Aventura Police Department Aids in Helping the Homeless
I
eighty-eight years old. Just the age t was August 7th, 2007 at 11:30 made things difficult for the officer pm when the Aventura Police but then throw in the language barDepartment’s officer Robert B. rier and it became much Myers responded to more difficult for all the Homeless You could tell those involved. The Voice’s Main Shelthat he had his language barrier was ter located in Hollyact together once much more difficult wood. The reason he regained his than usual because he for him responding strength. spoke Polish which was simple at first means you really have but was later reto have an expert to do the translavealed that there was more than tion. Apparently since it was late in meets the eye. Apparently earlier in the evening the older gent was a the day Myers came in contact with (Continued on page 7) a man who was born in 1919, yes,
Lessons from a Candidate Who Sought to End Poverty
N
early forty years ago in 1968 this country lost a great Ameri-
can, Upton Sinclair, who had a profound impact forwarding social justice in the United States. He first came to national attention with the book, The Jungle, published in 1906 which exposed unsafe practices of the meatpacking industry in Chicago. Not as well known was Upton Sinclair’s effort to be elected as a U.S. Senator and Governor of California. Aventura Police Department sent another police officer to the Homeless Voice to pick Mr. Kay up and return him home safely with his loving family.
As a socialist, he ran for a U.S. Senate seat in California in 1922 and got 50,323 votes. He ran for Governor in 1930 and got 50,480. He described
Cathy’s •
Teen calls beating of transient 'wrong'
In 1934, he switched parties and
Prayer List
The Darlington Family Sharon • Jenna • Brian • Tommy • Hollywood • Joseph • Julie • • Roger’s Family Killingsworth Family • Owens Family • New Destiny International • Christian Center of Tamarac Kerri Fitzpatrick • Maria Rosales • Joe Middleton • Cathy • Frannie • • Carlos Alberto Dominique Francis Family •
To add a name to the list call 954 954--410 410--6275 No monetary donations needed Names will be listed in paper for 6 months
that as progress.
DAYTONA BEACH
became a Democrat. He carried the
J
eremy Woods wishes he had just walked away. Instead, he punched a homeless man, initiating a fight that drew national attention to youth violence against the homeless. The one blow could cost him more than a year in prison. The 17-year-old pleaded no contest Wednesday to beating John D'Amico and will be sentenced next month. The plea did not come with an agreement on sentencing, but the prosecutor is recommending that Woods be sentenced as a youthful offender to 15 months in prison followed by 47 months of probation. Woods was the last of three youths to face charges for the March 27 attack on D'Amico. The case made headlines because two 10-year-olds, Drew and Jordan, are the youngest to be charged with beating a homeless person. "What I did was wrong," Woods told the Orlando Sentinel last week while in the Volusia County Branch Jail awaiting his court date. "I just want to go home," he said in his first
Democratic primary with 436,000 votes, and winning by a margin of some 25,000 votes. In the general election, Sinclair received twice the number of votes of (Continued on page 8)
"What I did was wrong," Woods told the Orlando Sentinel last week
Red Light Relaxation
A
s any South Florida driver has experi-
enced, red lights can be a media interview. Drew and Jordan each were sentenced to spend time in a juveniledetention facility. Drew made a deal with prosecutors and will spend at least six months incarcerated. Jordan might be in state custody until 2018. The Sentinel is not publishing the boys' last names because of their ages. Woods said if he could go back (Continued on page 6)
source of irritation and upset. Traffic flows, or in some cases, fails to flow from one area to another, carrying along motorists who become progressively more distressed with every block.
By using a technique
called “Red Light Relaxation”, those interested can not only decrease their driving stress, but carry that peace after they exit the car. Not just for drivers, this style of relaxation breathing helps others in the car as well.
How’s My Vending? Call (954)
925-6466 X101
When you reach a red light, or the yellow that has “suddenly” turned red before you get through it, inhale (Continued on page 4)
The Voice of the Homeless
Page 2
FRIENDS OF THE HOMELESS VOICE Mail check to: COSAC Foundation P.O. Box 292-577
For just $15.00 a month you can keep a homeless family off the streets for a day.
Davie, FL 33329 Please include on memo what name should appear in paper.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
The Cononie Family The Targett Family Patrick Helings John Bendor In Loving Memory of Uncle Joe & Nana Shannon Brooks Lisa Cebrat Pakita Price The Watsons Sean Cononie Sally Lister Judith Kelly Martha Roman The Baptista Family John Criasia Daniel Harrison The Martinez Family Amanda Reynolds Dolores R. Cerra Bob Hall Tressie W. Osborne Clark Rogers The Savir Family Corinne James Chris Sanchez Hugo DeCarpintini Mario Yuio Richard Friedman Diane Friedman Uylna Quadrino Arnold Reemer In Loving Memory of Peter Sullivan Maryann Springer Elaine Snaith Marshal Bugin Keith Yude Bruce Wethersoon Isabelle J. Henry Raul Cardenas M.D. Wendy Bryan Jacqueline McCarty Albert J Taragowski Darla King Paula King Richard Gomez Anthony Ralph Jennifer Hicky Timothy Lukehard Thomas Rua Justin Rowan Mary Green Morris Grazi Marvin Shatze Ronald Shafer Vance Gunn Adam Staler Allen Yancy Jimmy Daniels Mel Blount Carol Lockette Anna Marye Levier Magan Narduzzi Andre Johnson Antione Collins Eric Harrison Jessica Padilla Sheldon Jones Carlo Harrison Jason Emrik Dan Gilcert Amber Rowan
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Jackie Johnson Ricky Cambell Dorr’e Terry Samual Manery Marilyn Vokish Jenny Curic Amy Curic Lisa Jackson Jim Johnson Bobby Neal Erica Fulton Darren Nolf Erica Sanclair Steve Dillan Dallan Michele King Bobby Ore Casandra Thomas Tara Hunter Mark Faber Nichole Faber Kevin Britt The Cable Family The Maione Family Barbara Strong Grace Marth Regla J Ferrer The Baldwin Family 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 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 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 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 Kevin Jones Dorothy Griffith Family In Loving Memory of Kris Soltan Kevin “KJ” Jones Douglas Boucher The Swartout's Ivonne Fernandez The Verny & Stewart Families In Loving Memory of Frances Klein The Herrmann Family John C. Burt Albert Taragowski Renato & Malika Vasconez In Memory of C.T.R. Adriana Fernandez Andrea Brown The Kunicki Family
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Thank you so much, Sean & Lois, for all your help. –Joan Futscher & Kids McAvoy Family The Geise Family Richard & Margaret Martin Kenny Angela Adriana N. Quila Elizabeth P. Sublett Barbara N Robinson Mark E. Johnson Adrienne and Mike Julio A. Izquierdo Ann M. Hamilton Nicole Lee Nelson Anthony Rhodes Susan P Brady Christine M Wilson K.J. Williams Renato and Malika Vasconez Christine McAuliffe In Memory of Chief George J. Hodges Real Breakthrough Solutions Hartford Property Connection, Inc. In Loving Memory of Donald Fraser In Loving Memory of Rex Lichtenberger In Loving Memory of Jose A. Estruch, Jr. Ronald & Cathy Walker Ms. Evelyn Salerno Nicole Lee Nelson Al & Barbara Liebmann In Loving Memory of Isabel Grimany Dr Mary Michaela Farren In Memory of My Good Friend Pat Gibson Fred T Verny JR Nicole Lee Nelson C.R. Gallagher Jonathan Burger In Memory of Dan Holland Sheila Holder Merav & Ezra Alexander In Memory of Maxima Oakland Park Elks Lodge # 2407 J. Coffee In Memory of Stanley Smolen In Memory of Martin Grey God Bless Florence Menard Sebastian Parks Kellie Jones Jesus Diaz Virginia H. Bailey Naomi Ross In Loving Memory of My Daughter Melissa Lurz In Loving Memory of Charles G. Youngman YOUR NAME HERE
In Loving Memory of Shirley Coulson
Page 3
Volume IX, Issue 8
HATE CRIMES ISSUE The below represents an estimate of an un-audited glance until final figures are calculated. Program Services, includes donations w e give to our international programs such as the orphanages in Haiti as w ell as 14 different homeless social service agencies such as our shelter system. How do w e do it? Most of the top staff are full time volunteers and w e only have a very s mall paid staff. The paid staff gets below the normal salaries in the w orld of not for profits. We had a mission to do and w e did it and w ill continue to do it living by the rules of the founding fathers.
