HOMELESS
Finding employment in today's job market is no easy task for anyone. For the homeless, it is doubly difficult. I do sense that the readers who have given a donation in order to read this issue of the Homeless Voice are aware and sensitive to the plight of the homeless. Pick up any newspaper, magazine or turn on your TV and you will most likely read or hear that the economy of the United States is not in the greatest shape. Depending on what version of the report you believe, you are going to form opinions. Everyone has a right to think, accept, and voice their thoughts and ideas. This would be a dull world if we all had the same way of gathering information and expressing ourselves. This us why is so important to communicate and understand what other people may be up against in their daily lives before we make judgments. The leader of this nation was wearing rose colored glasses when he announced that the economy had turned around and there was a chicken in every pot. A great many people pray each night that there will be a chicken in their cooking pot come morning, and far too many would be overjoyed just to have a bowl of cereal and some milk for their child's breakfast. But the truth is, no matter how much a homeless family hopes and prays for a better life, nothing will change for them until the father or mother is able to obtain a job that pays a high enough wage to support the family. According to a Mayors Survey on poverty in the United States completed on December 29, 2003, nine million people in our great land were officially without work. This number of nine million does not include millions of people who have been without a job for a year or more and have been dropped from the list. Many of these jobless individuals are in danger of losing their homes. Now factor in the sixteen million homeless Americans, most of whom also do not have a job, and we are faced with the stark reality that one out of ten Americans are without gainful employment. This rate of unemployment hasn't been seen since the Great Depression. And with little hope of a bright future, the numbers are growing worse every day. With a ever increasing number of businesses being closed in America and sent out of the country, to be reestablished where labor is cheaper and the profit margins for their products are higher, jobs in the states are getting scarcer and harder to find. The Mayors Survey found that over two million factory and manufacturing jobs have left for foreign lands since the beginning of the decade. White collar jobs are rapidly dwindling as well. And even for an individual with a good education and job skills, the process of obtaining work that pays enough for housing, food, transportation, and other necessary essentials is a long, difficult, and dismal process. It may surprise you to learn that many people who are now in a homeless situation are often highly educated, and when given a chance, they can regain their lost standard of living. For anyone who is unemployed, searching the "Help wanted" ads in the newspapers is often the first step in finding a job. And each day, hundred of homeless men and women search through the help wanted sections of their local newspapers in hopes of returning to gainful employment. But for the homeless citizens of our nation, finding a job and being hired is like trying to
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climb Mt. Everest without the proper training or equipment Most ads ask you to phone for an application or an interview. Telephoning for either is a challenge. If you have been wandering and living on the streets for a while, the only place you have to call from is a pay phone. This means you have to have change. And if you have enough change , you might want to spend it to buy a cup coffee in order to relieve the nagging hunger pain in your stomach, at least for the next ten minutes. If you're lucky enough to live in a shelter, you possibly can use their phone for free. The first thing you will be asked over the phone is your name, your address and a phone number where you can be reached. Again, if you are fortunate enough to live in a shelter, you can give the shelter's address and phone number, or maybe one of a family member. But what if you have no one to help, no one to care, and no one to rely on? The homeless person would have to
Sunday Uher give the number of the pay phone and camp next to it for the next several days in the hopes of receiving a call back. This is not likely to happen, so he or she is forced to forget about getting the job. Suppose the homeless job seeker is fortunate enough to make an appointment for a job interview? Unless he is living in a shelter, he has no clean clothes, because the pants and shirt he has on may be the only things he has to wear, and he's had them on for days, or weeks. They are dirty and so is he, not by any choice of his own or by bad hygiene habits, but by not having a place to wash his clothes or himself. Yes, there are public restrooms where he can wash his face and hands, wet his Continued on page 8
Folks, please remember that selling this newspaper is a job. While it provides income for the vendors and support for the shelter, it is very important to inform the public on homeless and poverty issues here and around the country. We also hope to bring simple but important medical information to you. It is a great challenge for the vendors to work only on the medians...but they have to. This is dictated by statute; so we hope you will take the opportunity to use the turn lanes whenever possible. Again we thank you for continued support...you are our lifeline.
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HOMELESS VOICE
FRIENDS OF THE HOMELESS For just $15.00 a month you can keep a homeless family off the streets for a day
Mail check to: P.O. Box 292-577 Davie, FL 33329
Your Name Will Be Printed in Our Paper Every Month • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Donald Peterson The Cononie Family The Targett Family Patrick Helings John Bendor The Preston Family Jake Forest Lisa Gram The Jameson Family In Loving Memory of Uncle Joe Shannon Brooks Jose Rodrigues Lisa Cebrat Greg Thompson The Bowe Family Pakita Price The Stone Family Nana Sullivan The Watsons Sean Cononie Sally Lister Judith Kelly Arnold Goldstein Martha Roman The Baptista Family The Whoa Family Jacob Robinson Julie Stokes De De Hupp John Criasia Daniel Harrison The Martinez Family Amanda Reynolds Dolores R. Cerra Bob Hall Tressie W. Osborne Clark Rogers The Savir Family Peter Richman Richard McHenry Stevie Nix Corinne James The Browns Chris Sanchez Hugo DeCarpintini Mario Yuio Richard Friedman Diane Friedman Uylna Quadrino Ginny Scott Arnold Reemer Chris Tucker In Loving Memory of Peter Sullivan Maryann Springer Elaine Snaith Marshal Bugin Keith Yude Steve Murrey Young Anderson
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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 The Jackson Family Justin Rowan Mary Green Morris Grazi Marvin Shatze Ronald Shafer Vance Gunn Adam Staler Allen Yancy Jimmy Daniels Mel Blount Carol Lockette Joe Golden Anna Marye Levier Magan Narduzzi Andre Johnson Antione Collins Eric Harrison Jessica Padilla Sheldon Jones Carlo Harrison Jason Emrik Dan Gilcert Amber Rowan 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
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Grace Marth Regla J Ferrer The Baldwin Family Horace Gracie Russell J. Ferguson Marjorie G. Rhines Jamie F. Flores In Loving Memory Of Thomas Gasbarro Cathy and Kids The Davis Family Graham R. Mitchell Essential Oil Healthline Amparo L. Korey John’s Plumbing Service Thank You Winn Dixie Adrienne and Mike Ms. Marilyn Smith Albert J. Taragowski Ruth C Grey Mike Cross Tamara Southard Raul Cardenas MD PA Al and Annie Hurricane Prevention Inc Danny and George The Thompson Family OTD Messenger, Inc M. Smith Yorick and Bonita Parrica Lee Russ & Delores B Mordon Robert Jesus Llanes Comet Couriev Proietto Family In Memory of Billy Corwin Josh Searles Patricia Lee Russ
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Delores B Mordon Everglades Moon, Covenant of Goddess, Elibet Hanson Judy B. Pascarella Mrs. Jenkins John Gaeta Michael R. Prokop, Jr. Jackie M. McCarty Marilyn R. Smith 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
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Your Name Here
