HOMELESS
Founder of Controversial Homeless Shelter Recovers from Spinal Meningitis
Vendor of the Month
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orn in the Bahamas and adopted at an early age, Frank St. Fleur had a hard family life with no brothers or sisters. He threw himself into school where science was his favorite subject. He had always wanted to be a doctor, not really for the money, but for the scientific end of it. The study of the brain and body was fascinating to him and as far as he was concerned there was no better job than helping people. When St. Fleur was eighteen he decided to leave his small island and travel a little. His journey took him to South Florida where he moved around working as a cook and as a demolition construction clean-up worker. His ties to his family were cut and he focused on trying to make a better life for himself. After an argument with the person he was staying with he decided to leave. He came into some trouble and ended up with nothing. He had nowhere to live, no money, and no family. A church group found him on the streets and decided to pick him up. With (continued on page 6)
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ean A. Cononie, the founder of a controversial homeless shelter in Hollywood, was released Tuesday from a Jacksonville hospital after Sean Cononie struggles as he fights being treated for back for his vision and hearing. spinal meningitis, a life-threatening illness, his family and tion. On Dec. 27, his temperature rose to associates said Tuesday. Cononie, 39, 105.5 degrees and he experienced flu-like became delirious. Cononie was symptoms and lapsed into a coma over the rushed by ambulance to Christmas holiday while St. Luke's Hospital in visiting relatives in Jacksonville. Cononie northern Florida, said said he was assured that Ginny Dangola, director residents and workers at of operations for the the shelter were not in shelter, called the CO- danger of contracting the disease, given the parSAC Quarters. Cononie's sister, ticular strain he has. According to the Carlyce Cononie, reached at her home in federal Centers for DisJacksonville on Tuesday, said her brother has pneumococcal meningitis, a bacterial form of the disease that can lead to death or brain damage couple of weeks if not treated quickly. ago, I received a Meningitis is an infec- call from Michelle Gibtion that causes inflam- son, a professional mation of the mem- singer all the way from branes covering the Sydney Australia. She brain and spinal cord. explained that she was in In a brief phone town working on a tour interview Tuesday, throughout South FlorCononie said he fell ill ida to promote her new Christmas night and CD when she came went to the doctor the across one of our News next morning, where he Papers. Feeling touched was told he likely had by one of the articles in the flu or an ear infec- the paper she decided to
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ease Control and Preven- organizations, Cononie tion, some forms of bac- serves as the ruleterial meningitis are con- enforcer, public spokestagious, but "none of the person, counselor, troubacteria that cause men- bleshooter, and financial ingitis are as contagious manager. Dangola, howas things like the common cold or the flu, and ever, insisted: "The opthey are not spread by eration of the place is casual contact or by sim- continuing with no probply breathing the air lems. Nothing has fallen where a person with apart yet." The foundation meningitis has been." Cononie's ab- is in the midst of an acrimonious sence has the Cononie, 39, experienced l a w s u i t potential flu-like symptoms and filed by city to comlapsed into a coma over the of Hollyplicate the Christmas holiday wood for the dayto-day while visiting relatives violating zoning managein northern Florida rules by ment of relocating the shelter. As the director and the shelter in March chairman of the COSAC 2002 to 1203 N. Federal Foundation, and a dozen (Continued on page 4) other related charitable
call and offer a free concert for the shelter. I thought to myself, what day could be more perfect for a concert than New Years Eve? But to ask somebody to John and Michelle, as they perform for do that seemed over 150 homeless –both individuals and families- on New Year’s Eve like too much. So sheepishly I (Continued on page 8) said, “How about New
Voice
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February, 2004
HOMELESSVOICE.ORG
When I heard the news about Sean, a certain oldies song popped into my head, the chorus rang through my head…”You don’t know what you’ve got ‘till it’s gone.” At times like this I learn to slow down a gear, relax, and be grateful for all the wonderful people that are in my life… especially my fiancé Sara. Sara, you make me want to be a better person. And Sean, you have showed me how to do it. Love Mark LETTERS TO THE EDITOR SEND TO: P.O. BOX 292-577 DAVIE, FLORIDA 33329 FAX TO: 954-926-2022 EMAIL: info@homelessvoice.com
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DEAR SEAN
Founder of Controversial Homeless Shelter Recovers from Spinal Meningitis to close the shelter, which houses Highway. Cononie, who has poor people with nowhere else to counter-sued, argues the shelter go, including the mentally ill, is permitted because it is a hotel drug addicts and paroled sex off e n d er s . that charges a has nominal fee. Dangola, however, insisted: Itbeen likN o trial date has "The operation of the place is ened at times to a been set. City attorney Dan continuing with no problems. jail beAbbott said Nothing has fallen apart yet." c a u s e Cononie Cononie's k e e p s illness is not expected to affect the ongoing stun guns and bulletproof vests on hand, fines people who break legal wrangling. Cononie has long been his rules, and watches over the battling attempts by city officials premises with security cameras. (Continued from page 1)
He's been criticized for requiring residents to raise funds for the COSAC Foundation by standing at busy intersections with buckets and urging motorists to buy the Homeless Voice newspaper for a few coins or dollar bills. Cononie argues that the homeless get to keep a portion of the money that is raised and can save their earnings to pull themselves out of poverty. By Megan O'Matz Staff Writer Sun-Seninel Posted January 7 2004
Sean Cononie, a caretaker of all types of people, now has to learn how to relax and let others take care of him.
