HOMELESS
ELYAHOU LALLOUZ LAUNCHES ARTISTS FOR CHARITIES DONATES 18K FOR RAFFLE
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hese days it’s quite the challenge to be granted an interview with Elyahou Lallouz. The ‘Ambassador of Humanity’ seems to be swimming in a sea of paints with no time for play. “There aren’t enough hours in the day,” says Lallouz. In fact this artist who is acclaimed for his spectacular works which are flatteringly identified somewhere between celebrated masters Picasso and Matisse will be donating three original works of art for raffle to benefit the Homeless Coalition of South Florida. “The pieces I have selected are geared toward awareness of this abasing level of society. You’ve got people that have fallen off the ride, and I mean men and women who have lost their home, job, family and most of all, self respect. How can such a thing happen -- well it does and unfortunately it’s very hard for these people to get back on track. I’m not saying that all people who find themselves in a homeless situation are educated or former pillars of society. But I do have to commend Sean Cononie, COSAC’s founder for his formidable devotion to bringing aid to these lost individuals. It’s unfathomable to see what he deals with on a daily basis.” The three ‘Signature Lallouz’ originals will be donated by Artists for Charities. It’s inception, brought to life by Lallouz along with his wife and philanthropic partner, Rhonda is a nonprofit organization with a mission of keeping art alive while supporting both artists and charitable organiza-
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tions. “It caters to artists of all mediums and is a centralized hub which gears toward representing stable and non stable artists in establishing a recognized value of their works, all the while educating the public and nonprofit charities into comprehending the abundance of unmanaged talent which exists. Elyahou is continually donating his works to charitable organizations to help raise funds for their cause. At times, it can be somewhat overwhelming due to the fact that he only has two hands. Artists for Charities is an organization which collaborates with all charities and furnishes them with the tools needed to fund raise. It also serves as a model to organizations on how an artist should be treated with respect. Elyahou and I have experienced both ends of the spectrum. While some charities are very pleasant, there are others who clearly are in it for personal gain, huge tax writeoffs and limo rides. Experiences like those have only enlightened us
ELYAHOU LALLOUZ ORIGINAL “Papa” 8” x 10” Mixed Media on Canvas Certificate of Authenticity Available Upon Request Current Market Value: $950 USD
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A
s I sit back and reflect on my recent trip to Nicaragua, I think of all the wonderful people I met while I was there and its pure beauty like no other country. Nicaragua is the second poorest, most heavily indebted country in the western hemisphere. My assignment was to grasp an understanding of Nicaragua’s culture while exploring the depth of their poverty. I unfortunately didn’t get to visit any slums while I was there, but I did get to meet some wonderful homeless children who live in the streets. The youngest child we ran across was the ripe old age of 7. So when I use the term children, that’s what I really mean. I have read a lot about the street children of the
Americas who sniff glue to escape the reality of their world. Corinne and I wanted to visit these children in the streets, to see first hand the atrocity of their situation. Corinne and I unpacked the clothes from our travel bags to prepare for a night in the streets. We filled them back up again with milk, orange juice, and hot rice wrapped in tinfoil to hand out to the children who are, for the most part, forgotten about on the streets of Granada, Nicaragua. We really had no clue what we were about to see. American ex-Peace Corps worker, Donna Tabor, who works with these children, told us that we would find
most of the children living in the central park. So Corinne and I went to the park looking for these lost souls. Upon arrival, it took no time for children to start popping out of every little corner. I would say the average age of the children was around 11. As we befriended them, they opened up to us like we knew them forever; telling us their stories about why they are there. Even though poverty definitely out ranks the aid given to this country, there were still some places for these children to go. The problem with these particular children is that they cannot last in any pro-
“Why are children sniffing glue at such a young age?”
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Voice
Page 2
HOMELESS VOICE
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August, 2004
HOMELESSVOICE.ORG As you can see, we dedicated this paper to our close friend Pete, who has recently passed away. Pete has been part of our family here at COSAC for as long as COSAC has been a shelter. Pete was a founding father here at the shelter; as far as, he would take care of all the new people. Just like the shelter takes care of all the people who slip through the cracks of the system. Pete would go even further and give people extra care. Not just food, but a treat every once in a while. Always doing something special. We love you. -Mark Targett and Friends.
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LOCAL NEWS
ELYAHOU LALLOUZ LAUNCHES ARTISTS FOR CHARITIES DONATES 18K FOR RAFFLE Although Lallouz studied the arts, he professes that his talents are natural, somewhat innate. “Art is my oasis. I share that ‘flawless diamond’ with people who can feel the colors. I have refused to sell my art to individuals who are buying it to match the color scheme of a room. A painting is something that you must choose carefully. It has to talk to you, stir you, move you inside, after all you’ll be looking at it everyday for the rest of your life. My works are a major investment, so I would insist that a purchaser is in love with my art. It’s a small price to pay.” Lallouz also shared his views about Art Therapy. “Art is something that my children were fortunate enough to grow up with, meaning that they could wake up everyday and see original, not posters or serigraphs, but true original, vividly colored dimensional works of art. That is a form of Art Therapy. Sometimes I take the kids to the beach and we build sandcastles. That’s Art Therapy. My name ‘Lallouz’ means ‘the light’ in Spanish and that’s what I bring to my life and work, ‘la luz’.”