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Para traducir de inglés al español: Vaya en Internet. Vaya: http://systran.aol.com/ para levantar a traductor. Vaya: www.homelessvoice.org para encontrar el artículo. Artículo del copy a la página del traductor. o llame 954-410-6275 para las direcciones
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April, 2004
HOMELESSVOICE.ORG
Just an update on Sean. He is recovering very, very slowly...it will be a long time before he gets back to his normal healthy self. We at the Homeless Voice thank you for all your support and prayers. -Mark LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Targett SEND TO: P.O. BOX 292-577 DAVIE, FLORIDA 33329 FAX TO: 954-926-2022 EMAIL: info@homelessvoice.com
ALL DONATION REQUESTS IN THE HOMELESS VOICE FOR ANY CHARITY ARE ADVERTISED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THIS WORDING A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION M AY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE IN THE STATE 1-800-435-7352 REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMM ENDATION BY THE STATE
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F LO R ID A A UTO IN SU R AN C E IN C . 6 7 4 0 T A F T S T R E E T, H O L L Y W O O D
F RE E T A G R E N EW A L SER V IC E FEE W ITH W R I T TE N P O L I C Y
L OC A TE D A C R OS S F R O M W IN N -D I XIE O N T AF T S T R E E T
W E H AV E M AN Y TYPES OF IN SU R A N CE FO R A L L Y O U R N EED S
9 5 4 -9 6 3 -7 3 3 3
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HEALTH skin that can serve as potential entry points for cer, athlete's foot or dermatitis, serve as the bacterial invasion and infection. most likely areas for bacteria to enter. Certain types of insect or spider bites also can Cellulitis (sel-u-LI-tis) is a potentially seri- transmit the bacteria that start the infection. • Chickenpox and shingles. These common viral diseases typically cause broken blisters on the ous bacterial infection of your skin. It ap- Areas of dry, flaky skin also can be an entry skin that can serve as potential entry points for point for bacteria, as can swollen skin. pears as a swollen, red area of skin that feels hot bacterial invasion and infection. RISK FACTORS and tender, and it may spread rapidly. Skin on the lower legs or face is most com• Chronic swelling of your arms or legs Several factors can monly affected by this infection, though (lymphedema). Swollen tissue may crack, leavplace you at greater risk cellulitis can occur on any part of your skin. ing your skin vulnerable to bacterial infection of developing cellulitis: The infection may only be superficial, but it may also affect the tissues underlying your Age. As you age, your WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE skin and can spread to your lymph nodes circulatory system beand bloodstream. comes less effective at If you have a rash that's red, swollen, tender and Left untreated, the spreading bacterial infecdelivering blood — with warm — and it's expanding — try to see your doctor tion may rapidly turn into a life-threatening its infection-fighting the same day. If a fever or pain accompanies the condition. That's why it's important to recwhite blood cells — to rash, or the rash is changing rapidly, seek emerognize the signs and symptoms of cellulitis some areas of your gency care. It's important to identify and treat celluand to seek immediate medical attention if body. As a result, skin litis early because the condition can cause a serious they occur. abrasions may lead to infection to spread rapidly throughout your body.
Cellulitis (sel-u-LI-tis)
infections such as cellulitis where your circulation is poor.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Cellulitis may result in skin that is: Red Swollen
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Weakened immune system. Illnesses that result in a weakening of your immune system leave you more susceptible to infections such as cellulitis. Examples of these illnesses include chronic lymphocytic leukemia and HIV infection. Taking immune-suppressing drugs, such as prednisone or cyclosporine, also can leave you vulnerable to infections. Immune-suppressing drugs are used to treat a variety of illnesses and to help prevent rejection in people who receive organ transplants.
Tender Warm
The changes in your skin may be accompanied by a fever. Over time, the area of redness tends to expand. Small red spots may appear on top of the reddened skin, and less commonly, small blisters may form and burst.
CAUSES Cellulitis occurs when one or more types of • bacteria enter through a crack or break in your skin. The two most common types of bacteria that cause cellulitis are streptococcus and staphylococcus. Although cellulitis can occur anywhere on your body, the most common location is the legs, especially near your shins and ankles. Disrupted areas of skin, such as where you've had • recent surgery, cuts, puncture wounds, an ul-
SCREENING AND DIAGNOSIS The appearance of your skin will help your doctor make a diagnosis. Your doctor may also suggest blood tests, a wound culture or other tests to help rule out a blood clot deep in the veins of your legs. Cellulitis in the lower leg is characterized by signs and symptoms that may be similar to those of a clot occurring deep in the veins, such as warmth, pain and swelling.
COMPLICATIONS
This reddened skin or rash may signal a deeper, more serious infection of the inner layers of skin. Diabetes. Having diabetes not only increases Once below the skin, the bacteria can spread rapyour blood sugar but also impairs your immune idly, entering the lymph nodes and the bloodstream system and increases your risk of infections. and spreading throughout your body. Your skin is one of the many areas of your body that becomes more susceptible to infection. Diabetes may also lead to chronic ulcers of In rare cases, the infection can spread to the deep your feet. These ulcers can serve as portals of layer of tissue called the fascial lining. Flesh-eating strep, also called necrotizing fasciitis, is an example entry for bacterial infections. of a deep-layer infection. It represents an extreme emergency. Chickenpox and shingles. These common viral diseases typically cause broken blisters on the
The Shoeman's Prayer
I watched as the shoe man reached into his pockets so deep. I saw what was pulled out, what the shoe man put in Then I heard a soft "clink", as when silver hits tin.
My alarm went off, it was Sunday again. I was sleepy and tired, my one day to sleep in. But the guilt I would feel, the rest of the day Would have been too much, so I'd go and I'd pray.
The sermon really bored me, to tears, and that's no lie It was the same for the shoe man, for tears fell from his eyes. At the end of the service, as is the custom here, We must greet new visitors and show them all good cheer.
I showered and shaved, I adjusted my tie, I got there and sat, in a pew just in time. Bowing my head in prayer, as I closed my eyes, I saw the shoe of the man next to me, touching my own. I sighed.
But I felt moved somehow, and wanted to meet the shoe man So after the closing prayer, I reached over and shook his hand. But I thanked him for coming, for being our guest.
Plenty of room on either side, I thought, why must our soles touch? It bothered me, his shoe touching mine, it didn't bother him much. Prayer began: "Our Father", I thought, The man with the shoes has no pride. They're dusty, worn & scratched, and holes on the side!" "Thank You for blessings," the prayer went on, the shoe man said a quiet "Amen." I tried to focus on the prayer, my thoughts were on his shoes again. We're supposed to look our best, when walking through that door? "Well, this certainly isn't it." I thought, glancing at HOLLYWOOD the floor. ALL DISCOUNT INSURANCE Then the prayer was PHARMACY ACCEPTED ended, and the songs of praise began. OTHER SERVICES The shoe man was cerINCLUDE : tainly loud, sounding • OVER THE COUNTER MEDICATION proud as he sang. • PRESCRIPTION His voice lifted the rafters, COUNSELING • VITAMINS his hands were raised • PERSONAL HYGIENE high, PRODUCTS The Lord could surely • FIRST AIDE SUPPLIES MON – FRI 8:30 AM TO 6:00 PM hear the shoe man's voice SAT 8:30 AM TO 1:00 PM from the sky. CLOSED SUNDAYS FREE LOCAL
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It was time for the offering, and what I threw in was steep.