Do you own a car that may be costing you lots of money on repairs? Can the cost of your car repairs keep you from driving your car to work and can that problem lead you to unemployment? Here at the Homeless Voice we believe that it is vitally important to buy extended car warrantees to protect your assets and to keep your repair cost to nothing once you pay your cost of the warrantee. Buy the same warrantee as we buy for our vans and help keep your repairs cost down to zero dollars and in most cases it does not matter how old or how many miles you have on your car. By us buying these warrantees we were able to keep our vans “in- service” longer and keep repair costs to zero dollars. We invested the money the supporters donated to us therefore having a nice fleet of shelter vehicles costing us way less to maintain. We use to keep them long periods and pay the repair costs but now we cost control the repairs by pre paying keeping our cost down to zero dollars. From bumper to bumper to only major repairs you pick the plan you want. Call "CRS”, "Cosac Referral Service" at 954-924-3571 and ask for extension 350 and we will direct you to a well known company where you can call them. For every warrantee that is purchased the warrantee company will donate $50.00 to the Homeless!
LE T T E R S T O T H E E D IT O R S EN D T O:
P.O. BOX 2 9 2-57 7 DAVIE , F LO RIDA 3 3 32 9 FAX TO : 9 5 4-9 2 6 -2 0 2 2 E M A IL : in fo @h om e le ssv o ic e .o rg
H OM E LESS
V O IC E
M a il to : H om e les s V oi c e PO B ox 2 92 5 7 7 D a v ie , F l 33 32 9
C u t t he c e rt i fic a te a n d se n d it w ith a c h ec k o r m o n e y o rd e r f or $50 $24 N AME
A DD R E S S
AL L D ON A TIO N R E QU ES TS IN TH E H OM EL ESS VOI CE F OR AN Y CH AR IT Y AR E AD V ER TIS ED IN CON J UN C TION W I TH TH IS W OR D IN G A CO P Y OF TH E O F FI CI A L R EG IS TR A TION AN D FIN AN CI A L IN F O R M ATION M A Y B E OB T AIN ED FR O M TH E D IV ISI ON O F C ON S UM ER SER VI CES B Y CA L LIN G TO LL - FR EE IN TH E S TA T E 1 -8 00 -43 5-7 35 2 R E GIS TR AT ION D OES N O T IM P L Y EN D OR S EM EN T, A P PR OV A L, OR R ECOM M EN D ATION B Y TH E S T A TE TH AN K YO U F OR HE L PIN G TH E H OM EL ESS C o st of pape r $.25
To re ach us c all
24 Is sues
9 54 -92 5 -6 46 6
HOM EL ES S H OT LIN E F OR P LA C EM EN T
9 54 -4 91 -BED S
Business Directory
G o To
O n o u r h o m e p a g e , c l ic k o n sp o n s o rs , t h e n g o to a ff ili a te s .
Call for AD Space 954-920-1277
Need flyers passed out or other temp labor?
Call 954-920-1277 Call our contractor referral line. Call us and we will get you the person to do the job much less!
WHY CALL A DAY-LABOR COMPANY AND SPEND LARGE AMOUNTS OF MONEY?
The Voice of the Homeless
Page 4
HOMELESS VOICE
ADVANTAGE COMMUNICATIONS, INC. • • •
ACI supports the Homeless Voice and the Cosac Foundation in raising awareness and providing solutions to homelessness in our neighborhoods. ACI knows that lending aid to human beings in need is good for our souls, our communities and is simply the right thing to do. ACI would like to thank all people who are actively engaged in helping humanity here on the blue planet. God bless the Cosac Foundation Commercial, Industrial, & Government 2-way Radio www.advantage-com.com
Mark Lavallee, President 954-961-2642
Excellence in Radio
Information for Parents about Pre-teen Vaccines 1. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) 2. Meningococcal Disease (a common form of meningitis) 3. Pertussis (Whooping Cough) 4. Hepatitis B 5. Mumps, Measles, and Rubella 6. Polio 7. Varicella
A
s kids get older, protection provided by some childhood vaccines can begin to wear off. Kids can also develop risks for more diseases as they get older. Help your child transition into adolescence in a healthy way by staying up-to-date on pre-teen vaccines. Doctors recommend that all 11 and 12 year olds get the Tdap and Meningococcal vaccines. 11 and 12 year old girls should also get the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Recommended Vaccines and the Diseases they Prevent 1. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Disease: HPV is a common virus. HPV is most common in people in their teens and early 20s. It is the major cause of cervical cancer in women. Vaccine: HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most commonly cause cervical cancer and genital warts. This vaccine is recommended for 11 and 12 year old girls. Ideally girls should get 3 doses of this vaccine before their
4.
5.
2.
first sexual contact when they could be exposed to HPV. If your teenage daughter missed getting the vaccine when she was 11 or 12, ask her doctor about getting it now. Meningococcal Disease (a common cause of meningitis) Disease: Meningococcal meningitis is a very serious infection of the lining around the brain and spinal cord. It can cause death. Meningococcal bloodstream infection can cause loss of an arm or leg and even death. Vaccine: Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) protects against these infections. Pre-teens should
Red Light Relaxation (Continued from page 1)
too hyperactive, or as a way to stave off
deeply through your nose, holding for just
the “When do we get there?” question. It
a second. Exhale the breath slowly and
also buys time for parents to arrive at
completely (nose breathing), before you
the needed bathroom stop, or put off
attempt another breath. You may get in
requests to hit the drive through.
3.
receive a single shot of this vaccine during their 11 or 12 year old check -up. If your teenager missed getting the vaccine at his/her check-up, ask the doctor about getting it now. Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Disease: Whooping cough is highly contagious with prolonged cough. If it is transmitted to infants, it may be life-threatening. Vaccine: Tetanus-diphtheriaacellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap) is an improvement to the old Td booster because it adds protection from whooping cough while still maintaining protection from tetanus and diphtheria . Pre-teens should
6.