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ean has meant a lot to me, he showed me how to care about people other than myself. I came in March 2003 and almost a year later I now have a position at the shelter helping him help other people. Before I came here I was at a nice apartment at the beach of Pompano and had a good job. Through rough times one night I lost it all and came to Cosac. I helped in the kitchen and cleaning around the place. I now do security; due to Sean seeing another side of myself I didn’t know I had. He has been more than just a friend to me. He’s been like a brother. Helping around here is like working with family. I wait for him to recover and return back to work. He’s very much missed. Thoughts and prayers are with him. –William J. Robb (Billy)
Sean Cononie…
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ho is he? Simply put, he is a person that adds new dimensions to helping the sick, the poor, and the near homeless that were and are adrift in the community, state, and many other areas of the country. The best way is to simply say, Helping the Homeless in America. The above only scratches the surface of what he does and who he is. To me he is one of my very best friends. I hope that I help do what he needs to be accomplished to that purpose. With Sean ill please add your prayers to mine for a speedy and full recovery. Thank-you, James Sawyer
Dear readers,
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his story is about a man who works so much and doesn’t have time for himself. Do you want to know why I’m writing this story? It’s like this: Sean Cononie might be hated by a lot of people, especially politicians who want the vendors off the streets. Sometimes clients and staff “hate” him because he makes them change their old ways – like substance abuse, manipulation, and no motivation. He deals with people who want to use drugs and alcohol and start fights. Staff are overworked and under paid. They believe in what this man is doing. Let me tell you how this man changed my life, and why I’m glad to call him my friend. My name is Susan, yes I’m the one Sean wrote about. This is why I’m doing this. The new me loves to help others. The old me would have stolen to get whatever I wanted. I’m ex-staff. I used to work security for Sean at the old place on Lincoln Street. Now I help with donations and the front desk if they need something. But let me get back to the man himself. I’m room captain and one night he brought us all cheesecake at 2:00a.m. These are little things he does for us. He likes to joke around with us and he wishes he had more time to do stuff like that. We have lots of people that judge this man before they get to know him. From the time he
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o the man that has opened his heart and gave me a chance at life. Sean has always given me anything I need. From an apartment over headq ua rt e rs to trust with a new van, his support has never wavered. I was always under the wings of my mother and father. Sean has given me freedom and responsibility that I’ve never had. He has been a father figure to me. Thank-you Sean for everything you’ve done, Lyman
gets up to when he goes to bed, he is working. Me, Mr. Riche, Miss Couch and other people try to help out and pick up some slack so that he won’t have to work as hard. If he has a smile on his face or has time to joke around then we’ve done our job. See, no one cares for the homeless. No one loves the homeless. No one wants to get to know the homeless. No one but Sean did. He loves us for being people. This letter was my way of saying thank-you. We love you and need you back. We miss you, and it’s not the same without you. It’s been hard on us when we mess up. He’s been a dad to so many whose dads haven’t been there for them. We are so proud of this man and can’t wait for him to get back so we can have our talk. There are lots of us who would be lost without Sean. I’m one, Chris, Johnny, staff, Mr. Riche. We are a family. We may not always act like one, but we are. Thanks Sean for dealing with people who don’t care and want to give up. We love you. Come home soon.