He said, "My names' Charlie, I'm glad to meet you, my friend." He looked quite sad, but he had a large, wide grin "Let me explain," he said, wiping tears from his eyes. "I've been coming here for months, and you're the first to say 'Hi.'" "I know that my appearance is not like all the rest, But I really do try to always look my best." "I always clean and polish my shoes before my very long walk But by the time I get here, they're dirty and dusty, like chalk." My heart filled with pain and I swallowed to hide my tears As he continued to apologize for daring to sit so near. He said, "When I get here, I know I must look a sight. "I thought if I could touch you, maybe our souls might unite." I was silent for a moment, knowing whatever was said Would pale in comparison, I spoke from my heart, not my head "Oh, you've touched me," I said, "and taught me, in part, That the best of any man is what is found in his heart." The rest, I thought, this shoe man will never know. Like just how thankful I really am, That his dirty old shoe touched my soul. (Author Unknown)
"He must increase, but I must decrease." -John 3:30
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April, 2004
LOIS’ LANE
Proud but Ailing Eberhard Hello, my name is Eberhard. I don’t mean to complain but my day is full of ups and downs… constantly day and night. I really enjoy my job; I make life so much easier for so many people. Sometimes it is very hard for people to get around when they are blind or have trouble walking. Like anyone or anything, I need substance to keep me going. My problem is, I am leaking this substance, and nobody can seem to find out from where. My maintenance people have run tests and believe that my hydraulic lift is leaking somewhere beneath ground level. So now they want to take me apart so they can find and repair the problem. That is going to put me out of commission for a while and is going to be really expensive. It is absolutely imperative that this gets done because if it isn't, not only will I die, but also I will be ruining the environment in the process. In case you haven't figured it out, I am the elevator at the COSAC Quarters Hotel for the Poor, the Homeless Voice shelter. My people depend on me to be there for them; and while I can still work, my oil will be polluting the ground and I can’t have that happen! I'm really worried about the outcome of this operation, because I have no idea what they are going to have to do to dismantle my innards to find this problem and correct it. I think that they are going to have to take my whole shaft apart. It bothers me that poor Mr. Grooms isn't going to be able to feel his way to me from his doorway 6 feet straight in front of my door. We have so many creaky knees and emphysema victims and cardiac patients in our population, what will they do when they have to do when they have to use the stairs? Oh, I know, exercise is good for you, but you have to be capable of it first.
Aside from the mechanics of all this, is the expense! My director, Lois, has a contract to sign for 10,980.00. And that's if nothing unexpected goes wrong. Where are they going to come up with sort of money? They plan ahead, even so far as a toilet paper escrow fund, (it’s true) but this figure is so out of sight, higher than any floor that I’ll ever reach! So in a nutshell, or elevator shaft, if you will, if I don’t get fixed immediately, more damage than we want to think of will be caused. I will be in worse shape and maybe not fixable at all. It isn't a laughing matter, but maybe it will take all the toilet paper fund money to buy enough to blot up my oil from the ground. Seriously though, I would like to ask you please, help my people just a tad more and send in a check for whatever you can so that Lois can start a ‘Fix Eberhard Fund.’ You people are so wonderful. Everyday I carry my vendors upstairs with the proceeds from selling the Homeless Voice and happily carry them back down with their pay in their pockets. And back up again, sometimes, with the purchases they have bought. I want to continue doing this. I want my eye to light up when they push the call button and open my arms for then to step in and out of my car. I want to continue my service to others.
OH NO, NOT AGAIN! So all together now:
HELP FIX EBERHARD… HELP FIX EBERHARD Thank you from the bottom of my shaft, Eberhard
Clues for Domestic Violence Are you in relationship with a woman or man who uses violence as a means of solving problems or disputes? The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence has listed the following signs for possible domestic violence: 1. Was his/her family a violent one? Children learn what they live. If they see violence in the home or have been beaten as children, they may view violence as normal behavior. 2. Is violence or force the way he/she usually solves problems? Does he/she have a quick temper? Does he/she overreact to little problems and frustrations? Is he/she cruel to animals? Does he/she punch walls or throw things when upset? Any of these behaviors are signs of people who work out bad feelings with violence. 3. Does he/she abuse alcohol or other drugs? If so, does he/she deny that there is a drinking or drug problem? Or refuse to get help? There is a strong link between violence and substance abuse. 4. Does he have strong traditional ideas about what a man should be and what a woman should be? Does he think a woman should stay at home, take care of her man and follow his wishes/orders? 5. Is he/she jealous of your other relationships with same sex or opposite sex persons? Does he/she keep tabs on you, want to know where you are at all times, want you with him/her all the time? Does he/she
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want you to break all ties with your family and friends 6. Does he/she have access to guns, knives, or other deadly weapons? Does he/she talk of using them against people or threaten to use them to get even? 7. Does he/she expect you always to follow his/her orders or advice? Does he/she become angry if you do not fulfill her/his wishes or anticipate what she/he wants? 8. Does she/he go through extreme highs and lows, almost as if he/she is two different people? Is she/he extremely kind at one time, then extremely cruel at another time? 9. When she/he gets angry, do you fear her/him? Do you find that not making her/him angry takes up a major part of your life? Do you do what he/she wants you to do rather than what you want to do out of fear of her/his anger? 10. Does she/he treat you roughly? Physically force you to do what you do not want to do? If your partner displays one or more of these signs, please consider getting some help for yourself and getting out of the relationship. No one deserves to be beaten or abused verbally and emotionally. You cannot change the other person. There is help available . Remember the chances of them changing are slim to none
we need reporters, Call the Homeless Voice 954-410-6275
Voice
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HOMELESS VOICE
A LACK OF CONCERN LOS ANGELES, July 13 - The eastern quarter of downtown Los Angeles is a cattle pen, an outdoor outhouse, a human calamity. It is the largest concentration of homelessness in the country. Thousands of people in the 50 blocks known as Skid Row live on the sidewalks in tents and cardboard condominiums. Thousands more sleep on mission cots, in the back seats of automobiles and in flophouses. Those who can manage it take hotel rooms with creaking bedsprings that let for $107 a week, plus a $2 deposit for a pillow. A welfare check will buy two weeks in a hotel, an unemployment check will buy three, a Social Security check four. For most, the cash stream dries up in the middle of the month, and then they are back on the street, riding the carousel of misery until a new check arrives. Skid Row has been 100 years in the making, but things are changing in the "Nickel," the center of homelessness in a city with 41,000 homeless people, a number that is by all accounts rising. With housing scarce and rents high, there is an effort to revitalize the bleak district bound by Main, Alameda, Third and Seventh Streets into something livable and neighborly. Downtown property is hot. Government agencies are moving in. The Roman Catholic Church recently consecrated a $189 million cathedral, and developers have plans to convert fleabag hotels like the El Dorado and the Frontier into lofts and condominiums. Five thousand housing units are in the works. The holdup is Skid Row, whose outer edges are now an incongruous mix of women in rags and mudlike faces and women in sweet perfumes and tailored suits. Once, long ago, this was the choicest part of the city. Silent-movie stars and presidents stayed in hotels like the Alexandria, with its opulent staircases and marble walls. Today, welfare families live there, and the surrounding streets are chockablock with cut-rate garment shacks, liquor stores, warehouses, flower and fish wholesalers and people