to give homeless and those in dire straits a good meal," said Murphy. Where do they go after the dinner? "The homeless stay there and then disappear into neighborhoods. A lot of them have emotional challenges so you can understand it will scare families," said Fort Myers Mayor Jim Humphrey. Mayor Humphrey is drafting an ordinance which would put a stop to the weekly dinners at all city parks. "Have a limited amount of times you can have services in park," said Humphrey. Under the draft, the services would be allowed only once a year. Murphy and others are outraged. "People are hungry 365 days a year," said Murphy. The debate has started and the battle lines are drawn. "We need to find an alternative approach," said Humphrey. "I think it's a very unkind thing to do, to turn people away from a public park which is supposed to be for the public's use," said Murphy. Mayor Humphrey hopes to present the ordinance to the city council in May or April. -NBC2 News
SHOP ONLINE AT THE HOMELESS VOICE INTERNET MALL go to www.homelessvoicemall.com
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Volume 6, Issue 6
NATIONAL NEWS Greensboro, NC
H
e's a house painter by ple sleeping outside clearly surtrade, his clothes spat- prised even those who have daily tered from the day's contact with the homeless. Tepedino, for instance, work. When volunteers doing the annual homeless count ap- led volunteers from one overpass proached him a few feet from the to another, each showing signs railroad tracks last week, he was that people were living on the just getting home. That is, if you ledges up the steep embankcan call the underside of an aban- ments. Next to sleeping bags and doned loading dock, enclosed in old mattresses perched precariously under the surfaces of the cardboard, "home." He didn't want his name bridges, household goods were in the paper, let alone his picture. lined up. On a steel girder with a Maybe, he suggested, we could decal that says “One Nation Under God” were cans ask the man who “'I’m gonna survive.’ stays in the next That’s what that said to of beans, shaving supplies and bottles space over from me. 'I’m going to bed, of drinking water him. “ H e ’ s and then I’m gonna get — these likely to working on that up and go to work.’ But be frozen solid by hotel or what- when they come home, the weekend. A c r o s s ever they’re there’s no warm dinner, no hot shower, no town behind a building downtown,” t h e crashing out in front of warehouse, the officer showed the cenpainter said, rethe TV,” Forrest said. sus-takers a cargo ferring to the new condos next to Blumen- container full of carpet padding that is sleeping quarters for a thal’s. “He gets off work later,” group of workmen — apparently Spanish-speaking, judging from he said. It was a day for seeing the graffiti scrawled inside in what some call the “unseen” Magic Marker. “I work with the homehomeless. They’re not the people holding signs at intersections, less every day, and I thought I claiming to be stranded or pledg- knew,” said Michele Forrest, a Grace Community Church deaing to “work for food.” No, these are people who con active in the coalition. “But the sheer amount of are already working— day labor, construction, fast food— al- the camps, the tremendous volthough not making enough to ume of it — people don’t have a clue how big this is.” afford a roof over their heads. One of those people was “They get off work, get dinner at McDonald’s or wher- Mayor Keith Holliday himself, ever they can, and they’re in bed who rode along on the first leg of by 10 o’clock. Then they’re up Tepedino’s tour. Though City early and back to work,” said Council members are invited Greensboro Police Officer Tim each year to ride along on the Tepedino, who has worked the tour, organizers said Holliday is city’s central district for seven the first and only member of the council to accept. years. Beginning at a railroad “They don’t cause problems,” Tepedino said. “Most peo- right of way that happened to run ple don’t even know they’re directly behind the offices of Mayor Pro Tem Yvonne Johnhere.” On Wednesday, Teped- son, Holliday remarked to a TV ino guided one of a half-dozen reporter that this land would soon volunteer teams that blanketed be part of the newly unveiled city the city for the yearly “Point-in- “greenway.” But as Holliday deTime” homeless count, a snapshot census to help members of scended toward the railroad bed, the county’s Homeless Preven- the unmistakable sights, and tion Coalition assess the problem. odors, of human habitation made Though the numbers it clear that for the current occuwon’t be tallied until Tuesday, pants, this was far from recreathe widespread evidence of peo- tional “green space.”