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February, 2004
DEAR SEAN
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He giveth his life for us poor, Without him we’d be back where we were before. Like a light that flares from above, He gives us his glorious love. His patience and his grace I must adore, Without Sean I’d be like I was before. Sean is all heart and soul in my life all of my days, Without him I’d be in a haze. All his sickness and pain that keeps him down and away, I’ll always give Sean honor when I pray. Our work is hard without such a great man, Believe me his work is grand. Yes, why a man blessed with the worlds riches, Has chosen to bring us out of the ditches. Not cause money, but by his love and care, No one like Sean I’ll ever compare. Now that he is healing with all God’s grace, I long to once again see his face. I give him all praise when he is here or gone, But now we need you ole buddy, Blessed Sean! -Mike Marino
Dedicated to my Prince Sean,
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ho through his love & guidance has brought me back to a purposeful life! You prompted me to reestablish communication with my parents. Their heart-felt, thankful, sentiments expressed to you were, "thank-you Sean, for restoring our daughter back to the daughter we always knew and loved.” To which you replied, "I did nothing it was all Joyce.” You never accept credit for all you do! Or for the lives you have changed! The thought of you in a coma was so frightening, I was terrified to think of a world without you. My constant prayers to God: “please, please spare him, he touches so many.” To those who feel dead inside he restores life. He clothes, nurtures, and feeds the undesirables of society. Ever forgiving regardless of numerous betrayals. "Please, my Lord & my God do not deprive this world of a man who exhibits qualities synonymous with yourself.” With your return, I now pray for God to grant you health so you may continue to do His works
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ow I got to the shelter in July 2002. Sean came and got my son and I at a shopping center at 1:00 a.m. and put my son and I in a motel for two weeks. Then my son went to live with his sister and I came to the shelter. I didn’t like the shelter at first. All I did was cry because I missed my son. Bee (God Bless his soul) came over to me and put his arm around me and said that everything would be all right. I wouldn’t talk to anyone. Sean placed me on the vending teams. I did good the first day and I did good after that. So Sean put me in housekeeping. One day Sean called me into his office and threw $300.00 at me and said “Happy Birthday!” Sean is also helping me get my SSI. Sean has been real good to me. While
remember the day I came to Cosac for the first time and started vending papers for the Homeless Voice. I had called the county beds number and several shelters over the past couple of days and was told over and over, sorry we’re full you might try Sean at COSAC. So I went to the address on Lincoln St and was processed then they assigned me a bed. The next day after having breakfast , I went to sell the papers. I climbed on a van and was placed on a corner with a team. It was already hot and getting hotter. I didn’t know at that time that water was provided to the vendors and I hadn’t taken any. There was a convenience store close by and one of my team members bought me a bottle of water. I was exhausted at the end of the day. When we got to the shelter we were supposed to count our receipts. When we got in the office it was set up assembly line style. As I came in I stumbled. The first guy in the staff line immediately got up and pushed his chair under me. He looked in my eyes, started taking my pulse, calling to someone to bring the blood pressure cuff and for someone else to bring me a drink. Someone brought a bottle of Gatorade. The man took my blood pressure and told me to rest. They counted me out and said I’d done really well for my first day. Then the same man who had taken my blood pressure asked if I had any cash. I said no I’d
vending, I did really good during Christmas. 61, 71, 74, 84, and 132. There are some people I don’t like. My favorites are Lois, Ginny, Joyce, Sean, Valerie, Barbara, James, Jason, and Sandy. Sean told me not to cry anymore. The shelter has helped me a lot. Joyce has been real good to me. Ginny has been real good to me, and Lois, Barbara, James, and Jason have been real good to me. Bee (again God Bless his soul) was the first one I met. -Gale Smith
To Sean from the Mormon lady. Thank you for a place to stay when no one else would take me in. You hired a good lady named Joyce who answered the phone when I needed help. I know this place is sometimes like purgatory. When I was little my name was Figerou and I was abused by my family. I thought I’d never have a real or caring family but now I have found one at COSAC. I hope you’re doing fine, we miss you much. You keep this place going when no one else cared. Ginny’s doing a great job, but we want you back. I finally got my primary health card and still have my foods stamps card. I don’t talk much about religion anymore even though you had a lot of patience listening. My prayers are with you. Cathy’s still trying for my SSI and I’m grateful. Maybe one day we will all get out of our own kind of misery. Thanks again and here’s some advice. Think about kids because their innocence makes everyone smile.