felled by mental diseases, drugs and bad luck. Police Chief William J. Bratton, borrowing a page from his days in New York, has instituted sweeps against the so-called quality-oflife criminals who, as the theory goes, will graduate to bigger crimes if left unchecked. The American Civil Liberties Union is suing the city, arguing that it is rousting sidewalk sleepers without giving them beds. Recently, the city agreed to pay nearly $170,000 to dozens of homeless people who were caught up in the sweeps and then filed suit, charging improper arrest. Chief Bratton defends the crackdown. "Many there don't want help," he said. "They'll take food and free clothes, but they want to live on the streets. While I have compassion, my job is to do something about it." Skid Row reeks of a chicken yard. The portable toilets are often used as shooting galleries by addicts, or as makeshift bordellos. Dealers also peddle in front of churches and in view of the local police station. The women without shelter sleep near the safety of the missions. The mentally ill are left to their demons. The hardcore stay on St. Julian Street - stickmen with glittering eyes and violent impulses. The hotels are occupied by Mr. Smith and Mrs. Jones. The rule of thumb says half the guests are drunk, onethird are crazy, a quarter are service veterans and nearly all have a police record. Five in the morning is when the police start to roust people from their tents and boxes, the missions begin making breakfast and the smell of coffee permeates. "I walk at night and sleep in the day," says
Alonzso Regazzi, 37, a not-so-down-in-theheels type who says he does not belong on these gum-stained boulevards. He recently had a job in a doctor's office, he says, and his turn in fortune can be blamed on a nagging wife called crack. Mr. Regazzi is better off than most out here, with his polished shoes and college education. He is one of the few who, when they hit bottom, bounce. His unemployment checks come every other Thursday, totaling about $775. "You can't go lower than Skid Row," he says, having found himself a room near the Harbor Freeway. He offered to show a visitor around. The Midnight Mission on Los Angeles Street is considered the superior eatery on Skid Row. A person is not made to listen to a prayer lecture before being allowed to the table, and there are seconds and thirds. A clean-looking man, Larry Hatcher, inquires about a friend who fell on hard times. One woman is crying, asking Jesus something. Another says she will not appear in court to answer a ticket for sleeping on the sidewalk. "They give you a ticket for sleeping on the sidewalk?" Mr.Hatcher asks, arching an eyebrow. "Where are you supposed to go?" "Jail," says Joy, the one with the ticket.
“The lack of concern for the homeless in Los Angeles is disgraceful,� says Lee Baca, the Los Angeles County sheriff... "Out of the state," says her friend Heidy Pandolfi. "So my friend could be in jail?" asks the man. "He probably is," snaps Joy. Mr. Hatcher appears shocked. He wipes his eyes. "I didn't know it was like this," he says. "There's a lot of misery." A sign above the women quotes what was, until recently, a rarely enforced law: "No person shall sit, lie, or sleep in or upon any street, sidewalk or other public way." A man across the street disassembles his tent, arguing with an invisible roommate. The gates on the trinket shops that sell pink poodles and "I H L.A." T-shirts rattle open. When business opens, it's time to get up, and by 8 a.m., the homeless are moving again, headed nowhere. Homelessness is on the rise across the county, experts say. Unemployment is up, housing is scarce, counties and cities are cutting budgets. In New York, the number of people seeking shelter is up 65 percent since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, officials there say. In Chicago, the number of homeless families is up 35 percent from 2001. But in Los Angeles, the problem is gargantuan. With half the population of New York, it has more people on the streets than New York has in its shelters. An additional 45,000 people are homeless in greater Los Angeles County. While New York will spend $640 million on homeless services this year, Los Angeles will spend just $50 million and provide fewer than 13,000 beds.
"The lack of concern for the homeless in Los Angeles is disgraceful," says Lee Baca, the Los Angeles County sheriff, who is fond of saying that his 20,000-bed jail is the largest homeless shelter and psychiatric hospital in the city. "The punitive approach solves absolutely nothing without services to get these people integrated back into society." Officials who drive out the homeless are like children who push vegetables around a plate, claiming they are gone, said Clancy Imislund, the managing director of the Midnight Mission, himself a former Skid Row resident. "Homelessness is an unsolvable dilemma," Mr. Imislund says. "New York throws $640 million to enable people to keep doing what they're doing. In my 29 years here, I'm convinced not much can be done. All we can do is to help the few that want it and give comfort to those who need it." The history of vagrancy in Los Angeles is a long one, beginning in the 1870's, when the railroads converged on downtown and the first tramps stepped off the trains. The Midnight Mission was founded in 1914, and now serves 55,000 meals a month. In 1936, during the Depression, the police began their so-called Bum Blockade, keeping out-of-town migrants and tramps from entering the city. In the early 1980's, when the mental hospitals emptied out, the city concentrated services for the down-and-out on Skid Row. A city within a city has developed, with citizens from everywhere. Some come from prison, some are runaways, some are former foster children who turned 18, some are refugees of the 9-to-5 world, some are mothers with children. More than half are alcoholics, studies show. As the shadows grow longer and the afternoon cools, the flies dissipate and action on the street picks up. People leave their rooms, the overpasses, the shadows of the missions. Bills change hands, bundles of euphoria are exchanged, and the missions start preparing supper. Alonzso Regazzi says he is caught in this world. He fell into the street life a few years ago, drew away, and came back. He sees Skid Row as a spectacular social failure. "They really are right to clean this place out," Mr. Regazzi says, walking down Los Angeles Street, on the shady part of the boulevard, explaining his life to a stranger. Sobering up was the easy part, Mr. Regazzi says. "The hard part is facing the world after you're sober." "So people get addicted to the chaos," he offers. "It's easier than working." There are, of course, programs. He tried them. But programs only work for those who want them to work. "Jesus helps those who help themselves, right?" Mr. Regazzi says. There are many ways to earn a living here, he adds: drugs, prostitution or selling parking-meter time to commuters using the old slug-on-a-string method. Welfare is available to indigent single adults - $212 a month from the county-but recipients must prove they are seeking work, and so many do not bother. People here commonly die by the knife, by the needle, by the front end of a bus, but rarely by suicide, Mr. Regazzi says. He recommends the Hotel Cecil, a common stop on the coroner's route. "It's the best on Skid Row," Mr. Regazzi says. He stays there occasionally. The lobby is done up with a two-tone marble. There is a small diner and a security man at the elevator. A thumb print and cash are required. The halls are filled with laughter. The toilet on the 15th floor is overflowing. Outside the hotel, a few men stand around selling drugs. Continued on bottom next page
Page 7
April, 2004
CONONIE’S CORNER