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Things We Need •
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Batteries all sizes
Solar panel for our solar system
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Envelopes big yellow ones and regular white ones for mail; all sizes
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Coffee Garbage bags
Medical bandages
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Medical tape
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Tampons
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Paper towels
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Lunch bags Silverware
Plastic drinking cups
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Dinner plates
Pens
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150 gallons of white or yellow outdoor paint
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TV’s
Bug bombs and roach motels
Toilet paper
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'out of sight, out of mind.’ I mean, all the City Council members were invited to come today. You see how many are here.” But even for outreach workers who regularly visit homeless people where they stay, Wednesday’s wider view of the problem was hard to process. At one cardboard home directly under a heavily traveled downtown bridge, Tepedino’s group found a multi chambered layout — a kitchen, living room and sleep quarters. Though the occupants weren’t home, Forrest, the Grace Community deacon, said she got their message. “'I’m gonna survive.’ That’s what that said to me. 'I’m going to bed, and then I’m gonna get up and go to work.’ But when they come home, there’s no warm dinner, no hot shower, no crashing out in front of the TV,” Forrest said. “We say, 'Blessed are the poor.’ I’m finally beginning to understand that.” By Staff Writer, Greensboro News & Record
Sean, add anything you want!!!
Ketchup and mustard
Bottles of alcohol and peroxide
Copy paper
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Band aids regular types
“I’d always heard about these places. But to do this in January?” Holliday said. “It almost makes me mad. To have the resources, the wealth that we have in this city — it’s literally ridiculous to have people living on the street.” Overhead at the top of the steep incline, where a cluster of about five adults had evidently set up camp, Tepedino startled one man who was asleep in the otherwise empty quarters. After making sure the man was all right, the officer left him alone. Unless the homeless are disorderly, or the subject of a trespassing complaint, the community resource officer said he leaves them alone. Though police do try to persuade people to seek shelter from the cold, some don’t meet local shelters’ admission rules — either because they have already used their allotted stay, owe the shelters money, are under 21 or are mentally ill. At times, Tepedino said, the shelter of last resort is a “24hour commitment,” which entails no criminal charge, only a night in jail. “If it’s cold enough and they have no place to go,” Tepedino said, “they’re actually happy that you’re taking them to jail.” At this, the mayor shook his head. “If you’re taking them to jail, with the money that costs, there’s got to be a better solution. This has got to stop,” said Holliday, who conceded that homelessness was not a popular cause for politicians. “It’s not cutting ribbons and kissing babies. Things like this make us feel helpless. It’s
BLEACH Flashlights
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Generator Extension cords
Emergency exit light
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Paint sealer Tylenol Aspirin Cough syrup
Throat and flu medicine
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Zantacs or Tums Candy by the box
Lays potato chips; individual bags
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Soda
Folding chairs; metal
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Light bulbs Plungers for toilets
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Lysol
Combat/Raid bombs
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Bug Spray Roach Hotels
The Voice of the Homeless
Page 10
HEALTH
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e usually think of bone as being lifeless and set. However, bone is living, breathing tissue. Our bones are constantly being torn down and built back up. Calcium is an extremely important nutrient, which is necessary for bone rebuilding to take place. Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break. If not prevented or if left untreated, osteoporosis can progress painlessly until a bone breaks. These broken bones, also known as fractures, occur typically in the hip, spine, and wrist. Any bone can be affected, but of special concern are fractures of the hip and spine. A hip fracture almost always requires hospitalization and major surgery. It can impair a person's ability to walk unassisted and may cause prolonged or permanent disability or even death. Spinal or vertebral fractures also have serious consequences, including loss of height, severe back pain, and deformity. Millions of Americans are at risk. While women are four times more likely than men are to develop the disease, men also suffer from osteoporosis. Calcium is the main nutrient when it comes to bone regrowth. Studies show that calcium is a nutrient that many people under-consume. The DRI for Calcium is as follows: DRI (RDA): 0-6 months: 300mg 6-12 months: 500mg 1-10 years: 600mg - 800mg 11-18 years: 800mg - 1000mg 18 years +: 800mg - 1500mg If you are pregnant / lactating, add 400mg to the above value. Good sources of calcium include low fat dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, cheese and ice cream; dark green, leafy vegetables, such as broccoli, collard greens, and spinach; sardines and salmon; tofu; almonds; and foods fortified with calcium, such as orange juice, cereals and breads.