just started. He made sure I got some money that night. I left the office feeling much better. I asked someone who that guy was and he said the director Sean Cononie. Later that night I overheard a vendor say, watch out the director will make you save your money and you won’t have any pocket change. I said, “Wait a minute. I didn’t have any money and now I do. I didn’t have a place to sleep; now I do. I had nothing to eat and they are serving dinner. So don’t tell me that Sean is making me save my money.” At that time I hadn’t told anyone about my medical conditions. But once I did they understood and helped me with a work schedule based on my medical disabilities. Now I work when I want to, how much I want to, and if I want to. But I do work because I’m not a lazy bum. Could Sean find something to do that would be less stressful? Fewer hours? To not be wakened after a long stressful day to some crisis or other, like someone wanting a cigarette, someone fighting, or some politician who wants to win votes by passing a law against being poor. I think he could but he does not!. I pray that God will bless Sean and help him with his good work. -Don Ezell
Voice
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DEAR SEAN
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t is really great to know there is someone who care’s about other people. To know these people have shelter, food, clothing, whatever they may need. There are not a lot of people like Sean. He is someone very special. My husband and I had nowhere to go, Sean gave us a job and a place to live. He kept my husband and I together. All we had was my disability check that wasn’t enough to live on. With the help from Sean, My husband and I have our own apartment. My husband has a job. We are doing better than we ever have. And thanks to Sean for helping us. He has always been there for us. Sean is a really great person. He sees you are trying to help and do good for yourself, he is there for you 100%. We love you Sean, Art and Deborah Goncalves
From the desk of a man who prays for clients: In order to help someone you must have the spirit of help, the desire to do the best you can, and the commitment to do so. Helping an individual or individuals can be dangerous. I mean dangerous in the way that you take the risk of harming your own spirit. Sean has helped me unconditionally, by showing me that you should never give up on anything in life, especially God! You can do all things through Christ who strengthen us, as long as you have will power and faith. Baby B. Hester In house prayer warrior and client
“We Love You” -Lois, Ginny, Joyce, and Cathy
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e’s back and not a moment to soon. The Christmas mood at COSAC Quarters grew markedly somber when we learned our director was critically ill with meningitis. Sean’s fight for his life was severely complicated and hampered when his illness was initially misdiagnosed as the flu, delaying appropriate treatment. For many of us, it seemed inconceivable that our fearless leader was engaged in such a life or death struggle. Initial reactions of disbelief yielded to concern,
then thankfully relief when we learned he’d soon be home. As I prayed for God’s intervention in Sean’s touch and go struggle, I fought to reconcile my mental image of Sean as a tireless, energetic advocate, to the reality of Sean as a desperately ill man. His recovery ends the tooclose-for-comfort scare and gratitude now replaces relief. Sean saved my life, for this I am infinitely grateful. Let’s all be grateful for all that Sean does, all the staff does and all God does for us. -Ramona
his Catholic background and good listening skills, he heeded the preachers’ advice, and came here. That was almost two months ago. Since then St. Fleur has been on the streets vending six days a week. He has done a tremendous job saving money since he has been here. In a couple of months, St. Fleur will be able to leave and return to society as a productive and essential citizen. St. Fleur is a perfect example of why we all come to work here. So thank-you Mr. St. Fleur and keep up the good work! Sara Cunningham
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I asked for Strength......... And God gave me Difficulties to make me strong. I asked for Wisdom......... And God gave me Problems to solve. I asked for Prosperity......... And God gave me Brain and Brawn to work. I asked for Courage......... And God gave me Danger to overcome. I asked for Love......... And God gave me Troubled people to help. I asked for Favors......... And God gave me Opportunities. I received nothing I wanted ........ I received everything I needed!
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Sean is learning how to slow down. He now knows he cannot help anyone unless he himself is healthy.
Sometimes, life’s filled with disappointments, Shattered dreams which have created great pain; There are times we have to lose it all, But those are the times when we can gain!
