serving our community since 1997
If you received this issue of the Homeless Voice in your mailbox please go to pg 4 We have an Emergency! Part of the North American Street Newspaper Association
COSAC Foundation | PO Box 292-577 Davie, FL 33329 | 954-924-3571
Going Pink! John Plaster,Loss Prevention Operative
For years we have used bright yellow shirts and vests for safety, however things need to change. It seems that there are individuals out there that are not homeless but are scammers who went to a store and bought the same color vests and shirts, standing on corners collecting donations that have nothing to do with us. Some of them even got a hold of our yellow shirts by stealing them when our current vendor was taking a break at the corner and then going to their own corner trying to collect donations. We have never prosecuted them but for now our loss prevention department is going out full force and looking for them with a police detail officer from each county. To combat the problem we are “Going Pink.” Our vendors will be wearing PINK shirts. If you see a yellow or orange shirt out there and they say they are the Homeless Voice you can call our office at 954-92-HELP-1 or 954-924-3571. Feel free to call the police as well. Our vendors have Identifications that expire every so often so feel free to ask them for their ID and look at the expiration date. When in doubt simply call us. Or perhaps you prefer to send in your donations via check. If this does not work we will be taking their pictures and printing them in our own paper to stop them from misleading you all who give from the heart. If it is someone who is homeless we will ask them to come back to the shelter instead of calling the police. We are going PINK and feel free to take a Wink at their Id!
We’re Going Pink!
This man is an imposter. He has stolen shirts and buckets. He was last seen in Plamtation where we met with police to get our shirts and bucket back. The sad part of the story? He is not homeless.
Donating Time vs. Donating Money
“Hey Jack”
Staff Writer
Richard Carlish
The past two days here at the shelter have been over ridden with sorrow. Three people we know have passed on and writing these stories never gets easier. I really wish I could write a story with some humor for a change, but it never seems to be possible. After 12 years of being one of the favorite Cosac characters Jack Moman peacefully died in his sleep. From the moment he woke up, Jack would wheel himself behind the kitchen where he stayed for a good part of the day. That was his domain. If we didn’t see him there we would ask, “Where’s Jack?” You’ve never seen a man laugh so much. Even when you couldn’t understand a word he was saying you would laugh because he would start to. Jack was an amazing man considering his serious health issues. When most of us would hate the world if we had health concerns like he did, Jack went through each day a happy and entertaining guy. Just days after he had three stints put in his heart, he was taking his position behind the kitchen being as entertaining and funny as ever. Although we loved him for his contagious personality, we also loved him for his stubbornness and at times his orneriness. He had no problem telling it as it is. When he was in one of his rare moods, we still would laugh since it was just as funny to hear him go off. Like a child whose toy had been taken away Jack wouldn’t quit until he was finished with what he had to say. I suggested we design a memorial plaque in his honor and place it on the back wall behind the kitchen, just as certain streets and buildings are named after fallen heroes. Never again will I be able to say, “hey Jack,” and that hurts
We all loved Jack more than he will ever know, but at least because we did feel that way we told him those exact words every day.
deeply. He was a Cosac icon. One of the characters who will as long as this foundation exists will always be mentioned when we talk about our best clients. If we made a list of our all-time favorites, Jack would be no worse than a tie for second. I’m getting so tired of writing these stories about the most wonderful and good hearted people dying here. When is it going to end? Sadly, never because that’s just the way natures designed, but call me selfish. I would prefer to have more time with them. We all loved Jack more than he will ever know, (but at least because we did feel that way we told him those exact words every day.) Too many times people don’t say those three words enough and regret not doing so when someone they love passes. We did, so there’s no doubt Jack passed knowing he was truly loved.
In terms of the homeless problem of today, there is really no wrong way to help and assist. Any help is beneficial and wonderfully amazing for the community in general. It has long been debated on what is better, giving money to the homeless or giving your time to the homeless. And, the answer still remains that both are important in their own way. Giving money to the homeless will provide them with clothing, education, food, and shelter. It will take care of the homeless in more ways than you even realize and the more money that is given, the more services and help can be provided. But, giving money is not the only way to help. You and your friends and family can also give your time to the homeless. Giving time can be just as valuable as giving money. Volunteers are able to feed the homeless, work on projects that will benefit the homeless and overall, be there as a support and anchor when times get tough. During the holidays, many people love to feed the homeless and assist will meals. Many people look past the homeless and don’t find it their duty to help with their time or their money. The reality is that we are all different and we are entitled to do as we please. You as an individual don’t have to sit back and do nothing. If you feel a plight or just a feeling of love, then give to the homeless, be it money or your time. It will help in more ways than you even know and you will be providing an inkling of hope to so many and to yourself.
Our Purpose: To Help the Homeless Learn How to Help Themselves