My name is Sean Cononie, my job is a job I created for myself. My title, is the "Unofficial Homeless Czar of California" One problem, I live in Hollywood, Florida. I am the founder of a number of social services agencies as well a newspaper titled, "The Homeless Voice" that happens to be one of the largest homeless newspapers on the North American Continent. The reason why I chose the state of California to help is because I have visited it in the past and studied Skid Row in Los Angeles, as well as the San Francisco area. I was completely shocked at what I saw. What I saw was about 45,000 homeless people living on the streets. I ask each and every one of you who are reading this letter. Are you shocked? Mr. Preacher, Mr. Politician, Mr. Homeless Provider, Mr. and Mrs. Doe are you shocked that this situation still exits? Yes, it is true that some homeless people live on the streets because it is just easier than trying to be functional. However, in most cases it is a multitude of problems, known as barriers that keeps a person on the streets; such as mental health concerns and other barriers that society, in general, forces on the homeless. Those barriers come from us the public, us the leaders, and us the property owners. In most cases we do not do it on purpose, it just happens that way. Let me first start off by stating that I am a Catholic Christian and I am not criticizing my own faith nor am I criticizing the religious beliefs of others. The purpose of this letter is a reality check. It is to open up our eyes so we don't just talk about it, but walk the talk and do something about it. For my brother Christians, I want to tell you that YES I commit sin daily but the sin that my fellow Christians commit is when we don't take care of the poor: a sin that can be corrected much easier than any of my own personal struggles. We may go to church daily, weekly, or some of us do not go at all, but we still keep a place in our heart for Jesus. Let me go one step further than Christianity. I do not think there is any one religion out there that does not tell us to help the poor. However, many of us do nothing even though we all have the resources to solve the very problems that exist in our communities. Now let me ask this question: How can we worship a homeless person on Sunday then ignore the other homeless people we know of on Monday? That's right, Jesus was homeless and we serve and worship him on Sunday but turn the other way on Monday when we see a hungry or homeless person. Maybe we are just too busy, or just look at the problem and say there is no hope, maybe some of us try but the government restricts our goals, or maybe we just don’t know our help is needed. For me, it is Jesus, for you it may be Buddha, but for all of us it should be whatever is required of us to take care of the poor. One of the first barriers of society is that we all say that we need to get the homeless off the streets and open more shelters but most communities do not open up zoning laws to allow homeless shelters the opportunity to open. Do you think governments across the USA leads us to believe we should out zone the homeless? Do they scare us into believing the big lie of what will become of our neighborhoods if we allow shelters to open up? Come on guys, look at the big picture. If we don't allow more zoning for homeless shelters the situation is only going to get worse and property values will go down anyway because more and more homeless people will be living on the streets. A simple way to get most of the homeless people off the streets is to open up God’s doors. But instead we have many churches that prosecute the homeless for trespassing on their property or for sleeping in their parking lots at night. Yes, you the religious leaders, your peers have practiced this type of a thing in the past. Yes, the homeless may destroy property, cause problems for your parishioners, and create an uneasy feeling, but for just moment put yourself in the shoes of a homeless person. Maybe you can go out into the streets and become homeless for a week and feel what a homeless person feels. Simply ask yourself. Could the problem easily be solved if the 4,000 churches in LA adopted 11 homeless people each, then the 45,000 homeless people in LA would become almost nonexistent? Furthermore, if only a portion of the homeless are helped we would at least be able to make a dent in the problem and get it under control. Getting control of the problem would be the first step at making it easier for existing service providers to handle the rest of the homeless problem. Yes, a lot of homeless people may not comply with the rules and yes some will vandalize your churches, but God does not care about that and He'll make the necessary adjustments for any problems that may arise. I am quite sure he would rather see us trying and He will protect your buildings. If we are going to teach faith, then we need to have faith and open up the doors. We also need to develop mental health teams to get mental health consumers the medication they need so they will realize that living on the streets is no way of life. We have to develop teams and work in conjunction with the social security administration to get homeless people the disability benefits they
so badly need for the multitude of health and mental heath problems they have. Beds must be available for d e tox if ic a tion from drugs and alcohol. We have to declare skid row a natural disaster and set up make shift communities to triage the homeSEAN IS OUT ON SICK LEAVE less into a better way of life. We have to ask families to adopt youngsters and the elderly who are currently living on the streets so that they have a safe place to live and rebuild their lives. We have to initiate a plan for homeless prevention that works to prevent new cases of homelessness. But most of all we have to work together as a team and solve these problems. Today, I give each of you the challenge. Don’t just occasionally glance at your Bible on the shelf like I am guilty of at times, pull it down, open it up and read Matthew 25: 35-46; learn why it’s our duty to help the homeless. To you who do not go to church or you who do not believe in God, try adopting a homeless family or a homeless person, work with that person until he or she becomes functional, just because they are fellow human beings. If we begin today and do these things, together we will help solve the problem of taking the homeless off the streets. And when that problem is under control then just maybe the shelter systems out there can work more effectively because there will be less clients to serve. This letter is not intended to make any one feel bad because I am quite sure there are many people out there who help the poor. It's to open the eyes of those who are unaware that the homeless need their help. It is to make all us in the religious community to do more. There are many more things I can personally do for other causes and I don’t, so I need to be more helpful as well. So I am not perfect and I don't want you to think I have all the answers. What I am saying is that we all just have to try our best. Let me give you an example of what we, as an agency must go though in order to keep our doors open. We have to raise about 100,000 a month on the average. Some months it’s 90,000 and some months it is $110,000.00. Churches use our facility because they don’t have homeless shelters. We take their referrals. We never say to them “ Why don’t you handle it, you are supposed to because God commands us to.” When we were trying to buy this shelter we sent letters to almost every church in the three county areas asking them to help us pay for the building. We sent over 1500 letters and we were just asking them for a small donation. We even asked for prayers if they could not give us a donation. We never got one response. Not even a card saying, “ we are praying for you” In this community we have a lot of churches and there are some churches that help us a great deal while others don’t at all. Just because they may not help us does not make them wrong. They may have their own ministries they support or other programs. If each church in the three county areas, gave us each $70.00 a month we would make our budget and never have to sell our paper. Then we could just hand out the paper for free at stores and churches. . It would save a lot of havoc because there are great numbers of people in the community who do not like the vendors approaching their cars. That is why most cities try to outlaw the paper vendors. In fact if the churches supported us, we would not have to spend about $20,000 a month on getting the teams of vendors out to the streets. It cost us an extra 20,000 a month to bring this paper to the public. If that were the case then each church would only have to give $56.00 a month. Not bad for only $56.00 a month a church can pay for over 300 beds for homeless people. If each church did a penny drive and only gave us their pennies then our problems would be solved. It only takes responsibility and teamwork to solve problems for communities. No matter what the cause is, it only takes teamwork. There are churches still out there that think we don’t even have a shelter. We hope that Skid Row changes and we hope that this article offends not one person.
A Lack of Concern cont. from previous page Mr. Regazzi nurses a beer, considering the totality One thin man tells Mr. Regazzi that it wouldn't hurt him to look, and Mr. Regazzi gets the feeling that this very of his life. It is growing dark outside. "I'm not like the man will someday be preaching on this very same cor- bums out here," he says. "I'm not born to it. I've never lived in a tent. I'm sure I'll look back on this when I ner. The police circle by, and the hustlers scatter. crawl out and say I knew what the bottom was like." A few duck into Crabby Joe's bar at Main and Sev- He finishes his beer. Ike watches him go out. A woman is howling under the street lights. "I been enth, and when a crowd like this enters, a little guy named Ike gives the twice-over before dispensing a in this neighborhood 30 years," Ike says, "and I don't see nothing changing. It's never going to change." drink.