Vendor of the Month (Continued from page 1)
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have been at the shelter now for six months, and in that time have come to grow and have a lot of respect and love for Sean. I wish him the most Godsent speedy recovery. Sean I miss you, hurry home! Love, Renae Lettiere
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When we have learned to be content And let God have control; Then we’ll have gained that which will bring, Peace and contentment to heart and soul! We tend to want to hold on to that which we have always known; It may be that we fear the thought of having to face the future alone! But our God will never forsake us He’s faithful and He’s just; He’ll see us through the darkest night, If in Him we will place our trust! He is One Whom we can depend on And He’ll never leave our side, In Him we’ll find the strength we need when at times we are sorely tempted and tried! When we’ve reached a place where we can’t seem to cope, We want to give up, for we’ve lost all hope; If we’ll call on His name, He will hear our plea And cause all the darkness of despair to flee! Pastor Janette Stewart
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February, 2004
DEAR SEAN
I
t starts with a
man who didn't have t o care about anyone but himself. But instead took his time -his personal freedom to work around the clock to see if he could make a difference he started to help one and then saw more who needed help -he then saw those who were in dire straits and who could turn no where. With no one to help them with housing, food and clothing. Oh sure, there were the places for the few-but what about the long term homeless who had been out there too long with no knowledge of where to go or even the desire to go. After you’ve been turned away from everywhere, where do you go?! Well, this person tried and is still trying to make a difference, to help those turned away from the facilities built to help them -funded to help them and moralistically designed to help them. He took them regardless of color, religion,
background and language. He cleaned them up, fed them, clothed them, and even tried to change their self -destructive ways, whether it was drugs, alcohol, mental disability, or just didn't know any better or just didn't care. He tried to give them a sense of purpose even at the expense of his own personal health, up at 5/6am --bed at???? He keeps striving to help -whether it’s a family with children or a lone individual lost in their own sorrows, he tries! He reunited many to lost and forgotten family members or helped a drug addict straighten out his/her life, or an alcoholic lost in a bottle, he tries. He never gives up. When they fall mentally, he runs to pick them up, brush them off and tries again. This man has an abundance of love and caring for his fellow man. When the cities condemn him for his tactics on helping the homeless and downtrodden, he hurts. When he drives down the street and sees a down and out person he says, how? why? And most importantly, how can I help and he keeps going on, when people sneer or snicker at him, he
shrugs it off as he knows it’s the tinues and he tries! He worries right thing to do. about who he could’ve helped toHow, in humanities eyes day and that he might’ve missed can you see someone needing and one. hurting and not help? And yet this If you were one of the man through individuals lost out all his head- If you were one of the there, it might be aches, lawthat picks you individuals lost out him suits, troubles up and brushes you and problems there, it might be him off, pats you on the keeps trying. back and helps you It’s the Chris- that picks you up and get it together-and tian way, it’s brushes you off, pats what would your the Jewish thoughts be then...? you on the back and The man tries and way, it’s the Muslim way, are you??? helps you get it together where its all denomiThe man is Sean nations way to -and what would your Cononie - founder help your felof numerous organithoughts be then...? low man, so zations, including where are Helping People in you??? America! And This man with all of his again I ask, where are you? And convictions has been harassed, your help for your fellow man?! slandered, and damned for trying, Instead of condemning him and the but what have you done to help way he does things, why don't you your fellow man?! open up your heart and help? Now the man has been When was the last time you helped hospitalized and incapacitated for your fellow man? doing the thing he loves the most, -Eddie Pacheco helping his fellow man, but he conIf you are reading this paper, we know you care about the homeless, use this story to educate others that may be confused about the whole situation.