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to use extreme caution in our benevolence. It’s wonderful how some organizations will have a letter of thanks in the mail the following week, yet perturbing how others haven’t been taught the primary skill. The focal point here is that people love art and it is considered a luxury investment which is greatly in demand. “There’s nothing like acquiring a painting at a charity benefit,” shares Rhonda Lallouz, matriarch to Elyahou’s tribe of four children. Also a participant of Artists for Charities is the couple’s twelve year old daughter Chanel Emmanuelle who is following in her parents footsteps as a ‘Tween Philanthropist’”. The new kid on the block, Artists for Charities is gaining the support and respect of many affluent figures and has the making of a strong hold, given a little time and recognition. Elyahou Lallouz recently participated at a seminar catering to the growing number of people who have taken up learning about healing through colors.
“More than eighteen thousand dollars in original paintings will be available for raffle through the South Florida Coalition for the Homeless.”
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“I have the utmost respect for all artists, however there is one thing that I find a bit distressing. It is my observation that your average person has lost their way in what true original art has to offer. I feel that the acquisition of an original is extremely important to the survival of art. While an artist is alive and producing, his works should be original. After his death, there is no other alternative but to reproduce his works in the form of posters or serigraphs. People have to think about where they are spending their hard earned dollars. Imagine for a moment that you had the chance to buy or even barter for one of Picasso’s paintings or any master for that matter. There are so many artists of today who will bring financial gain through their works, something that perhaps the Antiques Roadshow can one day deem a worthy ancestral investment, unlike consumer rivals in support of vendors who set up shop at the Hilton over the course of a weekend, selling assembly line Chinese Renoir reproductions for $19.99, frame included. Do people really think that you’re going to believe that they own the original -- I think not! Just think about their great grandchildren and how they will reap the profits of those masterful reproductions at a yard sale,” Lallouz facetiously remarks. To some, Lallouz permeates a haughtiness that is almost confrontational, but this master remains the “People’s Choice” artist. His works are in private collections worldwide, dignifiedly gracing the walls of former President Bill Clinton to a nook of billionaire developer Donald Trump’s palatial midtown duplex he calls home. Lallouz acknowledges his non partisan stance and happily boasts former President George Bush, Sr. to his roster and work in progress for President George W. “I don’t allow politics to dominate my art. I have both Republicans and Democrats who are dear friends of mine and I am the first to say that I have supported both. While I am
ELYAHOU LALLOUZ ORIGINAL “Mother Teresa” -After Hussein30” x 36” Mixed Media on Canvas Value: 14K
considered a conduit to raising funds, I am certainly not the reason a candidate will prevail. That can only be attributed to the art of politics. I am not putting myself in the middle of that one,” Lallouz laughs. Elyahou Lallouz continues his perpetual philanthropy. More than eighteen thousand dollars in original paintings will be available for raffle through the South Florida Coalition for the Homeless. “Think about what a few dollars today could bring to your family lineage tomorrow. Honestly speaking, we’ve all spent more at a restaurant for dinner than what a book of raffles would cost. I’m not so sure that you’ll be able to use the hindsight excuse on this one,” Lallouz says.
ELYAHOU LALLOUZ ORIGINAL “Indigence” -After Picasso16” x 20” Mixed Media on Canvas Certificate of Authenticity Available Upon Request Current Market Value: $3,200 USD
Ron Levitt, President of the Miami Press Club and former Secretary of State - cultural affairs has recently said of Lallouz, “Don’t be surprised when you buy a raffle ticket at a charity event and end up with a Lallouz. You should be so lucky!” Elyahou Lallouz’ works will be available for the public’s view sometime this summer at GalleriaLallouz.com where an e-mail is currently set up for information. Also coming is ArtistsforCharities.org. To purchase raffles, please call the Cosac Foundation at 954-920-1277. The draw, to take place on February 15, 2005 will be officiated by a public official and a celebrity to be named at a later date. by Layla Harper
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August, 2004
LOCAL NEWS
What has Betty Castor done or what has she failed to do that would make me judge this person? What could be so bad that I have to warn the public about? You soon will find out.