—Sean Cononie, Advocate
Voice
Page 8
SUNDAY’S WORLD Continued from page one
of keeping the job just begins. Will they be able to work out permanent transportation in order to be at work on time? Can they find safe, affordable daycare for their kids? And will they be able to find a place where they can have a shower and put on clean clothes? And most of all, will their salary be enough for them to put down a first month and last month's rent on a place to live? I don't know all the answers, and you are probably as confused and mystified as I am that in America, the greatest land on earth, too many of our people can't find it within their hearts not to judge and put labels that are negative and unfair onto their fellow citizens. My grandfather, who survived and raised his four children during the Great Depression, used to have a favorite saying–"There but for the Grace of God go I.."
greasy dirty hair, maybe even shampoo it with soap. But it is way too long, for he hasn't had a hair cut in months. How is he going to shave his shaggy beard, or make his soiled old shirt look fresh? If this guy walked in through your door for a job, what would your first impression be? He's a drunk, or on drugs, or just a bum? Would you be inclined to hire him, or even go ahead with the interview? Even before the interview, the homeless job seeker often is faced with yet another obstacle--transportation. He most likely doesn't have a car, or money for a bus or a taxi. That leaves two options--hitchhiking, or walking. Walking may be safer, but what if the destination is miles away and it's raining, or snowing, or ninety degrees in the shade? By the time he gets to the employer's office, he is drenched, frozen, or melting. Would you accept him as a possible worker, when your waiting room is I understand it now, better than ever. And I have changed it to brimming over with other clean, bright prospects, with shiny computerprinted resumes in hand? "There but by the Grace of God goes each one of us." These are just a few of the problems facing the homeless each day as they Sunday Uher try to re-enter the job market. And if an employer hires them, the challenge
Glance down at your wrist. Does a watch securely wrap itself around the bone, serving as a reminder of the time that is passing? If so, observe the larger hand, watch as it slowly encircles its way around the face. Continue on, for, oh say, the next forty seconds. Okay, now stop. Next, try to envision the happenings that have taken place in such a short amount of time. Babies have been born. Couple's have exchanged vows. Somebody has laughed. Somebody has cried. Ask yourself, this, though: does the fact that somebody has just taken his or her own life even enter or cross your mind? Well, somebody has. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), statistically it has been noted that somewhere around the globe a suicide is committed every forty seconds. Why is it that people bring themselves down to this one last resort? This one final act of desperation? Well, to start with, the number of people killing themselves each year disturbingly reflects our cultural and social structures. Take for instance people who have been marginalized from society. The unemployed, the chemically dependent, the mentally ill... the homeless. Suicide is all too common among homeless people. The problem is far larger
than that that is brought to the public eye. Extremely vulnerable people are left homeless which wreaks havoc with their emotional and physical well-being. More over, people living in unsuitable living conditions, and lacking that of shelter, and the appropriate levels of care and nurture are particularly inclined to committing suicide. Being left homeless isolates people from friends, family, and social services, all of which many fail to realize can be vital lifelines to those in crisis. Lacking shelter clearly prevents people from dealing with any other important and lingering everyday problems. In addition, it increases stress, anxiety, and depression to an ultimate high in which can result in the unfortunate last resort decision to commit suicide. So why then, do so many of us continue to ignore and almost negate the fact that homelessness not only can but has resulted in death by suicide. Take for example, a tragic story on an old CNN program in which a family shared their painful experience based on their fifteen year old son. The boy had been hospitalized and upon his discharge had made various threats to kill himself. The hospital allegedly new this, but discharged the boy, anyway. Three hours later the young boy was found dead. He'd hung himself, proving his threats to be true.
The homeless deaths caused by suicide are both sad, and frightening. We are dealing with people who die from exposure, who have been dismayed. Suicide rates among the homeless have become both dramatic and alarming. One study done reported that 19 of the 48 suicides were those of homelessness. So, what can we do? The problem will never abate until we tackle the issue. In doing so we must begin by educating ourselves and each other. Even the most minimal amount of knowledge can be both vital and influential in helping our citizen's to understand the importance in sheltering and protecting our homeless citizen's. Comprehension of the link between homelessness and suicide is important. While it is not possible to isolate one specific reason as to why one would choose to take his or her own life, research done on this subject provides an important indication of the links between suicide and our homeless citizens. It highlights in the starkest light on how providing shelter and even the most simple living accommodations can help to prevent the tragic loss of yet another life. By Nicole Darcy Settimi Send comments to: nicole@homelessvoice.org
Group marches on City Hall, calling for access to jobs, homes, more... By KIM HORNER / The Dallas Morning News They carried signs that read: "Jesus was homeless" and "Would you put your dog out in the cold?" About 25 homeless people marched from a downtown shelter to City Hall on Tuesday to ask for help getting jobs and homes. "Where are these people supposed to go?" said James Waghorne, head of the Homeless Neighborhood Association, which organized the march. The 44-year-old formerly homeless man said the city should make affordable housing a higher priority.
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In addition, the marchers want a say in the location of a planned homeless assistance facility that Dallas voters approved as part of a bond package in May.
camps. Several downtown-area homeless people said police and code enforcement officials had thrown out their clothes, medications and other possessions with little notice. Neither police nor code enforcement offiCliff Whitfield was one of about 25 cials could be reached for comment. Many of the homeless marchers live at the homeless people who marched Dallas Life Foundation shelter, where they are Tuesday from a shelter to City Hall. working through 12-step recovery programs. The demonstrators want a say in Tony McClelland, 46, lived on the streets the location of a planned homeless for nearly a year before he entered the shelaid facility. ter. "We can't get jobs. No one will hire us," Mr. The homeless also want the city to stop taking their belongings during "sweeps" of homeless McClelland said. "People look at us like we're lower than animals. Just because we're homeless doesn't mean we're not human beings." Ronald Swearengin, 33, said his story illus• Talk to your Human Resource Manager trates the difficulties about how you can donate money to help many homeless people the homeless thru a payroll deduction for face. Mr. Swearengin cannot find a job or the COSAC Foundation home after being convicted on a felony drug American Express Will Match Any charge, which landed
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Page 9
April, 2004
THOUGHTS
Two years ago while writing some stories in my van (Lois was driving), a song came on the radio. It was “Candle in the Wind” by Elton John; I had no idea that the song was written about Marilynn Monroe. Then, as I listened to the words, I thought this song is similar to what Michael Jackson sang for Elizabeth Taylor’s birthday party which I attended for an AIDS fundraiser (and which was aired on ABC). This was a time before I started this shelter. I sold my communication company and got active in the HIV world as a volunteer. As well as working on disasters as a volunteer for the American Red Cross. When I sold the company I was still retired and volunteered anywhere I could. I tried to help in any cause I thought was good. It was sort of neat; I also fed the homeless in Downtown Miami before I even knew a lot about homeless issues. I tell you feeding the homeless in downtown Miami is like feeding a Only, 1140 people were present at Elizabeth’s birthday party. In fact when I got back from her party, is when I decided to put up some of my own money to start my own foundation to help people with different needs. I thought the party was cool, but “Boy I had no idea what I was getting into. I hung out with Steven Segal, Patty Labelle, Roseanne Barr, Cher and Madonna, and the night got better when the original Cat Woman from Batman kissed me. Steven Segal said to me, “ You would never guess her age.” I found out when I got home and asked my mother. Anyway, it was a good kiss. When we first got there, they had red carpets for the stars and the other celebrities to walk on when they got out of their limos. There was a line of people on the other side of the street to see the action, and there must have been 50 cameras taking pictures when the stars arrived. As my former communications business partner and myself crawled out of our limo, we said to ourselves, “What in the world are we doing here?” I could not imagine that all this money was spent to raise money. Then I understood that in order to get the rich and famous to give a lot of money to a cause, it’s got to be filled with lots of glitter, tuxes, and all the other fine stuff that they do in their extravagant life styles. I got to meet Liz and Michael Jackson that night. Liz was