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n life we have a lot of people who influence our lives in one way or another. People who love us for who we are. People who help us through hard times. People that give us good advice. People that we sometimes take for granted. We are all guilty of this at one point in our life. We take for granted what these people do for us. We assume that they will always be there for us holding our hand through rough times. We do this until something happens to that person. I want to take this opportunity to thank a certain man for everything he has done for me and my family. Sean, you never gave up on me. Never...even when I gave up on myself. You supported me in everything I did...even though you knew I was making a bad choice. You understood I had to learn some things the hard way. You have given me a new family. You have given me a home, a job, and another chance at life. I do not know where I would have ended up if you never had spent time with me. You have taught me the true value of friendship. You showed me how important it is to be honest. You have helped me recover my dignity. I am who I am because you loved me. -Mark Targett
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little over a year ago I came down to Florida to be with Mark. S e a n , knowing that I would be staying for a couple of months gave me a job writing stories for the Homeless Voice and a room in his house. He didn’t even know me, but all he asked is that I do my job. In that year so much has changed for Mark and I. We have become engaged; we have a beautiful four and a half month old daughter, and have moved into Sean’s home as if it were our own. Through everything that has happened this past year Sean has been our earthly provider. Even though
he is our employer, he has been so much more to our family. He is to Mark a father figure; to Lily a grandpa, and to me he is a generous man and a friend. Sean gets a good bit of negative press attention and maybe some of it is actually arguable. But his dedication and sacrifice are undeniable. His leave of absence has rocked the shelter and the exhausted staff, (who are rightfully exhausted but still don’t put in the hours that Sean has.) So Sean I want to Thank-You for everything you have done for us. You have my respect and admiration for all the hard work you have done to help the homeless and to help us. May God bless you and watch over you. –Sara Cunningham
hen Michael first came to the shelter he was set up with a room and food, like every other client. When Sean met him he urged Michael to get his neck checked out. He had a growth the size of a baseball on the left side of his neck. Michael started working for the shelter and put off going to get examined. Sean again urged him to see a doctor and made the appointment for him. When the tests came back, it was cancer. Numerous surgeries followed trying to remove the cancer cells. Michael decided to leave the shelter and while he was out on the streets, his lung collapsed. He was taken to the hospital and after recovery brought back to the shelter. Michael chokes back his tears as he tells me how Sean and everyone else at the shelter welcomed him back with open arms. He continues to do laundry for the shelter, and as we stand there about four different people stop by to say hi to him. While he tells me his story, I glance at his neck unable to see much more than a scar. Michael still has one or two more surgeries until all of the cancer is removed, but as we finish up the interview he again starts to cry, “Sean saved my life, it just feels so good to be home.”
“The man has a heart as big as my van ;and it is never empty.” -Pete
Voice
Page 8
NEW YEAR’S PARTY
ducer John, and their lovely Years Eve?” Without hesitation, daughter Naomi loaded up all she said “OK!” Wow, I thought their gear in their van and you to myself, what a wonderful per- name it, they brought it. On the day of the conson to give up her time for others so that they could have a won- cert, Michelle called with a throat infecderful New I told Year’s Eve Once again, we appreciate tion. her that we party. Michelle and everything you have done for could call the concert her family the people at our shelter. off and do it were a real another team. They did not ask us for anything ex- time. She said that her heart cept directions to the shelter. would not allow her to do such a Michelle, her husband and pro- thing. So not only did this wonderful lady perform a concert and give up her holiday for people she had never met before, but she did it all not feeling well. She said her training and above all her God would somehow get her through and through he did in fact, many commented that it was the best New Years Eve they had had for a long time. Even the performance by Naomi, her 11 year old daughter had everyone (Continued from page 1)