7.
receive a single shot of Tdap at their 11 or 12 year old check-up. Check with your child's doctor to make sure your child isn't missing any doses of these childhood vaccines: Hepatitis B Disease: Can cause lifelong infection, liver damage, liver failure, cancer and death. Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Disease: Historically these are among the most serious vaccinepreventable diseases. Polio Disease: Highly contagious; it causes flu-like symptoms, but can also cause paralysis and death. Varicella (Chickenpox) Disease: Highly contagious; it causes rash, itching, fever and tiredness. It can lead to severe skin infections, scars, pneumonia, brain damage, and death.
Advertise your business name on the back of the Homeless Voice T-Shirt. Let millions of people see your advertisement daily! 954-924-3571.. Ask for Ginny from one topic to another. Add the need
anything you force. Likewise, individuals
to stop for a drink, bathroom, or that
who have health problems affecting their
people, regardless of age or health
annoying
teenager
breathing pattern should take the time to
three or four breaths depending on the
Breathing awareness helps focus all
length of each light, and your concentration.
ring
tone
your
condition. Radios and music players can
downloaded to your cell, and you have
become aware of their breathing before
The goal is to take a deep enough
be on or off, because the focus gradually
the makings of a highway nervous break-
changing the pattern. Ask yourself how
breath in and out without hyperventilat-
becomes more pointed to the breath. In
down.
much you’re holding your breath, and
ing. This breathing technique should not
other words, given time and practice, you
Breathing gradually shortens, oxygen
make you feel anxious or dizzy, so moni-
won’t notice that the radio is playing the
levels fluctuate, and the brain and other
pattern.
tor how you are feeling. Individuals who
same song for the eleventh time.
organs begin nagging like an unhappy
sema, asthma, and heart disorders
then resume breathing in your normal Health concerns like emphy-
are angry or irritated may not notice a
Parents may find that their children
mother-in-law. However, if you take an
(among others) can change your breath-
positive response after a few breaths,
take to the exercise much quicker than
unavoidable occurrence (like a red light),
ing pattern, so discuss any new “exercise”
and this is normal. The exercise is meant
they will, and kids may be the one to
and use it much like an alarm clock, you
with your doctor and get feedback.
to be done at each and every red light,
suggest it.
can break out of the body pattern keep-
not just the occasional one, but that may
WHY IT WORKS
be how some of us begin working it into
When stressed, individuals unintention-
our driving day.
ally hold their breath, or breathe more
We may not always get our “right of way” in traffic or anywhere else, but
ing you in stress mode. BE AWARE
there’s no sense in holding our breath
Again, remember not to breathe too
until we turn blue.
WORKS FOR KIDS, TOO
shallowly. Even if you are the only per-
deeply or too fast.
One or two well
Cheryl Ellis
Stressed out parents can incorporate
son in the car, your mind is running with a
taken breaths among the others you take
Homeless Voice Reporter
this exercise into a trip that has gotten
constant stream of thoughts that bounce
sitting at that light will be better than
Advantage Communications, Inc. is a proud supporter of The Cosac Foundation "Excellence in Radio"
Page 5
Volume IX, Issue 8
HOMELESS VOICE Gay Youth at High Risk for Homelessness
“Y
ou’re going to be straight or households. Also, there is still taunting you’re not going to live here and violence in many schools, and cyber anymore.” -bullying has become popular. Too many lesbian, gay, bisexOnce LGBT youth enter the ual, transgender, or questioning subculture of homelessness, they often (LGBTQ) youth who have been couraencounter homophobia from their geous or hopeful enough to share their straight peers (who think they can feel confusion or conviction with a parent better about their plight if they can make have heard this ultimatum. Sometimes someone else feel worse), and in the they’re not even institutions purporting given this “choice”: to help the homeless. In the past few They’re put out of According to reporter years, shelters the house and disDeb Price, writing in owned; thrown away. The Detroit News specifically for gay Others receive such (1/22/07): “So much youth have been verbal or physical hostility and violence created in cities abuse that they run is directed at gay teens away. in foster care, homeless such as Detroit, Although shelters or correctional Boston, Denver, LGBT people may facilities that many and New York. comprise 10% of the conclude they’re safer general population, living on a sidewalk.” the National Gay and Lesbian Task Homeless gay teens are not Force and the National Coalition for the only shunned, insulted, and misunderHomeless report that of the governmentstood; they are at higher risk for illness, estimated 1.6 million homeless youth, as disease, and violence. Circumstances many as 42% of them may be gay. And make them more likely participants in the abuse and alienation in the home “survival sex”, trading sex for something doesn’t end when they hit the street. to eat or a place to stay. And writer Recent Gallup polls show acRamone Johnson reports: “According to ceptance of homosexuality has risen the National Runaway Switchboard, the from 38% in 1992 to 54% in 2006, but likelihood of being a victim of crime that positive outlook can be problematic increases sevenfold just by virtue of for young people. In the past, GLBT identifying as GLBT.” (http://gay youth wouldn’t have considered coming life.about.com) out to their parents until they were at Help for Gay Youth least living on their own. In today’s In the past few years, shelters more open climate, however, with more specifically for gay youth have been supportive adults available, gay role created in cities such as Detroit, Boston, models in the media and an increasing Denver, and New York. Although no number of Gay-Straight Alliances in the such shelter currently exists in South schools, gay teens are feeling better Florida, a social service agency has been created to address the needs of gay peoabout themselves and thus coming out ple. Sunshine Social Services, Inc., betearlier. Unfortunately, some parents still ter known as “SunServe”, uses the word feel stigmatized by having a gay child, “gay” to mean “all those who selfespecially in rural and conservative
identify as other than heterosexual.” SunServe is located on the grounds of Sunshine Cathedral at 1480 SW 9th Avenue in Ft. Lauderdale. The organization began with the incorporation of a senior daycare center in 2002 and expanded to address the problems of gays of all ages in 2003. In 2005, SunServe received a grant from the county for K.I.T. (Kids in Transition), a youth development program which targets youth who are homeless or at risk at least in part because of sexual orientation or gender identity. SunServe also has a contract with the Children’s Services Council to provide sensitivity training on LGBTQ issues for personnel at all county agencies and direct client services to families and youth. And it is a state licensed Continuing Education provider for professional certification. SunServe therapists have worked with staff at Children’s Home Society, Child Net (which handles all foster care), and Covenant House, as well as the therapists and family counselors for Broward Public Schools. The executive director of SunServe is Mark Adler, who was recruited away from Planned Parenthood at SunServe’s inception. He oversees a collective 42 therapists who have offered their expertise toward SunServe’s goal to “meet the unique needs of South Florida’s gay community through collaborative partnerships with individuals and agencies from the Keys to Jupiter.” In providing services to LGBTQ youth, Adler says the most dif-
ficult part of aiding youth is finding them in the first place. Even at the Broward Gay and Lesbian Youth Group, which meets every Thursday at 7pm at the Gay and Lesbian Community Center (GLCC), 1717 N. Andrews Avenue, teens only reluctantly admit to “couch surfing” or other forms of homelessness. Some teens find Covenant House, but don’t stay long because they “don’t feel safe.” The Thursday night teen support group welcomes all LGBTQ teens, and the adult sponsor there can provide individual assistance. Homeless or at risk GLBT youth can contact the SunServe switchboard at (954) 764-5150. If the problem is urgent, a youth or family in crisis can contact Mark Adler directly on his mobile phone: (954) 254-2267. Not everyone at an agency or institution is able or willing to address GLTB issues or make referrals. Training and outreach is meant to change staff behaviors, not attitudes; often, homophobic beliefs direct negative actions, or no action at all. The problem of homelessness among gay youth can be alleviated by savvy and caring individuals and agencies, but it will never be solved until this society embraces diversity and becomes willing and able to love and care for all our children. MH Poulson Homeless Voice Reporter