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having medical problems at the time. But she thanked me personally for attending and making a donation to her foundation, which in turn helped families and individuals who were impacted by AIDS. All the funds that night went to help those in need, what a great plan. Everybody who attended gave her a birthday present (lots of checks) that went to her foundation. As I touched her hand, I said to her jokingly, “ Do you think I can be your next husband?’ Michel Jackson said “ She is mine tonight.” Now, I thought, what would Michael Jackson have in common with Liz Taylor? I found out later: It was the young star growing up so fast and everybody telling them how their lives are going to be. When Michael sang his song to say Happy Birthday to Liz, I then understood that these famous people have problems just like the famous people living here at the shelter. Most of you all see them daily so in a away they are a little famous too… Look at Elton John’s words in “Candle in the Wind:” Goodbye, Norm Jean, Though I never knew you at all, You had the grace to hold yourself While those around you crawled, They crawled out of the woodwork, And they whispered into your brain, They set you on a treadmill And they made you change your name, And it seems to me That you lived your life like a candle in the wind, Never knowing who to cling to when the rain set in, And I would have like to have known you but I was just a kid, Your candle burned out long before your legend ever did, Loneliness was tough, The toughest role you ever played. Hollywood created a superstar, And pain was the price you paid, Even when the press still hounded you, All the papers had to say, Was that Marilyn was found in the nude, Goodbye, Norm Jean, From a young man in the 22nd row, Who sees you as something more than sexual More than just our Marilyn Monroe From his words, you can see how poor Marilyn had problems, and that when she was gone, they put her down. I know: What does this have to do with homeless issues? You’ll soon find out after I finish explaining what Michael Jackson’s song to Liz was. When Michael got on stage, it was live, being aired with no delays. The beginning of the song was intense. Everyone in the audience
was famous but my friend and me. The audience became quiet and all eyes were focused on Michael as he started to perform. Even with my black tux, I felt inferior to the rest of the people who breathed just like me. However, my eyes were focused and chills were present. The lights dimmed and there was the most talented entertainer in the world about to sing the song he wrote for Liz. However, when Michael sang, the fun became a harsh reality of what this beautiful woman went through in her life. I have listened to the song over and over and I think I got the words correct. These were the words he sang for her: Welcome to Hollywood, That’s what they told you, A child star in Hollywood, That’s what they sold you, Grace and beauty, Charm and talent, You would do what you were told, But they robbed you of your childhood, Took your youth and sold it for gold, Elizabeth, I love you, You the very star that showed the world to me, Elizabeth, can’t you see that it is true I love you. You are more than just a star to me, Lovely Elizabeth, you have surpassed them all, Life and Elizabeth learned how to outlasts them all, Lady, started back when you did, Lost their way, And now they are gone, But now look at you, A true survivor, Full of life and caring on, This is your life, You seemed to have it all, You reached your peak, They wanted you to fall, It is very sad that this world can be so bad, But though all the hard aces when they put you down, You know you were the victor and you earned the crown, It’s like walking through fire determined to win. There was a time when I was alone, You stood by my side and said to be strong, You did all these things that only a true friend could do, I pray one day I’ll be just like you. Now, as you can also see by the words, Michael’s song to Liz was true at heart. For Michael had some problems in his life, and she was there for him. This article is a reprint from about two years ago but I thought I would rewrite some of it because of the problems that face people today are getting worse these
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Sean, pre-Meningitis days. Drug use and crimes on the homeless have increased greatly. . I often wonder today, if Liz is standing by his side. I do not know if Mr. Jackson is guilty of the crimes he has been accused of and I hope in my heart he is not because his music has always been about change, feeding the poor and life struggles. I would hope to think that these charges are just made up and it will be proven that he is innocent. When I hear his music of feeding the poor it has motivated me in the past but somehow today because of the allegations my motivation is weaken. I must tell you from my heart that this night meant the world to me. I got to hang with so many big names, and nowhere in my life did I think that I’d be able to share a common goal with celebrities, and that goal was to raise money for people with AIDS. I must state again, that when I got back from the party, it was then that I knew I needed to do more and that is why I started this shelter. Now, in my life, I hang with people that most would regard to as nobodies. But I can tell you that the homeless are celebrities in my own heart. When I originally started on the text of this story an old friend advised me that “How could I compare the homeless problems to the movie stars problems.” They told me it was a mean thing to do. In fact the person was down out firm and criticized me to the maximum. I too this day could not understand their reasoning but people have a right to their decision. But it is simple. I guess when you don’t work with the homeless all year long it is hard to understand them, however, each one has their own talents and at the same time, their shortcomings. Look at the celebrities, they fall just like the homeless, however their falls are not as hard because they can be broken by piles of money to help them. In fact their falls take longer to hit rock bottom because they have the resources to prevent homelessness. Some stars have gone through $5000 a day with cocaine problems. People living in homes with low income may only have a $10.00 a day drinking habit, Continued next page
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VOICE UPDATE
HELP PAY OFF OUR MORTGAGE HELP PAY OFF OUR MORTGAGE WeWe need justjust need 41,650 a check forfor $20.00, 40,550 people peopletotosend sendinin a check $20.00, Or Or 16,220 people to send in a check for $50.00, Or 16,660 people to to send send in 8,110 people in aacheck checkfor for$50.00, $100.00, Or Or 811 people to send in a check for $1,000, Or 8,330 people to send in a check for $100.00, Just one wonderful Or person or business to send a check for the 833 people to send in a entire check $811,000.00 for $1,000, Or Remember the donation is tax deductible!! Just one wonderful person or business to send Please send your checks to: a check for the entire $833,000.00 Fund RememberThe the COSAC donationBuilding is tax deductible!!
Boxchecks 292-577 Please P.O. send your to: The COSAC Fund Davie, Building Florida 33329 P.O. Box We do292-577 thank you Davie, Florida 33329 We do thank you
Continued from previous page however that is a lot of money for the poor, and if that low income person has an added emergency that will require money that may make them homeless. Where as, if a Movie Star over spends by a few thousand one day it does nothing to hurt them. Problems become the destroyer. The poor fall fast, the rich fall slowly, but eventually it destroys us all. Now, what has society done to the homeless? Have we nurtured them in the wrong way? Have we given them so much stress that they resort to the life of drugs and alcohol? Have the Homeless done it to themselves? Have we created systems that do not allow every person to succeed? Have their families nurtured them wrong? Were they denied proper education? Was their intelligence or job skill below average and prevented them from getting a good job? Or do they burn bridges and when they fall no person wants to help them because of past behavior? After meeting all those famous people, I realized they have so much stress that isn’t all the glamour we normal people think it is. And let me tell you, there isn’t much glamour in the world of homelessness. These
O
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.