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errorist attacks have always affected the economy, created hardships for families, make the job market as bad as possible, and caused people to become homeless. Not only has it caused many new cases of Homelessness, it has caused the Homeless who were already in the street to receive less services because new funds and donations will all be going to the new cases of homelessness caused by the terrorist attacks. I even stopped giving my regular donations that I normally do and placed my money in to the 911 funds. Lately we have all seen the news about who is to blame for these attacks. What agency? What President? What politician? Who was to blame? I am not one to point the finger at who's to blame as long as that person is trying to overcome their failure. Today I will be pointing my finger or should I say my whole hand at one person who is running for US Senate for the great state of Florida. This person did not just make a mistake she made a bundle of mistakes. To know you have a potential problem and do nothing is great failure. It is sad as a Democrat I have to point the finger at one of my own, but I have no choice. I am a straight shooter and tell it like it is. If I feel that a Republican will be the better choice I would cast my vote for them. In the current race for US Senate for Florida there is one particular person I will not vote for because she has made many mistakes which could have hurt National Security. Thank God there are several other candidates to choose from. I have met with Congressman Deutsch several times in Washington about narcotics being sold over the Internet and he has been very helpful towards our cause. He is also running for US Senate. The other candidate is Alex Penelas who has never once returned my call about Homeless issues. What has Betty Castor done or what has she failed to do that would make me judge this person? What could be so bad that I have to warn the public about? You soon will find out. I saw this article written in the Sun-Sentinel on May 30, 1996 Betty Castor said "We could have done a better job of telling our story publicly," She also added that the university would continue to encourage a free exchange of ideas, no matter how radical. I stopped what I was doing and researched even more. I said to myself here there are terrorist living in the state and state employees are going to allow them to teach radical ideas to kids who will lead America in the future. Betty Castor, this message is to you. Yes we have the freedom of speech but that right does not give us the right to go into a movie theater and yell the words “Fire” We don’t have the right to teach hatred towards any one group of people and we sure don’t have the right to let terrorist teach our students. Here is what she was referring to. In 1991, Sam Al-Arian called for “Death to Israel.” In 1994, the same year Castor took over the University of South Florida (USF), Professor Al-Arian was identified as part of a terrorist cell. In 1995, after the founder of the terrorist group Islamic Jihad was assassinated, USF professor Ramadan Shallah became the new leader of the terrorist group. Despite this, Castor allowed Al-Arian to return to teaching on campus. In 1997, federal agents accused Al-Arian of bringing terrorists into the country and in 2003, Al-Arian, was indicted and jailed on terrorism charges, along with another USF instructor, a USF lecturer and a USF student. With knowing all this, who allowed this man and the others to still teach at an American University? Betty Castor the one running for US Senate. Betty Castor did not need to wait until the man was investigated again and then arrested for more terrorist activities. Yes, a person is innocent until proven guilty but do you think The United States would allow a soldier to also be part of a terrorist group and still let them serve in the service? NO WAY. These people who worked for Betty Castor at USF may have not been making the bombs but they did belong to these terrorist groups, Wasn't that enough for Betty Castor to make a decision to end their teaching ability at her University. That would be as bad as me sitting in front of some city council advocating against the homeless and then wake up the next day running a homeless shelter. The following were taken out of Newspapers across in the state. Same Year Castor Took over as President, Professor Identified as Part of Islamic Jihad Cell. In January 1994, Castor took over as President of the University of South Florida (USF). That November, a PBS documentary identified USF Professor Sami Al-Arian as part of an Islamic Jihad support cell at USF. [Tampa Tribune, 12/21/03] Professor Indicted and Jailed on Terrorism Charges. In 1997, Federal agents said Al-Arian was involved in bringing suspected Jihad leaders into the country. In 2003, Al-Arian was indicted on terrorism charges and jailed, and fired by Castor’s successor. [St. Petersburg Times, 8/23/97; Tampa Tribune, 12/21/03] Professor: “Death to Israel.” “Al-Arian has made less charitable remarks about Israel in other settings,” according to the St. Petersburg Times. “A transcript of a 1991 ICP rally in Chicago, when the intifada was still going on, quotes Al-Arian as saying ‘Victory is for Islam. Death to Israel.’” [St. Petersburg Times, 4/28/96] USF-Connected Institute Sponsored Events with U.S.-Labeled Terrorist. During its three-year relationship with the university, an Al-Arian institute cosponsored two round-table discussions featuring fundamentalist Islamic intellectuals Hassan Turabi of Sudan and Rashid Ghanoushi of Tunisia. Dr. Turabi is considered the power behind a regime the United States has labeled a supporter of terrorism. Dr. Ghanoushi has been convicted in Tunisia of trying to overthrow its government. The two also were invited speakers at annual conferences of Dr. Al-Arian’s Islamic Committee for Palestine. [Dallas Morning News, 6/4/96] Former USF Professor Became Islamic Jihad Leader. The Islamic Jihad is dedicated to replacing Israel with an Islamic state. The group has carried out dozens of suicide bombings and other attacks on Jewish soldiers and civilians. In 1995, after the Islamic Jihad founder was murdered, the former head of a think tank Al-Arian had incorporated that had contracted with USF, became the new leader of the Islamic Jihad. Only months before the assassination, RAMADAN Shallah had worked as an instructor at USF. [Dallas Morning News, 6/4/96; Tampa Tribune, 12/21/03; Associated Press, 5/27/97] FBI: Terrorists Used USF to Finance and Support Suicide Bombings. In 2003, the FBI said terrorists for more than a decade used the University of South Florida to providing financial and organizational support for suicide bombings. “The defendants and Palestinian Islamic Jihad utilized USF as an institution where some of
their members could receive cover as teachers or students,” the indictment said. “Additionally, USF was utilized by PIJ as the instrumentality through which the coconspirators could bring other PIJ members and associates into the United States under the guise of academic conferences and meetings.” [University Wire, 2/27/03] Four Linked to Islamic Jihad Tied to USF. The 2003 indictment linked four men with USF ties to the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ): Sami Al-Arian, a professor of computer engineering at the school for 17 years who investigators said led the PIJ in the United States; USF doctoral student Sameeh Hammoudeh; former USF lecturer Ramadan Abdullah Shallah, who was a primary leader of PIJ; and Al-Arian’s brother-in-law, Mazen al-Najjar, a part-time Arabic instructor at USF. [University Wire, 2/27/03] Terrorists Used USF to Provide Support for Terrorism. “Terrorists…used the University of South Florida to serve their purposes: providing financial and organizational support for suicide bombings and other killings intended to destroy Israel,” according to the Miami Herald. [Miami Herald, 2/26/03] Federal Search Warrant Affidavit Called Professors’ Groups Islamic Jihad fronts. In 1995, federal agents search the office of Al-Arian’s think