Factors of being pregnant and homeless without health care
S
ince the early 1980s, women have been one of the most rapidly growing segments of the homeless population in the US. According to an article in Perspectives on Sexual Reproductive Health, “at any given time 1/5 of homeless women are pregnant at a rate twice that of all U.S. women of reproductive age and higher than that of low-income women who are not homeless.” This indicates the need for free prenatal care. Factors that need to be met to assist are prenatal care, contraceptive methods education, and disease prevention by testing homeless women frequently. First of all, prenatal care is fundamental to the health of the unborn baby. Currently, homeless women tend to have low birth weight babies at higher rates than other women. Therefore, this is an issue that needs to be addressed to give these children a better chance at a better life. Infants of homeless mothers need special care immediately after birth four times as often as other children. The
barriers to seeking care can include not having a place to keep medication, transportation, or lack of education in where service is free. On the other hand, women who want to use contraceptives need better access with education. Interestingly, women living in shelters were more likely than those living outdoors to report that not knowing which method to use, side effects, health risks, etc. Some research concludes that women living outdoors are more resilient and learn out of necessity. These outdoor women tend to want to know what methods are available as contraceptives and the risks associated. More instruction should be given to these women to prepare them to make wise decisions for themselves and their families. After all, research shows that 12% of homeless children are placed in foster care, which is a predictor of adult homelessness. Therefore, more education will prepare homeless women before and after pregnancy. Unfortunately, “70% of homeless
Publix To Give Away Free Antibiotics
P
ublix Supermarkets will be giving away for free a fourteen-day supply of seven drugs that will be available at all 684 of the chain's pharmacies in five southern states. Publix said there is no limit on the number of prescriptions that customers may fill for free. The prescription antibiotics available under the program include amoxicillin, cephalexin, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, ciprofloxacin, penicillin VK, ampicillin and, erythromycin. Wal-Mart was one of the first retail chains to give discounts or below cost prescriptions to bring customers into the stores as well as giving them a way to get well needed medication below cost so many more Americans have access to health care.
mothers placed in foster care as chillimits the chances of disease detection. dren have had at least one of their own In summation, health care for children in foster care.” A possible the homeless is generally overlooked, solution is to keep these women inbut the situation of pregnant homeless volved in their fuwomen is seldom tures, instead of, ever discussed. their futures hapThe common Their bodies are pening to them. tasks discussed especially vulnerable, In today’s are feeding and and need to be protected world disease preclothing the vention is parahomeless, yet due to them soon to mount. It should be health care for give birth to a baby. no different for pregnant homehomeless pregnant less women women. Their bodies are especially should be just as vital. Hopefully, vulnerable, and need to be protected more awareness of the situation of due to them soon to give birth to a pregnant homeless women will bring baby. The elements and stress alone more support for their needs. The best homeless women face would indicate way to assist is to ask health care prothat any HIV testing is better than viders, how do they assist homeless none. HIV risk behaviors are more women particularly when pregnant prevalent among the homeless than have healthy pregnancies. Also, conamong their housed counterparts. tact shelters or any other community Therefore, it would be great if health leader that may be active in supporting care centers would provide care for these women. these women where they take refuge by: Jamie M. Kisner often. Transportation is not affordable Homeless Voice Reporter in most homeless women’s cases, so it
Homeless Shelter Wish List • Clothing • Canned Foods • Medical Supplies • Diapers & Wipes • Personal Hygiene Items Call for directions 954-410-6275
The Voice of the Homeless
Page 6
HOMELESS VOICE Willie F. Green
H
meal and a place to shower, but ow does it feel for a man to many in this world are greedy. They become homeless at age 63? are not content to live a simple, comWell, I’d like to tell you my story. fortable life. They must hoard up At one time I would see everything they can find leaving homeless people on the street, and I others with nothing. would think they were Our country can spend beggars. I did not see billions of dollars every the need to help them. If it was not year. We send rockets to I thought they were for the loyal space and fund useless lazy and healthy supporters wars. We feed and support enough to work. That foreign countries. I don’t is until I became of this pahave a problem with taking homeless myself and per I would care of all of humanity, but arrived at this shelter. have been don’t you think that charity A Broward County homeless should start at home? We Sherriff sent me in this and I thank should be feeding our own direction. I soon realfamilies first. If we can ized that the homeless each and pay athletes and entertaincame from all different every one ers so much money for backgrounds. Some of you for what they do then why were disabled mentally allowing can’t we value the average and physically. Some me to have American? During eleccame from good backtion time the politicians grounds and good a home. can remember the homehomes. Some were less because they want educated people who every vote and afterwards they turn had just fallen on bad times. I could their attention away and pretend that not have imagined in my wildest the problem does not exist. dreams that this great country the In my home state of FlorUnited States of America could turn its back on the poor, the sick, and the ida, we have a penal system to house helpless. Some homeless people criminals. In every county we spend billions of dollars every year to punwould be content to have a good
ish people who commit crimes and yet not a dime on those less fortunate. Why can’t we spend some of this money to build housing for the homeless? There are some individuals out there like Sean Cononie who see the need, but find little to no support in their community by the governmental agencies that use his services daily. All cities use his shelter system but only one contributes to his shelter once a year. In fact most of the cities that use his shelter also do not allow us to sell this paper. The police cars line up to bring their homeless out of their city to our shelter but then some of these same cities tell our vendors to get out of town. Of course there are many police officers who support our programs but the cities themselves do not. If it was not for the loyal supporters of this paper I would have been homeless and I thank each and every one of you for allowing me to
have a home. All I would really like to receive from my fellow man is just a little respect and dignity. Despite the fact that I am homeless, I am still a great Man, Father, and American. And I STILL LOVE MY COUNTRY. Written By Willie Green ONCE a Homeless Man Room 207
Teen calls beating of transient 'wrong' which happened to be where Teen threw 1st punch to that day, "I would have walked D'Amico found work as a day laWoods, who was charged away from it all." borer. as an adult, said he played the He said the arrest was the Woods said he didn't smallest role in the attack with first time he had ever been in seriknow D'Amico was homeless when fists, stones and a cinderblock. ous trouble. the attack began. He said he has He said he threw the first Life in jail is hard, he never had a problem with other punch in retaliation. Jordan, whom says. Woods goes to school, reads homeless people. Woods lived with and regarded as and watches television. He's scared "I feel bad for a lot of his "little brother," had told him about where he might end up. them because they don't have anyD'Amico had punched him earlier His lanky frame is swalthing," he said. in the day. lowed by the jail-issued orange The boys' case added fuel "I didn't hit him hard jumpsuit, and he's quiet, enough to make him fall or keeping his head bowed put a mark on him," Woods and saying little during said of D'Amico. the visit. Then, Woods said, he "It's a young young--person thing to Woods said he left. He thought the younger attack the homeless," Stoops said, was a normal teenager boys were following, but the citing statistics that show 13 13-- to 19 who enjoyed surfing and attack continued and a cinhanging out at the beach. derblock was smashed into -year year--olds are responsible for He played high-school