people really want to have the glamour of living in their own place and not letting society take care of them. But their glamour becomes trying to at least get some cover when it rains instead of sleeping with no cover or maybe getting some throw outs at Publix that just went in the dumpster in the last 24 hours. Please remember there are many homeless left in the streets because they are off their mental health medication and they do not think it is wrong to sleep in the streets. We see them and we feel for them but they think it is “ok” to eat every so many days. These are my favorite type of homeless people. This allows me to give them a new life once they are on their medication. We can also see how the people who support our cause are celebrities as well. We don’t know most of you. There are some who send in their $5.00 a month, there are some who send in their $500.00 a week and there are some who will send a check for $1.23. In the past when I get those off non-rounded numbers on those checks like the $1.23 I could not figure why such a number. Than one day a little girl made some money doing chores in her little community. Her little letter explained how she wanted to tithe a
certain percentage of her earnings. To all of you ,no matter the amount of the check, we love you for what you have done for our little celebrities we call the homeless. It’s not just the amount of money that makes us happy; it’s also the notes we get. Two years ago, I received a check from my best friend’s parents, who I haven’t seen in over 15 years. I grew up with their son. When I saw the name on the envelope, I had a very big smile knowing that they supported the cause I worked very hard for every day. People, I am asking you to do what ever it takes to help us in our goal. One day, I would love the same support that was given to Elizabeth Taylor’s AIDS Foundation. Let me daydream for a moment: I would love to have another grand opening of several more homeless shelters and the same famous people behind us to make our goal a little bit easier. And as I stop daydreaming, I know two things. The first thing is that, we need to pay off this mortgage before we open up the next one. The second thing is that when Lois gets up tomorrow since she is covering for me until I get better, she will meet some new celebrities as they line up at our doors. And yes, they will be a victim
of “an equal opportunity destroyer” Why is that? Problems do not discriminate; they come to all people no matter how rich, how poor. We are all so equally destroyed by the same problems except the poorer you are, the problems can destroy you faster. Please remember you can go to our web at www.homelessvoice.org and donate on PayPal or call us at 954-924-3571 and we can bill your credit cards monthly. The cities are hurting us and we do not know if we will make it if we only have the medians to work from.
By the way, if everybody who read our paper this month sent in an extra five dollars we also would be able to pay off our mortgage completely. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
—Sean A. Cononie
HOMELESS ASK FOR A LITTLE HELP Continued from page 9 demonstration. "I think this is a really great example of representative democracy at work," said Dave Hogan, crisis intervention unit manager. Only a couple of police officers and a few city employees taking smoke breaks were outside City Hall to listen. Mayor Laura Miller said recently that addressing homelessness was a top priority. She could not be reached for comment Tuesday. Many of the homeless people planned to sleep outside City Hall on The city recently organized the Homeless Neighborhood Association to give homeless people a voice. Officials from the city's crisis Tuesday night in memory of Gregory Biggs. Mr. Biggs was killed in intervention unit, which formed the association, watched Tuesday's Fort Worth in October 2001 by Chante Mallard, who hit the homeless man with her car and drove home with his body in her windshield. Ms. Mallard was convicted of murder last week and sentenced to 50 years in prison. him in prison for two years. "You're being pushed out on the streets," he said. "It's hard to get a job with a felony record." John Fullinwider, a longtime advocate for the homeless, encouraged the homeless to keep fighting for their rights. "It's not a crime to be homeless," he said.
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Page 11
April, 2004
REGIONAL NEWS
idden in the mangroves trees, about 100 yards from the beaches where tourists sun themselves, homeless Vietnam veteran Dave Stir sits at the camp where he has lived for two years, barefoot and surrounded by empty beer cans. "I really try not to hurt anybody or anything," said the graying 52-year-old, one of dozens of homeless men who call the spot home, sleeping in small tents and keeping their food in plastic crates balanced in mangrove branches. But city officials say the squatters at this camp and others scattered across Key West must go because they're damaging the protected and environmentally sensitive mangrove wetlands. "It looks like it's not too bad," assistant city manager John Jones said of the area on a recent visit. "But it's in endangered wetlands. They're violating the law." Police are set to evict camp occupants this week as the city begins enforcing an ordinance that prohibits trespassing in endangered wetlands. More than a dozen of about 40 camps have disappeared since the city posted no trespassing signs last month. Along with the environmental concerns, there may be another issue. Such sweeps of the homeless are growing increasingly common in cities that rely on tourism, said Donald Whitehead, executive director of the National Coalition for the Homeless. "Homeless people are viewed as anti-tourist. They (city officials) don't want their city to have a bad impression."
H
There are few places for the estimated 800 homeless to go on Key West, a 2-mile-by-4mile island that has no emergency shelters. Transients are drawn to the city by the balmy winter weather and thousands of tourists ripe for panhandling. Forty percent of the homeless in Key West where $160,000 condos are classified as affordable housing - hold down a job, said Lou
Forty percent of the homeless in Key West where $160,000 condos are classified as affordable housing hold down a job... Hernandez, executive director of a coalition of nonprofit groups for homeless in the Keys. But Jones said about 40 of these working poor live under a bridge in front of the Hyatt Vacation Club, lining up mattresses on the concrete and coral rock riverbank. City officials have tried to keep the city clean and tourist friendly while respecting the civil rights of the homeless. They succeeded in making the downtown tourist center a nopanhandling zone, but failed with other efforts, including busing transients to Miami. The latest proposal would create a tent city called a "safe zone" on Stock Island, about 1 1/2 miles from downtown, behind the jail and
JustAPRIL as sunflowers 4, 2004turn their heads 2AMto catch every so too Turnsunbeam, those clocks Everyone was meant to share have we discovered God’s all abiding love and care ahead one hour a He saw that we would need to know simple way to get more from our sun. A way to let these feelings show We've learned to save So god made hugs, a special sign energy and enjoy sunny And symbol of His Love divine A circle of our open arms summer evenings by To hold in love and keep out harm switching our clocks an One simple hug can do its part hour forward in the To warm and cheer another heart summer. A hug, a bit of heaven above, Turn your clock forward That signifies His perfect love. April 4th at 2AM
WHY GOD MADE HUGS
near a landfill dubbed Mount Trashmore. The Monroe County Commission is scheduled to consider approving the plan March 17. The safe zone would have shelters, a trailer with showers and a laundry. The city would provide free bus transportation to downtown and to the local soup kitchen. It would house about 120 people, but Jones said he doesn't expect that many will use it, in part because alcohol and drugs will be prohibited and because the location is inconvenient. "This is the only area right now that everybody agrees to put them, except the people that we're going to be putting there," Jones said. The city tried unsuccessfully to put the safe zone in other locations. "Nobody wants them in their back yard. Nobody," Jones said. In a recent tour of homeless camps, several homeless veterans asked Jones where they should go after they're evicted. Jones couldn't tell them where to move. But he did say that if they move onto public property, no one could tell them to leave without providing another place for them to go. Stir, who said he suffers from cirrhosis, said he wouldn't go to the safe zone but might try to get admitted at the VA hospital. As Jones prepared to walk away, Stir mentioned another option: "You see that rope above my tent? I'll be on the end of that." "Us poor veterans are less important than the mangrove trees," Stir lamented. From AP (vis ClariNet)
A DAY IN MY LIFE This is the beginning of a new day. God has given me this day to use as I will. I can waste it, or use it for good. What I do today is very important because I am exchanging a day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving in it’s place, something I have traded for it. I want it to be a gain, not a loss.. Good, not evil…success, not failure in order That I shall not forget the price I paid for it.
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