tank and AlArian’s home and USF office. The search warrant affidavit described the think tank and an Al-Arian started charity as Islamic Jihad fronts. [Tampa Tribune, 12/21/03] Castor Called Incident Example of National Security Failings. “In a recent interview, Castor said voters don’t bring the issue up to her,” according to the Tampa Tribune. “But she’s using it as an example of what she sees as national security failings. ‘It is an example of a large issue, the inability of our domestic intelligence agencies to work together in a timely way,’ she said. If there had been more intelligence sharing, authorities “would have found out more about [Al-Arian] sooner.” [Tampa Tribune, 12/21/03] Castor Made No Immediate Attempt to Confirm Terrorist Links; Never Questioned Al-Arian About News Reports. Castor maintains she “took aggressive action.” However, USF made no immediate attempt to research or confirm the links described in the news reports, and the lawyer Castor hired to look into the case was a former interim president of USF. Al-Arian would not be interviewed by Smith, and Castor acknowledged USF never questioned him about the news reports. [Tampa Tribune, 12/21/03] Castor Says School Acted Prudently; Too Hard to Justify Leaving Him on Paid Leave. In 2003, Castor said the university “acted prudently” during the FBI investigation. “I suppose we could have left him on paid leave but it would have been hard to justify doing that forever.” [Miami Herald, 2/26/03] Castor Allowed Al-Arian to Return to School. In 1996, Castor placed AlArian on paid leave, pending the outcome of a federal investigation into whether he was running terrorist front organizations. However, he was allowed to return two years later. A Lakeland Ledger article was entitled “USF Officials Want Professor Reinstated.” [Tampa Tribune, 12/21/03; Ledger, 3/14/98] Tampa Tribune Columnist: Genshaft Did What Castor Should Have Done 5 Years Ago. “…at least [Genshaft] was willing to do what her predecessor, Betty Castor, probably should have done five years ago when Al-Arian’s associations were exposed by Tribune reporter Michael Fechter,” said Tampa Tribune columnist Daniel Ruth. [Tampa Tribune] Castor Successor: Agreement Allowing WISE Associates to Teach “Terrible Agreement.” In 2001, Castor’s successor, Judy Genshaft, said in an op-ed that, “Al-Arian has an intense personal interest in Palestinian and Islamic issues and more than a decade ago helped found an independent think tank called World Islamic Studies Enterprises, which is now defunct. From 1992 to 1996, USF had an agreement with WISE for that organization to provide speakers and materials, and the university hired some men who were associated with WISE to teach classes. In 1995 it became clear that this agreement had been a terrible mistake. Several of the men who had been affiliated with WISE were later identified as terrorists or connected to terrorism.” [Tampa Tribune, 10/14/01] When confronted with these problems Betty Castor said this is an example of how the intelligence systems failed. Where did her system fail allowing these views to be taught to students? It would be like us allowing our vendors to blow up city hall because the city wants the vendors off the street. We have the freedom of speech but we do it without violence. She claims that no matter how radical thoughts are, let them teach. I ask each and every one of you, How happy would you be if you son or daughters teacher were Osama Bin Ladin. He teaches radical things, like Death to America, he is a terrorist, however he did not fly those planes into the World Trade Center. So, if we went by the type of management style of Betty Castor, Osama Bin Ladin would have a job teaching at an American University after all he is not the one blowing up things , he is just a radical person who states "Death to America". To the voters of Florida pick and choose your candidates who won’t make the homeless problem worse. If there are more terrorist attacks here in America or anywhere else it will affect America's economy. Our jobs are to inform the public about homeless issues and the prevention of social service problems. In almost every problem that exist, it directly effects the word homeless. When New York got bombed I never would have thought that it would create thousands of new homeless cases. Whoever you vote for pick the one you know will do the country good. Pick the one candidate who will make our country safe. Pick the one who looks after the poor. Don't pick a candidate because you are a party member. I have many Republicans friends who are picking a Democrat for the Senate seat when the time comes. I also have a few Democrat friends who may pick a Republican. I do believe in my heart that no matter what, the Democrats are always for the people who struggle, the people who need some help. They are not perfect but they do look after the people we serve. But ultimately the choice is yours. Sean Cononie Homeless Voice of Florida scononie@homelessvoice.org
Voice
Page 6
OUR FRIEND PETE
One in Heaven and one on earth
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his week I had the privilege of experiencing two beautiful events in my life. The first was the death of a loved one. The second experience was the wedding of Mark Targett and Sara Cunningham. Both of them work for us. Mark helped co-found this place when he was just 18 years old. He stayed with us through all the troubles. He volunteered most of the time until just a few years ago when we could afford a salary for him. Sara came to us when we grew so much and I needed help with writing stories and editing. She also comes into the shelter and volunteers here. The Death of A Loved One It was the death of my personal friend and client Petey Clifford. I met Petey behind a dumpster some seven years ago in the city of Hollywood. Pete had a home by the Shell Gas Station; his very own dumpster. He had his very own alarm clock, which was the garbage truck that used to pick up the garbage six days a week. When the truck came the driver made sure he did not lay the dumpster back on Pete’s body after he was finished dumping the trash. Pete had all his earthly possessions in a little plastic bag from a local store. It was around midnight when we use to do outreach looking for the homeless. When Pete met me, he thought I was a cop. He did not like the cops because they would come by and sound their siren to get Pete to move. So he told me to leave him alone, calling me a pig and a scumbag. And that was Peter Clifford, the man who said what was on his mind. His language would go from a rated G to rated R depending
on what mood he was in. Petey was a mental heath consumer and never really dabbled with drugs. Alcohol was his vice as well as the cigarettes that ended his life. Petey died of lung cancer. The Bond Petey Had With Mark Mark who has always been real good with the older population really loved to hear Pete’s stories. A few days before Petey died he told me in his whimpering voice that he use to throw rocks at Mark’s car. This was at the old complex, and if Pete was told to throw out his beer he would wait until Mark went in the office and then find a few pebbles and throw them, (most of the time he’d miss due to his impaired drunken vision.) I told this to Mark the same day and all Mark could do was laugh and say, that was where all those scratches came from. (To think how some people just let it roll off their back like Mark did proved that Mark is the right person to work at the shelter.) It was Sunday afternoon, just five days before Petey died and he was real weak. He could walk, but was out of breath if he walked too much. Mark was getting married on the beach and I asked Petey if he wanted to see Mark get married. You see, Pete had some children but Pete was a long-term homeless person who lived a lot of his life on the streets. I don’t know if Petey ever saw his own kids get married or not, so maybe to him watching Mark’s wedding was like
“”Shawn and Lyman carried the wheelchair over the stairs leading from the boardwalk onto Hollywood Beach to the sand of God’s precious ocean.”