D'Amico's face. nearly 70 percent of the beatings. football in Georgia. The assault left D'Amico, "For whatever reason, it "I like to have who has adamantly denied fun. I don't like to get initiating the attack, with continues to be a problem." into trouble," Woods lifelong injuries. Woods said. "I stay on the right wonders what scars from the track -- that's what my attack will linger in his life. mom always told me." He had hoped to complete his highto the fight seeking stiffer penalties But Woods' life was on a school equivalency diploma, join for attacks on the homeless and for troubling track at the time of the the Army and become a militarybetter record-keeping of the asattack. He had come to Florida police officer. saults. After the attack, Michael from Georgia in December to live "I don't know if that's Stoops, executive director of the with his mother. A week later, she going to happen anymore," Woods National Coalition for the Homesaid. was picked up on a warrant out of less, declared Volusia the second Copyright © 2007, OrGeorgia. She was sent to prison, most-dangerous county to be but Woods doesn't know why. lando Sentinel homeless in Florida, a state that Kristen Reed Woods had left behind sees more homeless beatings than his ailing father, who died within a Sentinel Staff Writer anywhere in the United States. August 23, 2007 month of his arrest. "It's a young-person Alone in Day tona, thing to attack the homeless," Woods found a job and moved in Stoops said, citing statistics that with Jordan's family because the show 13- to 19-year-olds are reboys' mothers had been friends. He sponsible for nearly 70 percent of worked doing odd jobs at the Daythe beatings. "For whatever reason, tona International Speedway, it continues to be a problem." (Continued from page 1)
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Page 7
Volume IX, Issue 8
HOMELESS VOICE
Over the last few months we started to really enhance our Burn that Mortgage Campaign. We did not do as good as we expected but in reality we did do good because anytime someone sends you a donation you are grateful even though you don’t make your goals. We are thankful for the people who helped us and for the people who could not help us out because we know their prayers are with us. We are getting there and we will indeed pay off this mortgage. So we ask you one more time to reach in and try to get others to help us meet our goal. In fact let’s all make a new goal. Look how much the friend’s column has grown over the years. Wouldn’t it be nice if we had to devote two whole pages to the friend’s column? Today we give you the challenge to bring five of your friends to our friend’s column so we can still keep on helping the ones who need help the most. Please remember it is going to be raining a lot during the next few months and we also need help with our rain budget. This money is saved for rainy days so when the vendors are not out there raising money for the homeless we can pull from the rain conserved funds. Please go to page 2 and follow the directions and let’s add some of your friends to this column.
Aventura Police Department Aids in Helping the Homeless Team helping the homeless as much as little tired and was more confused they can especially in and did not respond to the officer’s dealing with hard questions correctly. At the end of cases. After a few the investigation it was determined questions he was that the man was homeless, however able to give out his after our Homeless Emergency Manhome number. Diagement Team of investigators got on the case it was discovered about rector, Sean Cononie made contact with eight hours later this man was not his wife and really homeson. Apparless but missAfter a few ently he was ing for a few missing for days. questions he two days and Misswas able to give because of the ing for a few out him home heat and being days…… Apnumber. very tired for the 45 hours he parently in the was missing got too confused morning he Director, Sean for any good facts to be given was very “with Cononie made to the officer. The family it” and was contact with claimed they made a missing able to share his wife and person report with their local some more son. police department but for facts with the some reason he was not in the team of invesNational Crime Information tigators who Center “NCIC” missing person data work on these types of cases all the bank as of yet. time and this team is made up of After he had some fluids former homeless individuals who and food he was able to have a good now work for The Homeless Voice’s time at the shelter where he was Homeless Emergency Management (Continued from page 1)
making friends quickly. You could tell that he had his act together once he regained his strength. We choose not to use his real name in this story so we will call him Mr. Kay. Mr. Kay became so talkative and fully understood what was going on and wanted to be with his wife and son and could not wait to get back
"T
hese attacks [on the homeless] are hate crimes because you have an identity characteristic being a significant motivating factor in the prejudicial selection of a target," says Levin, who has testified before several state legislatures on behalf of extending hate crime protection to the homeless. To support his argument, Levin points to the FBI's data on hate crime homicides between 1999 and 2005. According to the FBI, 82 murder victims during that period were targeted substantially because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, or ethnicity. During that same time period, 167 homeless people were murdered, not counting so-called "homeless-on-homeless" killings. "The homeless are at an astronomical risk of attack compared to other people," says Levin.
• • •
Did you know? You can set up payroll deduction through your employer to support the COSAC Foundation’s Homeless Voice Your company might even match your donation See your human resource or department manager
home. He said “I feel wonderful now that I get to see my son and my wife.” He went up to Lois Cross, Co -Director, and said, “I would like to say thank you very much for everything you did for me.” And then gave Cross a hug. Aventura Police Department sent another police officer to the Homeless Voice to pick Mr. Kay up and return him home safely with his loving family. As he left Cross then smiled with tears in her eyes and said to Cononie, this is what it is all about. His last words were, “Oh I forgot my crossword puzzle,” then reached for it and made his way out the doors following the police officer to go “home sweet home.” -Mark Targett
Help the Homeless Donate Online www.HomelessVoice.org
The Voice of the Homeless
Page 8
HOMELESS VOICE Lessons from a Candidate Who Sought to End Poverty (Continued from page 1)
fundamental economic rights.
any previous Democratic candidate for
say: End Poverty in California.”
Again, I
chance to end poverty in California, and
governor of California up to that point.
Later on Sinclair said that the slogan,
Final vote: Frank Merriam—1,138,620
“End Poverty in California”, really meant
Sinclair—879,537.
to him, “End Poverty in Civilization.” His “End Poverty in California” (EPIC)
He died in 1968.
answer just this: If you should give me a I should fail to do it, life would mean nothing to me thereafter. I say ‘abolish poverty.’ This is plain language that everybody can stand.”
Unlike modern day candidates (with
had twelve basic principles. Some of the
A special effort was made to reach the
the possible exception of former U.S.
more interesting/unique/prophetic ones
churches. Sinclair said: “It is impossible
Senator John Edwards and now Presiden-
included:
for me to understand how any group of
tial candidate), he ran on a platform of
God created the natural wealth of the earth for the use of all men, not a few.
ending poverty in California. Similar to today’s visible homelessness, poverty and unemployment were at their
When some men live without working, other men are working without living.
peak during the early years of the Great
The existence of luxury in the presence
Depression. Sinclair sought political office
of poverty and destitution is contrary to
to stop the growth of poverty in one of
good morals and sound public policy.
the most difficult times in American history. In
his
words,
own Sinclair
said, “But I cannot enjoy the comforts
of
home,
and the freedom of
work
Here are thousands of people wandering homeless, and thousands of homes which no one is allowed to occupy. Here are a million people who want to work and are not allowed to work.
recreation which I have earned, while I know there are millions of others around me suffering for lack of common necessi-
with all the degradation and misery it causes to the human race.” Dirty Campaign Attacks on Sinclair While his campaign resonated with poor Californians, he was opposed by
ises—work for all who wished to work— incomes for those who didn’t.”
influential enemies from major newspa-
Post-election there was a “great Flor-
ble is that a small
per publishers to Hollywood studio own-
ida-to-California migration of dead-
class has the wealth,
ers.
brokes and dead-beats.”
while the rest have
Some of this was Sinclair’s own doing.
debts.