talking. At the end of the night Michelle and her family prayed for me. They prayed for God to give me strength to run the shelter and make good decisions while Sean was sick (From left to right) Michelle Gibson, daughter Naomi, and husband/producer John in the hospital with spinal meningitis. At that point, I felt like this was the chelle and her ministry check out main reason God had sent them. h e r w e b s i t e a t We prayed for everyone at the www.michellegibson.net. shelter, for Sean and Lois, Once again, we appreciGinny, Joyce and Cathy. We ate everything you have done for asked for guidance and his bless- the people at our shelter. We ing and boy, did we need it. You don't know what we would have don't realize how much someone done without you and your famdoes until they’re not around. ily there. We love you and we We all had to dedicate our lives would love for you to perform to the shelter, just as Sean does. for us again. God bless you and Michelle’s next perform- your family. Thank you, thank ance will be on the 16th of you and thank you. -Mark Targett March. One of our staff reporters will be covering the story. For more information on Mi-
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February, 2004
NEW YEAR’S PARTY
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’ve been volunteering at the Helping People in America’s homeless shelter for the last 8 months. I would like to remain anonymous because I originally came to HPIA to fulfill a requirement for community service hours. I must confess… I completed my obligation within the first month but have stayed on after witnessing the endless work that it takes to run a homeless shelter. After the first few weeks at the shelter, I noticed that so many of the vendors, both new and old would make remarks about how they felt when people on the street would state “Why don’t you go out and get a real job”? Deep down behind the vendors smiling responses such as “God bless you, thanks, or have a nice day” they feel hu-
miliation and uncertainty. They wonder what they’re doing wrong in their attempt to get their life together by becoming selfsufficient once again. So, I’d like
The life of a vendor is not easy. to take this opportunity to tell you a little about the Homeless Voice vendors and their so-called jobs. Well, let me back up so we’re on the same page. The last time I attempted to define the meaning of the word “job” I recall it went something like this, a person doing some type of work to accomplish some type of laborious chore so that they can be independent and self-sufficient. Do you agree? I’ll tell you right now, from what I’ve experienced, I believe the vendors go above and beyond the call of duty in their efforts at having a real job. The life of a vendor is not easy. Come on down to the shelter, adopt a vendor for a day, and try talking the talk and walking the walk. Wanna take the challenge? W a k e ups are at 6:00
to the shelter. a.m. followed by a 6:30 You would a.m. breakfast. Roll call tend to beof captains and team lieve your members comes next. workday is After team organization now over. each captain needs to N o p e ! make sure his/her venThere’s still dors are ready to go with more to do. hat, shirt and bucket. DinThen it’s time to head The day of a vendor ner to eat, out on the vans for your can be brightened up money to destination. If you’re lucky by just a smile. To count, change enough to get out on the them a smile is just to have verifirst round of van trips as good as a sale. fied, payouts to be made, out, great! If not, you wait around for your turn. This dirty t-shirts to be collected, and may consist of a short amount of verification forms to fill out. As time waiting around for your as- 8:00 p.m. or so rolls around you signed van to drop off passen- catch a shower, watch a little TV, gers, if the van is heading out in have a quick conversation. Or if the immediate area or it may be your like so many here at the an extended wait if your assigned shelter you may first attend a life van has a long haul out to God skills class, AA/NA meeting, or knows where, since so many vendor update/safety meeting street corners have been banned before you climb into bed so that you may wake up early tomorfrom vending. Now that you’ve made it row, get to your assigned corner out to that corner you’re working and hear someone say “Why for the day… you take a couple don’t you go get a real job”? Anonymous Volunteer of water breaks, stop for lunch, put some sun block on, attempt to shield yourself from the hot sun, cold dips in temperature or wind, take a few more water breaks, put on some more sun block and listen to numerous customer remarks. After several hours of what many don’t consider work, your van arrives to take you back
Voice
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VOICE UPDATE
HELP PAY OFF OUR MORTGAGE We need just 41,750 people to send in a check for $20.00, Or 16,700 people to send in a check for $50.00, Or 8,350 people to send in a check for $100.00, Or 835 people to send in a check for $1,000, Or Just one wonderful person or business to send a check for the entire $835,000.00 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
Lost Bond Receipts?
Want Your Bond Back? Call 954-410-6275
WE NEED gift certificates for Publix or Winn-Dixie
Call 954-925-6466
I Buy at Top Prices. E-mail Me Your Inventory comicsbuyrsell@aol.com 954-614-7326
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ur campaign still exists. If we can’t get the mortgage paid off, we would love an interest rate of about 6 percent on the outstanding balance. This would save us about $2000.00 a month. Our mortgage payment go down from $8400.00 a month to approximately $6400.00. We would need the remaining balance financed over 30 years. So, if anybody can find us a mortgage, please let us know.