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o my beloved friend Pete whom God has called home, Yes, you’re leaving me here all alone. But the laughter and memories of you will always roam. Holding me together making me strong.
Love Ya, Ronald
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ate Saturday afternoon, about 1:30, Peter Clifford was on his last minutes of life, then he passed away. Peter has had lung tumor and severe back pain. I have known Peter about four years. He was a great help showing me how to fix a meal. His voice was getting weak and he was slow to move around when he could. He was unable to see or speak. I believe he went to heaven. -Victor Jonaitis
his own son’s wedding. He watched Mark grow up to be a responsible young man. Even as weak as he was he wanted to go to the wedding. We got him a haircut and trimmed his beard. We took him to the beach in a wheelchair and my high school friend Shawn O’Hara and Mr. Lyman, (Pete’s friend,) carried him up over the stairs. The day of Mark’s wedding I had to invite Shawn because a proud dad had to brag to his long time friend that his son was getting married. Mark is like a son to me and this was such a beautiful moment in my life, watching him marry the girl he loved. We all love Sara so much and she is like a daughter in law to me. So Shawn and Lyman carried the wheelchair over the stairs leading from the boardwalk onto Hollywood Beach to the sand of God’s precious ocean. We sat Pete right there in the middle of everything. I took Mark and Sara’s baby, “Lily the Angel,” (as I often refer to her as) to see if she
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etey will always be special to me. He’s one of the first people I met when I got here and I spent a lot of mornings with him. Petey was always colorful, never sorrowful, occasionally cantankerous and often stubborn. He was usually able to make me laugh. And the thought of him will always be able to make me smile. My prayers and love go with you, Petey Love, Ramona
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rom the moment I met him, I knew Petey was an old biker. Thanks for your company and friendship. Ride on righteous brother! Jason Andrews
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would say anything to Petey. Pete’s little skinny arm went out to touch her and he smiled. He too knew that life was taking its course. As he was going he was seeing living proof that life continues and he saw many precious things before he left us. After all Lily is like a little celebrity when she enters our building. All the homeless come up to me and say pap-pap is a very happy man and they all make their funny faces at her as Pete did several times. Pete was cold the day of the wedding, and Shawn O’Hara helped by giving Pete an extra sweatshirt. Just when I was recovering from Meningitis back in January Shawn lost his very own mom and my very own friend to the same type of cancer, so Shawn knew how to make a person in their last stage of life feel safe and secure. Pete Clifford sat in his chair and looked right at the happy couple. He grew weaker that night so we had to take him right back to his home, the Cosac Hotel for the Poor. Peter’s Oxygen level went down from 88 to 78 so I placed him on Oxygen. Shawn helped him get back onto our van because we do not have a lift on it. After Pete felt better with the Oxygen, he wanted a cigarette and of course there was no reason for him to stop smoking in the last stages of
didn’t know Pete long but in the short time I knew him I came to know a wonderful person. He always had something kind to say, always in good spirits and a lot of stories to tell. He treated me as though he had known me for along time. I wish there were more people like him in the world. It would be a much better place. Goodbye Petey I will miss you. With love, Daniel Pike
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n this sad day I would like to say a few things about Pete even though he had his ups and downs… who doesn’t. We all have our good and bad days. He was and is a good, hard working person. He made me laugh with some of his ways and gave me a sore back from laughing so hard. Ha, Ha just kidding! He will surely be missed. Lysandra Nelson
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August, 2004
OUR FRIEND PETE God’s Gift By Shalonda Scott Precious to those that knew him. Energetic when given the strength. Thanking God for every day he had Encouraging to those who needed it. Yearning to live his life fully. Caring about the people around him. Listening to the concerns of others. Insisting to be with people who care. Friendly to everyone he met. Forgetting about his pain and trying to live to the fullest. Opening our hearts to welcome his love. Responding to his needs as best we know how. Deciding that we were his family and this is where he should be Petey Clifford was truly a gift from God. He will be loved more than he will be missed. We love you Petey
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e are so glad Pete could make it to our wedding. I knew that he was looking forward to attending. He made it more special. Pete knows how I felt about him. I have my own memories. Memories only he and I share. I am glad he got to know my new family. They felt close to him when they first met him. He has a special place in their hearts. -Sara, Mark, and Lily
Get The Most From Life
If you want to get the most from life, You must put something in it, And strive to help your fellow man Each day, each hour, each minute. An act of kindness done by you Can cheer the heart that's sad, And when you cause someone to smile, It makes your own heart glad! Be friendly with your brothers And extend a helping hand, And each of them will grasp it In a way you'll understand. Then as you travel down life's road And round the distant bend, There'll be a host of people who Will say, "There goes my friend!"