Recounting a visit to Washington, DC,
Florida then emptied its prisons and asylums. Other governors joined in.
Forty-six
The first plank of his
Sinclair said, “I told Harry Hopkins in
political platform was
Washington that if I am elected half the
other states copied the Florida measure,
to give the unem-
unemployed of the United States will
and in a short-time all the 12,000,000
ployed
come to California, and he will have to
unemployed and their families, together
make plans to take care of them.”
with all the convicts and all the insane of
productive
work and make them
He also proposed exempting the poor
On another occasion he said, “If I am elected Governor, I expect one-half the unemployed in the United States will hop
from having to pay taxes. “I proposed that all homes assessed at less than $3000 shall be exempt from
ties.
can support the continuation of poverty,
The cause of the trou-
self-supporting.
and
people organized in the name of Jesus
aboard the first freights to California.” This turned out to be the worst gaffe of his campaign.
forty-seven states, had been hustled over the border into California. These states then amended the U.S. Constitution making it illegal for poor people to travel from state-to-state therefore keeping all the poor contained
Here are thousands of people wander-
taxation. Anybody who lives in that poor
ing homeless, and thousands of homes
a home in these times needs help and not
which no one is allowed to occupy. Here
taxing.
Homes from $3000 to $5000
reel video showing hordes of transients
Others poked fun at Sinclair by refer-
are a million people who want to work
pay a normal rate, and for each addi-
jumping off freight trains in California.
ring to EPIC as: “Every Pauper Is Com-
and are not allowed to work.
tional $5000 we add one-half of one
This footage ran in movie theaters state-
ing,”
wide.
“Everybody’s Poorhouse, Including Cali-
His enemies did a “Bums Rush” news
inside of California.
“Easy Pickings in California,”
I say, positively and without qualifica-
per cent. That means that if you live in a
tion, we can end poverty in California. I
$100,000 home you will pay a tax of
Other billboards pictured an army of
know exactly how to do it, and if you
about 11%, and if you don’t care to pay
transients marching, marching, marching
One editorial cartoon showed two
elect me Governor, with a Legislature to
that, the State will take over your man-
beneath the quote “I expect half the
tramps reading about EPIC in an eastern
support me, I will put the job through—
sion and turn it into a public institution for
unemployed in the U.S. to flock to Cali-
newspaper and deciding to winter in
and I won’t take more than one or two or
orphaned children, or for the aged, or
fornia if I am elected.” DO YOU WANT
California instead of Florida that year.
four years.
for those who have acquired tuberculosis
THIS TO HAPPEN?
I say that there is no excuse for pov-
by slaving twelve hours a day in a de-
The Los Angeles Times ran editorials
erty in a civilized and wealthy State like
partment store or a restaurant kitchen,”
against Sinclair with headlines like,
ours. I say that we can and should see to
said the candidate.
“Hordes of Jobless Swooping on State.”
it that all men and women of our State
The Nexus of the Campaign
One editorial calculated that ten million
who are willing to work should have work
Sinclair offered a real choice to Cali-
Americans were out of work, meaning
suited to their capacities, and should be
fornians. He said, “In California of 1934
that five million indigents would swamp
paid a wage that will enable them to
there could only be two parties, those
the state once Sinclair took office.
maintain a decent home and an American
who wished to abolish poverty, and those
standard of living.
who wished to maintain it.”
“In other words,” the editorial ob-
fornians,” and “California, Here I Bum.”
Even a song parody was written. California, here we come! Every beggar, every bum From New York—and Jersey—down to Purdue— By millions—we’re coming—so that we can live on you. We hear that Sinclair’s got your State That’s why we can hardly wait
served, “Sinclair expects to end poverty
Open up your Golden Gate
I say that every old person should be
“We say to the voters. There are half
in California by bringing in fifteen times
California, here we come!
provided for in comfort, and likewise
a million persons in our state out of work.
as many poverty-stricken, jobless indi-
Sinclair’s Legacy for the Upcoming
every orphaned child and every person
They cannot be permitted to starve.
gents as we already have!”
who is sick or incapacitated.
2008 Presidential Campaign
I repeat
These persons can never again find work
The former national Commander of the
The campaign practices and public
that this can be done, and that I know
while the present system endures…..
American Legion branded Sinclair’s plan
policy positions of Upton Sinclair should
how to do it. If I take up the job, I will
There is no solution to this problem ex-
a “grotesque fantasy.”
be inspirational to today’s candidates
stick until it is finished, and there will be
cept to put these unemployed at produc-
no delay and no shilly-shallying. There
tive labor….
will be action, and continuous action, until the last man, woman, and child has these
Our opponents have told you that we cannot put this plan through.
Help the Homeless Donate Online www.HomelessVoice.org
Let me
In a pre-election, satirical opinion piece
and lawmakers. Poverty in the U.S. has
in the Los Angeles Times, a writer using a
reached devastatingly high levels and
pseudonym wrote that Sinclair had won
without decisive action from public offi-
and spelled out the consequences of his
cials, will continue with catastrophic re-
winning.
sults. Hopefully, the ideas and dreams of
He wrote of how all the “paupers and
Mr. Sinclair can educate our politicians
ne’er-do-wells” in Florida were informed
and allow them to use his own campaign
that Mr. Sinclair would keep his prom(Continued on page 9)
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Page 9
Volume IX, Issue 8
HOMELESS VOICE Lessons from a Candidate Who Sought to End Poverty I will ask churches, synagogues, tem-
(Continued from page 8)
to end poverty as a model in the ’08
ples, and mosques to do the same. Children, who make up 25% of the
Presidential Election.
either to jail or to shelters designed just
break over the federal poverty guide-
for them.
line, then they pay taxes.
People released from prison will be
Attacking the Root Causes:
overall homeless population, will be the
guaranteed
halfway
I will ask the U.S. Congress to adopt
I, President _________(fill in the
first ones to get help. If not helped, these
houses with appropriate employment and
the right to housing like many other coun-
blank) of the United States of America
children are destined to become the
case management/counseling services.
tries from around the world.
on How I Ended Poverty. A True Story
homeless adults of the future.
admission
into
This will put an end to the established
We will now promise every American
All local/state/federal elected public
practice of releasing prisoners to the
the right to housing and health care even
On Inauguration Day, I, President
officials shall be required to spend a
streets without support, setting them up
if they cannot afford it.