We may need you to pull over and make a donation
Donate Online or Send check or money order to: P.O. Box 292577 Davie, Fl 33329
Cities are Changing and want us off the street So please do not get mad at our vendors if you are holding up money and they do not come to your car. • I know this will be a big pain • We can only do medians for now • We are going to court
Looking for Volunteers Call the Homeless Voice 954-410-6275
elieve it or not some people are homeless because of weight. Some are so heavy that it is impossible for them to move in a productive way. Then of course there are other side effects that will not allow a person to gain employment: seats, desk, office space, even emergency evacuation takes a part in denying people jobs. Emergency evacuation, what’s that? The boss man says to himself, “If I hire this person and there is an emergency in the building will they be able to get out in time? If there was a fire could they make it down the stairs?" No company wants liability. So now you know not only drugs, mental health conditions, medical conditions, but excess weight called obesity can keep a person from having a self sufficient life which leads to homelessness. How to lose weight (and keep it off) Everyone today is trying some new version of a crash diet in the hopes of this one being different than the thousands of diets already out there that don’t work. However, we all know that this one won’t work either. There is no way to lose weight and keep it off other than a lifestyle change. You have to change your eating habits, not just what you eat for a month or two. I am going to tell you how to do this. An important aspect of weight loss is total calories. In order to lose weight, your intake of calories has to be less than your output (the amount of calories you use everyday). The amount of calories that are used just for keeping us alive is called the basal metabolic rate (BMR). The actual amount differs for each person, but is generally between 12-18 calories per pound. (http://health.discovery.com/tools/calculators/basal/basal.htm l is a place where you can find a more accurate basal metabolic calculator). After figuring out your BMR, you need to figure out any activities that you do and add them to your BMR. After adding everything up, eat about 300-400 calories less per day, and this should lead to a weight loss of about 1 pound/week. Another important thing to look at when making food choices is what exactly is in the foods that you are eating. There is a difference between eating a ½ cup of sugar, and a ½ cup of pasta, even though both will give you the same amount of calories. In your body, in order to be able to absorb sugar from the bloodstream into your cells, your body releases a compound called insulin. Insulin is necessary for the absorption of sugar into the cells. The more sugar you have, the greater the insulin response. Unfortunately, when there is a lot of insulin present is also when fat gain is most likely. So, try to eat less sugar. Of course, eating healthfully is also extremely important. Limit consumption of saturated fats found in most red meat. Opt instead for lean cuts of meat. Also, make sure you don’t eat so little that you are not getting all of your vitamins and minerals. If this happens, not only would your fat loss be curbed, but it could also lead to some pretty dangerous health conditions. The results you get from changing your eating habits are commensurate with your level of dedication. As long as you put your heart into it and really want to change, you will succeed. Liran BenDor
We Need RV's and boats. They will be used to provide social services during an emergency for COSAC's disaster relief services. 965-920-1277 SHOP ONLINE AT THE HOMELESS VOICE INTERNET MALL go to www.homelessvoicemall.com
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Volume 6, Issue 6
VOICE UPDATE
We are looking for churches and/or other organizations to get involved by feeding our ‘sheep’ two times a month. Call 954-924-3571
Get your yearly subscription for the Homeless Voice. Call 954-410-6275 or fill out form on page 3
W
e need your help with our building fund. 2.) check out page 2 and help with the friends of We are getting closer and closer to reach- the homeless column. ing our goal. How can you help? 3 easy ways to 3.) donate directly to the building fund. help. 1.) get your church or school involved in a penny drive. *Due to Jason’s death. We have prepared this special issue. The
HELP PAY OFF OUR MORTGAGE We need just 36,100 people to send in a check for $20.00, Or 14,440 people to send in a check for $50.00, Or 7,220 people to send in a check for $100.00, Or 722 people to send in a check for $1,000, Or Just one wonderful person or business to send a check for the entire $722,0000.00 Remember the donation is tax deductible!! Please send your checks to:
The COSAC Building Fund P.O. Box 292-577 Davie, Florida 33329 We do thank you
figures below are an approximate amount based on the figures of last year at this time combined with our total deficit. COSAC Staff
Why are we being so careful to try for this year only? ‘Cause my friends, we are running out of room. The Inn is full and has been for the longest time! We need to buy an additional, smaller complex.. SO...once we pay off the current mortgage we can expand. If you are a church you can do one special collection to send in your $1000. If you are a student .. have your school do a penny drive. If you are a big business or small business take up a collection and send in your $1000. We only need those 722 groups of people to do this. I, Sean Cononie, hereby give you permission to do your own fundraising plan to help us pay off this mortgage. Please do not get involved unless you come here and see what you are helping. I am confident that once you see what we do you will, with all your heart, help the people with our shelter. I say the word "our " because this place is not mine, it is the community’s. Thanks
WE’VE MADE A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION COME JOIN US We want to pay off this mortgage this year and as a team we can do it We only need 722 people, organizations and institutions to each send in their 1000.00. We have the ability to pay off this building.
Mail your check to: Cosac Foundation Burn that Mortgage Fund!! P.O. Box 292577 Davie, Florida 33329 Phone: 954-924-3571
To reach the shelter for any of your other needs please call 954-924-3571 Remember you can send checks to us at : P.O. Box 292-577 Davie, Florida 33329
Need a MasterCard and you have no credit? Well, come get your own prepaid MasterCard at the Cosac Banking and Office Center. We have lower fees. Notary service available Check Cashing with ID *2% Fee Call Ginny at 954-923-0441
You will surely be missed. We will always love you. The staff here will not be the same without you.
on page 6 & 7
•Article on page 1 •Letters from friends