Thank You For Being My Friend!
You might remember Pete from the May 2002 Issue!
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sat in on a memorial service at our shelter tonight and what I saw truly amazed me. We didn't mourn a death but rather celebrated a life. As people in the room spoke of Petey Clifford the room filled with amazing stories of a man who had had an exterior as tough as nails and a heart of pure gold. Amongst the laughter and the tears I understood why Petey's wish was to die at the shelter among what he considered his family... he was loved dearly by all the shelter residents and staff. I also learned a valuable lesson about families. Families are not what society makes them out to be. They are not the typical mom and dad with 2.5 children and the quaint looking house with the white picket fence on the country side. Families are made up of people who have similar beliefs, share laughter, joy, sorrow, tears and stand up for common causes. They give us advice, put us in our place, pray for us, lend a helping hand, comfort us in times of trouble, argue with us to get their point across, hug us when we're feeling down and light up the room with just one smile. Tonight I saw people from different cultures, races, and religions gathered together to give praise to a much loved member of their family. One who will always hold a special place in their hearts. And to you Petey... enjoy eternal happiness riding on your golden Harley each and every day in paradise. With Love, Your Long Island Neighbor, Cathy
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Voice
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OUR FRIEND PETE
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t's funny, but for as long as I have known Petey...there was a side of him that I really didn't get the chance to see. That didn't stop me from loving him though. Petey was a character. You never knew what he was going to say in response to a simple “hello.” If he was upset at something or especially if he might have had a beer or two, you would get a tirade. And if a good mood went along with those couple of beers, he would tell the whole story of how Sean found him by the dumpster by the Hollywood Bread building. How he thought Sean was the police, what he said, what Sean did and ending his story with how he came back to the shelter, how Sean saved his life and how much he loves Sean. Petey is, Petey was, Petey is still very special to us. When we got the news that he had cancer we were devastated. Sean's first thought was (because he always looks at both sides of a situation and on a very broad spectrum) that when Petey's time came, we would bring him up to our "home," which is really the other end of our office, look after him and make sure that he was well taken care of and perfectly comfortable. During the next few
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hen it comes to Pete Clifford our famous words are “Pete not again.” What do you mean “not again?” When it comes to the homeless population these are always the same words. You see it is very hard for someone who has been homeless for years and someone who has more open container violations then most people have late bills. Time after time Pete finds himself going out for a cold one. In fact, the community where we moved from knows when Pete is on his mission of going to the store to get that “cold one” and boy that cold one comes out to be more than a winning football teams celebration. After he has his many, Pete is seen walking, I mean stumbling down the street. I have been told over and over why just don’t you discharge him for a violation of the substance rules… Well, why would you do that? When I met Pete it was four years ago while I was doing street outreach in Hollywood. It was midnight on a cold night and Pete was behind a dumpster by the Hollywood Bread Building. Drunker than skunk he told me off and said a few choice words that proved he was
months I talked with Petey more room. As I write tonight, I than usual. One particular day, realize that it was after Sean was out of the office and I Mark’s wedding that he had the chance to really spend really went fast. I think he quality time with him. He talked knew when Mark was getabout his family, and I asked ting married and held up question after question, writing until then and then said down all that I could. I had hoped OK, I can relax now and that somehow we could locate let life take its course. Two nights before he someone in his family and also I knew the time would come that I passed away, Sean caught him would want to write a story about walking down the hall shirtless him. After a while the names and somewhat disoriented and and cities made no sense to me was amazed at how thin Petey and I would never have the was. He was always thin, and always wore long chance again. P e t e y “We had a memorial pants and sleeves, held up like a service for him and but lately when I would pat his knee trooper. He was in terrible pain the dining room was or touch his arm, I but he never full to standing knew he was awfully bony...but this complained; room only.” same night when he however, should came into the office anyone touch his shoulder, he would let them I was shocked to prayer. Sean know in no uncertain terms that had gotten his wheelchair and they hurt him and not to do it brought him in to sit with us again. Petey slowed down and while we worked. Petey tired easily and eventually spent more time in bed. During the last couple of quickly and when he went back weeks he went downhill fast, and to his room, I said it was time to the last couple of days unbelieva- call hospice out. I was actually bly fast. Just last Sunday though, afraid of something happening to he went to Mark and Sara's wed- him during the night. In just one ding. It was quite an effort for day, he had lost his voice and his him, but he loved Mark so much, awareness. Fr. O’Dwyer from he wanted to be there. We had Little Flower Catholic Church already made contact with Hos- came over in the morning and pice even though Petey was still gave him the Sacrament of the determined to stay in his own Sick and hospice was here a short
from the Bronx. He told me, he was not going to a place that made him stop drinking… I told him, “don’t worry, we would get to the drinking issue in a few days.” I also said, “Just come as you are for the night and get cleaned up with a warm shower and some food in your tummy.” He said not until I finish my beer… So we waited and he came. The very next day I saw Pete. He was sober and remained sober for about three months. He was a model client, but things changed time after time. Pete at the age of 53 became homeless because his Social Security payee stole his money, which happens quite often in the homeless world. Pete got depressed and never knew he could get his money back from the governmental office. We took Pete to the Social Security office and became his payee and he has been with us since. Now remember in the New Lifestyle section of this paper we write about true successes. Why is Pete a success? Before we met Pete he was drunk every night and living like he was in a third world country; many trips to the dumpster trying to get his next meal. He would panhandle to get money for beer or do side jobs at Young