___________ (fill in the blank) hereby
week living on the streets in the largest
for failure.
proclaim that I will no longer accept
city in their respective home states. This
homelessness and poverty in this rich
will keep them in touch with the 12.7%,
country.
or almost 40 million
A salary cap shall
Since an education is the best way to
Americans who live be-
be placed on any-
break out of poverty, a two or four-year
one whose goal is to
college education will now be free as
become a CEO or
young people are for sure our future.
of the Future.
One out of eight Americans lives in poverty and the numbers are rising. Our
low the poverty line.
political parties either cater to the rich or
I will ask the U.S. Con-
to the middle class, leaving the low-
gress to pass federal
income population behind.
legislation
making
it
Welfare and food stamps will no
The minimum wage will henceforth be
will have a guaranteed annual income.
replaced by a universal living wage.
I, President _________(fill in the blank) of the United States of America on How I Ended Poverty.
longer be necessary, as every American
The U.S. Congress will issue an apology
just rich. Corporate America
for allowing poverty to exist/grow and
will be restructured.
for people to be trapped in poverty for
CEOs, COOs, and
so long in the richest nation in the world.
I, like Presidents Franklin Delano Roose-
illegal for cities to adopt
velt and Lyndon Baines Johnson before
laws targeting homeless
me, declare a new War on Poverty. I
people for acts such as
will set benchmarks for the war to be
sleeping, camping, sit-
paid
Mall in the nation’s capital. This “Museum
won. Let’s call it a peaceful surge that
ting, or panhandling. I am forced to do
positions at any company. The reception-
on Poverty” will remind Americans how
will take place not in ten years, but in no
this, as no city is able to shelter all of its
ist or janitor with children will now be the
poverty remained unchecked in the last
more than five.
homeless citizens.
highest paid employee.
century and for the first ten years of this
CFOs will now be the
lowest
A new museum will be built along the
To pay for this, we will pull out of Iraq
Every homeless person who so desires
I will come up with a 21st Century ver-
and Afghanistan, and use the money to
will receive a laptop computer donated
sion of the President Franklin Delano
fight the War on Poverty here at home.
by the computer companies so they can
Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administra-
* By Michael Stoops, Acting Executive
The First 24 Hours of My Presidency
connect up with the rest of the world and
tion (WPA) and the Civilian Conservation
Director of the Washington, DC-based
After finishing my rather long Inaugural
use the Internet to help them get out of
Corps (CCC) programs.
National Coalition for the Homeless
their homelessness/low income status.
I got my inspi-
new one.
Poverty is something of our
past, and not of the present or our future.
ration for this approach from the words
(www.nationalhomeless.org).
lawn where I will pitch a tent and live
As our nation’s carmakers are strug-
of the late President Ronald Reagan who
from a Candidate Who Sought to End
outside until we achieve the goal of end-
gling and sales are lagging, every home-
said, "I think the best possible social pro-
Poverty--Part I was published in June of
ing poverty in America.
less/low income person gets a free car
gram is a job."
2007.
speech, I will return to the White House
I’ll take along my cell phone so I can conduct the country’s business. The First Lady/Spouse will join me as well.
for either driving to work or living inside it. Starbucks will give homeless/low in-
Lessons
Health Insurance. Free or low cost if
(www.nationalhomeless.org). The inspi-
you are homeless/low income. Expensive
ration for this pledge/initiative to end
if you happen to be rich.
poverty in America in the 21st Century
Plans of Action:
come people a “daily fix” of one free
For homeless/low income people with
comes from Upton Sinclair’s I, Governor
The First 100 Days of My Presidency
cup of latte coffee. Starbucks will hence-
disabilities, I declare these citizens are
of California and How I Ended Poverty.
I will forego my $400,000 annual
forth be designated as a “homeless-
entitled to treatment on demand for men-
A True Story of the Future. 1934.
friendly” business.
tal health and substance abuse issues.
truly hope this will inspire/educate all the
salary and instead will be your President working at a minimum wage salary. In
Wal-Mart, the nation’s largest em-
Expensive residential treatment pro-
other words, I will be making $5.15 an
ployer, will be unionized at the request/
gram catering to celebrities and sports
hour, as per the established federal mini-
demand by their so-called “associates.”
players (e.g. Betty Ford Treatment Cen-
mum wage. If I work at least 40 hours a
Their employees will become full-time
ter in California) shall set aside 25% of
week for 52 weeks of the year, I will
workers (40 hours a week), and will fi-
their treatment beds for homeless/low
only earn about $10,712.
nally receive health insurance.
income people at no cost.
I will not move back inside until every
Long-Term Solutions
As
Commander-in-Chief,
I
American is permanently housed. When
I will restore the federal low income-
make a commitment that any
that happens I will then start to pay rent
housing budget to what it was back in
person who serves their country
like other Americans. I promise to pay
1979--$83 billion compared to $33.6
in our armed forces shall not be
30% of my minimum wage salary.
billion today.
allowed to become homeless.
I also will invite my closest neighbors,
The countless abandoned buildings
State and federal voting laws
the homeless people living across the
which plague our inner cities will be
will be liberalized making it
street in Lafayette Park, to stay in the
turned over to Habitat for Humanity who
easier for homeless/low income
various unused bedrooms in the White
will provide the resources and training
people to vote. No photo ID or
House.
necessary to enable homeless/low in-
mailing address is to be re-
come people to repair these homes. This
quired. My successor in 2016
Emergency/Immediate Measurers Homeless emergency shelters will still be around, but these places will function
will be a
21st
Century version of the
Homestead Act of 1860.
shall be a homeless/low income person who will run for the
more like the emergency rooms of hospi-
Victims of domestic violence, a leading
Presidency on a platform of
tals where you stay as long as you need
cause of homelessness among women, will
neglecting the rich and only
to.
no longer be forced to flee their homes,
helping homeless people and
I will order every government building
winding up on the streets or in shelters.
low income citizens.
to stay open at night so they can function
Rather, the victims will stay put in their
as emergency night shelters.
own homes, and the batterers will be sent
Poor people will be exempt from all taxes.