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few years ago a group of salesmen went to a regional sales convention in Chicago. They had assured their wives that they would be home in plenty of time for Friday night's dinner. In their rush, with tickets and brief-cases, one of these salesman inadvertently kicked over a table which held a display of baskets of apples. Apples flew everywhere. Without stopping or looking back, they all managed to reach the plane in time for their nearly missed boarding. All but one. He paused, took a deep breath, got in touch with his feelings and experienced a twinge of compassion for the girl whose apple stand had been overturned. He told his buddies to go on without him, waved goodbye, told one of them to call his wife when they arrived at their home destination and explain his taking a later flight. Then he returned to the terminal where the apples were all over the terminal floor. He was glad he did. The 16 year old girl was totally blind! She was softly crying, tears running down her cheeks in frustration, and at the same time helplessly groping for her spilled produce as the crowd swirled about her, no one stopping, and no one to care for her plight. The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up the apples, put them into the baskets, and helped set the display up once more. As he did this, he noticed that many of them had become battered and bruised; these he set aside in another basket. When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to
HELP WANTED • HOMELESS VOICE IS HIRING SAFETY MONITORS TO WATCH OUR HOMELESS VOICE CREWS. • WE DO NOT WANT OUR VENDORS TO BE AGGRESSIVE AND RISK THEIR LIFE IN TRAFFIC TO SELL A PAPER. • OUR VENDORS MUST FOLLOW OUR SAFETY RULES AND WE BELIEVE WE MUST CONTINUE TO SPEND MONEY AND HIRE PEOPLE TO WATCH OUR CREWS. PLEASE CALL 954-924-3571 ASK FOR LOIS.
the girl, "Here, please take this $20 for the damage we did. Are you okay?" She nodded through her tears. He continued on with, "I hope we didn't spoil your day too badly." As the salesman started to walk away, the bewildered blind girl called out to him, 'Mister..." He paused and turned to look back into those blind eyes. She continued, "Are you Jesus?" He stopped in mid-stride, and he wondered. Then slowly he made his way to catch the later flight with that question burning and bouncing about in his soul. "Are you Jesus?" Do people mistake you for Jesus? That's our destiny, is it not? To be so much like Jesus that people cannot tell the difference as we live and interact with a world that is blind to His love, life and grace. If we claim to know Him, we should live, walk and act as He would. Knowing Him is more than simply quoting scripture and going to church. It's actually living the word as life unfolds day by day. You are the apple of His eye even though we, too, have been bruised by a fall. He stopped what He was doing and picked you and me up on a hill called Calvary and paid in full for our damaged fruit. Let us live like we are worth the price He paid. Lord, I want to love you in truth with all my heart, expressed by my actions as well as my words. Help me to be faithful to You in everything I do and say today and help me to be faithful to my own intentions and to my commitments to others so that they may see in me, an example of You and Your love working in me. In Jesus name I pray. Amen
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Page 11
February, 2004
VOICE UPDATE
Do not buy a paper from him. This man was arrested. He is not authorized to ask for donations for the Homeless Voice or Helping People In America. If you see this man wearing one of our shirts please call our Loss
Prevention Department at 954-2148529. If for some reason you cannot get a hold of us you may call the Police. He sometimes wears a black stocking on his head. He uses these intersections but May use more than what is listed: Commercial and 411 Commercial and 31 St. Commercial and Powerline Oakland and 441 Oakland and 31st McNab and University Drive Commercial and University Commercial and Rock Island McNab and Rock Island Cypress and Powerline McNab and 31st
Keep in mind that he may even try to go to Dade in the future.
This Issue, Vendors should be wearing a bright yellow or white shirt with ‘Homeless Voice’ in black on the front and back. No other shirt colors should be used. If you see any other color shirts with this issue, please call LOSS PREVENTION at 954-920-1277
Things We Need Donated Soda Sneakers Laundry Detergent Pillows Linens for Bunk Beds Blankets Towels Cars Computers Motor Homes
Over the Counter Pain Medication Copy Paper Pens Notebooks House Telephones Sugar Butter Salt Coffee creamer
Liquid Bandage Medical Gloves Rubber Cloves Vitamins Face Mask Bleach Lunch Meats Milk VHS movies Hand Soap
Coffee Coffee Frequent Flier Miles Toilet Paper Lysol Spray Clorox Wipes Industrial Mops Brooms Pillow Cases Recreation Items
P le a se H e lp … T h e R a in is D ro w n in g U s D O N AT E O N L IN E … @ b y u s in g
w w w.H o m e le s s Vo ic e .o rg
VOICE VOICE
HOMELESS HOMELESS
We may need you to pull over and make a donation
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
Founder of the Homeless Voice, Sean Cononie Recovers from Spinal Meningitis
en español Page 2
WE NEED Silverware, soup bowls, and pillows
Call 954-925-6466
How Sean Cononie has influenced My Life, Personal stories on page 4-7