Circle. And it worked. The beer came first and the food was like he was hunting deer. So where is the success? It is here with Pete, because Pete may drink now and then but he still maintains a roof over his head and cooks for all his roommates. In the past he also took care of the new arrivals that needed some extra care. He has come from living on the streets, drinking every night to now drinking only a few times a month. When it comes to helping the chronic, the change they make must take a slow process. Experts suggest it takes two days of rehabilitation for every day someone is homeless or suffers from a chemical dependency. So Pete has a few more years left to recover. He has been at the
time later. Mark's mom came by and prayed for him. By afternoon the hospital bed was delivered and set up here in the office. My thought when Sean and I had first discussed these arrangements was that Petey would be more comfortable in his own bed with his own pillow, at least until he wasn't given the choice. You know how if you go away and no matter how comfortable the bed is, it's not your own? Well, after the nurse had Petey all cleaned up and in a johnny gown and he was all tucked into his nice neat hospital bed and all his friends came up to visit with him and seeing the happy look on his face, I knew without a doubt that we had made the right choice and Petey hadn't argued at all. He had loving friends who were really his family with him constantly, pictures taped to the bed rails and really wonderful hospice people tending to him. He was content. He was happy. He had this funny way of lifting his eyebrows sometimes. Whenever he did this, I knew there was something interesting and happy ready to flow from his lips. He couldn't speak now, but I knew the thoughts were there. In just 24 hours Petey's health deteriorated so fast to the point of it "being time." His buddies, ten of us, were at his bedside, each taking their turn to say or whisper their last thoughts and prayers to him. Tears were wiped from sad faces. I know what Sean whispered in Petey's ear, and as he backed away, Petey took his last natural breath. I heard better programs, but always it. I saw it. Petey was finally at seemed to drink again. For peace. We were here and he some of us we can drink and it There was has no effect on our lives and had gone home. more love in this room in the the decisions we make. From Pete “not last 24 hours, I know without a again” to whatever Pete wants doubt, than at many a bedside of to make it… Peter the choice members of "real" families. is yours, we are here to stand When the Coroners Ofby you and pick you up when you fall. But when will you fice took his body out to the car, fall the correct way? You Sean and I followed, so did can’t fall in to beer coolers all Billy. As we walked outside, year long. But what you can fall into is God’s arms. And Joe fell in step along with Roger Pinto, Richard, and when He catches you He is then not going to say, “this Bud’s Frankie. I looked to my left and for you.” The words He will realized that we were his pallspeak are, “This Blood’s for bearers. All together, we were you.” We love you Pete, his funeral procession. I felt a and we will always be there sense of pride that we were able for you, even when you cuss me out on your binges… Written By: Torran and Sean
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August, 2004
OUR FRIEND PETE FORT LAUDERDALE
Because he won't stop driving his car
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man suffering from memory-destroying Alzheimer's disease was ordered to be locked up at a mental hospital for criminals after he repeatedly ignored a judge's ruling that he could no longer drive due to his illness. Broward Circuit Judge Geoffrey D. Cohen ruled that Albert Brenner, 75, should be sent to the state hospital until his mental health can be “restored,” enabling him to be tried on separate battery charges. To let Brenner remain free pending trial “would unreasonably endanger the citizens of Broward County and specifically the motoring public and pedestrians. Allowing the defendant to remain on conditional release would also endanger the defendant's life,” Cohen wrote in an order Wednesday.
His lawyer said Brenner's ability to reason can never be improved. Alzheimer's is a brain disorder that worsens over time _ former President Reagan had it the last 10 years of his life _ and Brenner's caseworkers have testified that his condition already has deteriorated in recent months. “It's not Albert Brenner's fault that he has Alzheimer's,” his attorney, Betsy Benson, told the judge. “We have a person who is not going to become competent, who... cannot follow the rules and regulations.” “Are we going to start locking up our grandparents?” asked Howard Finkelstein, Broward's chief assistant public defender. “Rather than being treated at
a medical facility, he will now have a roommate who is a murderer, a rapist or a robber.” The Pompano Beach man was being held without bond at the Broward County Jail while waiting for a space at the hospital. Finkelstein's office is asking another judge, Circuit Judge Michael Kaplan, to reconsider Cohen's ruling at a hearing Friday. Brenner's legal troubles began on June 28, 2002, when he was charged with battery for allegedly fighting with his then-86-year-old companion, Irene Kaplan. Four months later, Brenner was charged with battery again for allegedly pushing Kaplan. Cohen declared Brenner incompetent to stand trial because he received testimony that he suffers
from Alzheimer's. As a condition of his release from jail, Brenner was ordered Aug. 14 not to drive. But less than a month later, Brenner's case manager wrote that Brenner continued to drive. In October, Cohen ordered Brenner to surrender his car keys and his driver's license. Last month, Brenner was picked up again, prompting Cohen's latest order. Brenner believes he is a salesman and leaves most days in his car to sell 1970s-era rotary telephones, Benson said. Friends, lawyers and family members have been unable to convince him that he no longer has to drive to work. Associated Press Posted June 11 2004, 10:08 AM EDT Copyright © 2004, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
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his is an open letter to and about Pete Clifford. He was a true brother of the road, in heart and spirit. Let me tell you something about Pete. If you were down he’d cheer you up, telling you about his past adventures on the road, sometimes funny sometimes serious. Whether they were true or not it made no difference. It’s the way he told it. It came from his heart. He always taught you in that way, the way you needed to hear it to bring you out of your slump. That’s a special gift. A gift from God. I ain’t a ashamed to say it, I love you Pete Clifford. May you always ride with Jesus at your side, cause the brother of the road knows, that Jesus does ride a hog. May you ride the highways of Heaven forever and ever. Doc
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ete was a very special person. He would always talk to me to calm me down even though he was ill. I consider him a good friend. I will miss you always. Brett Phares
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here is no doubt you are in a better place. I will always remember you and your cooking on Lincoln St. Keep the room open up there for all your buddies when they come to visit. Pete’s friends never say good-bye--Love Ginny
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Pete's empty Hospice bed. We love you.