When they
We
candidates running for President of the U.S. in 2008. By Michael Stoops Nation Coalition for the Homeless
The Voice of the Homeless
Page 10
HOMELESS VOICE
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Volume IX, Issue 8
HOMELESS VOICE HELP PAY OFF OUR MORTGAGE We need just 23,500 people to send in a check for $20.00, Or 9,400 people to send in a check for $50.00, Or 4,700 people to send in a check for $100.00, Or 470 people to send in a check for $1,000, Or Just one wonderful person or business to send a check for the entire $470,000; We will name the shelter after you or whomever you choose
A
s you all are aware of we are still in the process of trying to pay off the complete mortgage. Every day is a venture when we get the checks in the mail. Our mortgage is still $8400.00 a month and we are still paying about $2000.00 per month extra which helps get our principles down. Most of you do not know Cosac has branched out in many different directions to help in many different causes. From homeless shelters, pandemic planning, public education about preventing MRSA as well as bacterial meningitis, helping families prepare for disasters, to actually responding to disasters with our Helping People In America Disaster Agency, reuniting missing elderly people who have become homeless with our Homeless Emergency Management Team to our medical outreach team working on the streets with the homeless getting them treated for major infections, to being able to bring food stamps to people who are poor but not homeless. We did all this in the last 12 years all with the help of you all and of course those Homeless Voice Vendors who are really heroes because they make all this possible. With their help as well as yours just this month we were able to branch out and help a very small child who was struck with Bacterial Meningitis by making a donation to his family. Most of you know that I am a survivor of a very bad case of Meningitis a few years back that really hurt our agency because I was not able to be the worker I was before. These vendors raised $2300.00 to help this family and others who suffer and become blind from the effects of Meningitis. Then of course our agency works in a few countries in the Caribbean such as Haiti by offering shelter to kids who are very young who have been disowned by their family members because they could not feed them or provide medication for their HIV. We went one step further and have been working trying to feed some of the poor in these very poor nations. It does not always take money to work on world poverty because it is policy that we have
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
to change to try to cure the problem. That’s the beauty of Cosac, not all we do cost us or you, a lot of it is done by full time volunteers. It was this month when myself and Lois went to New Jersey in which we do every three months so we can plan the layout of the Homeless Voice and to work on the Homeless Newswire as well as our video broadcast of the hate crimes that exist in America on the homeless by young teenagers. We have become the United States local leading agency that deals with all the hate crimes committed against the homeless. We in turn then take the data and news stories and distribute the information around the United States so other advocates can educate parents as well as lobbying their states trying to get laws passed making it hate crimes which carries stiffer penalties when a person attacks, hurts or kills a homeless person simply because they target the homeless. As most of you know I am always behind in my paper work so Mark and I and Lois try to get as much done as we can away from the shelter. We can’t seem to get it done while working inside the shelter hour by hour because we are so busy handling the needs of the shelter. Mark has been instrumental in putting me in a few places at the
Shopping Smart with Donna WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU
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have been a single Mom for a long time and have to make the dollar stretch far beyond it’s ability. Being responsible for feeding my three boys and myself is a task that I still endure and used to be such a burden that I decided to take control over it and not let it control me. I have learned to be creative, fun and let the children know that just because it is tough it can still taste good, be healthy and fun. Always try to eat your meals together without the TV and I hope these recipes bless you and watch for more tips and recipes and remember when going shopping it is their job to tempt you into buying more than you intended, so take a deep breath, say a little pray, use a list and be of good courage! Donna Jean Alfredo made easy and inexpensive! Kids will love this dish too! Ingredients: • 1 lb Pasta: Any kind of pasta you desire I like Linguini or Spaghetti. • Garlic: 1 teaspoon of garlic powder or ½ of fresh or jarred (Lightly sautéed in butter, olive oil or cooking oil if you use Fresh or jarred and add to sauce.) • Alfredo Sauce: Buy a pre-made Alfredo sauce in the jar located on the spaghetti sauce isle, they have competitive prices and the store brands are just as good. • Parmesan Cheese sprinkled over the top. (Optional) Directions: Cook pasta of your choice and drain well. In a sauce pan add jar of sauce and a teaspoon of garlic powder or a1/4 teaspoon of fresh garlic. Simmer for 10 minutes with a dash of black pepper. You can add a dash of milk or water if you like pasta wet. Put pasta in big bowl and pour Alfredo Sauce over the top and mix well, serve with garlic bread, salad, garlic toast or just plain. Tips: Add frozen peas to sauce until cooked through for a twist. And remember be creative.
same time by having the ability to always be in constant contact with the shelter and leads of our other agencies. If I am in a car driving from an airport to a meeting I can attend another meeting by laptop and video conference costing us nothing to do so. I can see the papers as it is being produced by video which saves many man hours as well as cost associated with sending me proofs via over night mail. Some of you know we decided to replace the good air we take each and every month from the atmosphere by the gas and power we consume each and every month by planting trees. Each tree planted removes 50 lbs of Carbon Dioxide each year. Plus, trees are cut down all the time to bring newspapers to the readers. So we created an agency that deals with this and we are out there planting trees. Why plant trees? For global warming of course. When we visited Mark, this also meant we got to also visit three beautiful little angels, his little girls. These little ones I treat as my grandchildren and they call me Pap Pap and they mean the world to me. I was also doing major research on global warming and every report I read scared me. In fact it shocked me to the understanding that we here at Cosac must do all we can do to help stop and help lobby governmental leaders on the Greens Situation, that is...if we want to have a nice earth left. Global warming is being blamed for all the disasters in the world especially all the major storms that leave many people homeless and create many more poor people. Some experts are predicting major events in the future because of all the pollution and global warming that is being done and these major events meant to me that my three most precious gifts from God would be majorly effected in the future and I in no way, shape or form am going to allow that to happen to these little ones. So now we are off to doing more than planting trees. When I was younger I purchased some ranches in the desert, they were only $240.00 an acre and now these ranches are going to be a little Amazon Jungle so they too can help reverse Global Warming. We are taking it even further, we are going to be educating the public on what they call Energy Hogs as well as what we all can do to reverse and prevent Global Warming. With all the things to do, I need volunteers to go out and help teach our church members on how to keep their energy cost down and at the same time help stop Global Warming. We need all of you to plant trees and when you plant them email me telling me how many you planted on your property. We have the seeds for the trees that grow up to 15 feet for
the first year alone. They are called the “Moringa Tree.” Look it up on the internet. They cost us about .30 cents for each tree if you count our labor. You can find them a little cheaper if you buy directly off of the grower of the seeds. You can come see me and I will give you the seeds if you can’t afford to buy them from us. I say that because people may want to plant ten to twenty trees on their property and for someone living on Social Security they may not be able to donate the six dollars to get their seeds. If you want to plant them and don’t have the extra funds we will give them to you for free. I also need your help so we can continue to pay off this mortgage. We only got a little bit more to do. I am asking you to make September to January 31st the best months possible to help us pay off the busiest shelter in the community. We are giving you permission to go out and raise money for us. If you figure we need, let’s say about another $470,000 to pay off the mortgage. So if we got only 4700 of you readers to raise at least $100.00 each it would all be over with, debt free and this means more free time for me to create agencies that do all kinds of good stuff to make the world a better place. I also want each of you to create your own agency and make changes to make it better for everyone, take a cause and a dream and run with it. Money is not needed in every case. Today’s date we have at least 16 agencies now and only a few cost us money to run them with about 95 percent of the money donated going to the homeless here in South Florida. Most of our other agencies only require me to put in time to get others to take our dreams and run with them as well. I have always been a creator and I want to create as many more agencies as I can to help out, I want to put a smile on someone’s face every day. . So during this time of September to the end of January make plans to help us raise this money and allow me to also get a well deserved rest, with a short little rest I can keep my mind going and going just like that Battery Bunny on the TV commercials. Go to your churches, your neighbors on your street, your friends, plan a dinner party with a cover charge, plan a car wash or even make some calls to your friends and be a part of history. Again, if each of you raised only $100.00 we are debt free and we can continue to run the shelter less expensive and of course expand to fit the needs of the community. You may want to come by and check on your investment in the community and actually see where your money goes. Please make sure that you send in the funds in a check and make the check payable to the Cosac Homeless Assistance Center, Inc. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for all the support you have given to the people we serve. You really have made a difference and you too have put many smiles on people’s faces including kids. Love, Sean