hey came to our rooms asking if anyone wanted to write a few words about Pete. When I came out of the hospital 5 years ago I went to Lincoln Street. They placed me in an apartment with Johnny, Les, Ed, Doc and Pete. Being new Pete let me know straight off who was King of the mountain and if I didn’t like it he’d kick my a_ _. Real good. When I came home from work and cashed out you really didn’t want to stand in line for supper. Pete would have meals ready for the other guys. I’d head out the door and Pete would grab me and say you will eat with us go back and sit down. Pete and I would sit in our bedroom many a night and he’d talk about all the things he’d done in his life. His stories were truly amazing. Like I said I could write a book on Pete. But I will end here with, Pete is with God now. How do I know? Because all sweet angels are. Your old roommates will miss you greatly. Love you Pete. Gaudette and the Guys
We Need Reporters Call the Homeless Voice 954-410-6275
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Page 10
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HELP PAY OFF OUR MORTGAGE We need just 38,600 people to send in a check for $20.00, Or 15,440 people to send in a check for $50.00, Or 7,720 people to send in a check for $100.00, Or 772 people to send in a check for $1,000, Or Just one wonderful person or business to send a check for the entire $772,000.00 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
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gram because they are all addicted to glue. While in the park, we witnessed these children, first-hand, sniffing away at their cans of glue, getting more and more disoriented. I have worked with countless drug addicts here in America, but watching little children, who already have no chance at a decent life, wash their brain away with glue, was a heart-breaking experience. You might ask yourself, “Why are children sniffing glue at such a young age?” There are countless reasons, seeing their situation only helps you understand that much more. These children of the park are exposed to many more things than just being homeless on the streets, such as hunger and sexual abuse. The sexual abuse rate is extremely high. Donna told me that many foreign men come to these parks to prey on the children and take advantage of them in their most vulnerable state. The glue helps them hide the fact that they are hungry, thirsty, sexually molested…worst thing of all, in the end, the glue
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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.
helps these children forget that they are only kids. These kids are definitely forgotten about. They only seem to be statistics for the rich to talk about when they have their meetings to plan the world’s liberation, but unfortunately, these children have no hope of yet and the problem is only getting worse. The children who live on the streets of the “third world” must be helped. Just because they are far away and not in our face does not mean that we cannot show some compassion towards them and help. Being far away does not take away the fact that this article is about homeless children sniffing glue. In Haiti alone, there are an estimated 10,000 homeless children who live in the streets of their capital, while in Nicaragua, there are estimated 1,100 street children, one-third of whom live in the capital, Managua. Before I tell you what company is providing this glue, I would like you read the company’s mission statement…“We will be a responsible company with respect to the environment,
health, and safety by operating in a manner that protects our customers, employees, shareholders and communities.” The glue these children sniff is provided by H.B. Fuller an American based company out of Minnesota. Even Children are now trained to cook. though the company’s CEO, Albert P.L. Stroucken is making a lot of glue leads to brain damage, unconmoney, he cannot possibly sleep sciousness, and death. I plead with well at night knowing that 70% of anybody who reads this article, to the 40 million street children in call H.B. Fuller’s corporate headCentral and South America are quarters and put in a complaint. I addicted to his glue. hope the company heads come to In 1992, H.B. Fuller realize that profit is not worth adopted a resolution to stop selling these children’s lives. resistol glue in Central America to Call H.B. Fuller today! make child advocacy groups Phone (651) 236-5900. happy. Unfortunately, in the name of capitalism H.B. Fuller decided Written by Aaron Jackson not to take the glue off their The Chick Grant Foundation shelves and in 1994, 27% of the Phone 954.924.8983 company’s profits came from Cen- Email cgfoundation@bellsouth.net Website COMING SOON! tral America. Inhaling H.B. Fuller’s
Call H.B. Fuller today! Phone (651) 236-5900.
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August, 2004
HOBO JUNGLE
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his death. So we took it off and Pete enjoyed his last cigarette. So Lois and I and the rest of the gang jumped in our vans and brought Pete back. He wanted his own bed and that is what he got. The Last few days and Minutes of Pete’s Life A few days later Peter declined so rapidly. We had talked to Peter and told him that when he got real sick we wanted him to be in the office with Lois and me so we could make sure all his needs were met and that he did not suffer. We called Hospice and Peter still had enough strength to say he wanted to be at his home, the shelter, and not the hospital and that is what happened. Vitas Hospice came in and started to increase the meds to help Peter stay out of pain. One night I saw him walking barely dressed, and then I knew it was just a matter of time before Pete left us. That night I called team 152 from Hospice and ordered extended care, a hospital bed, and increase in meds. Then we got him 24 hour around the clock care with crisis nurses from the hospice team. These nurses are the ones who hold peoples hands and comfort the family by explaining the dying process, and they did a great job of making sure we were alright. Peter was now sleeping next to me in my own hospital bed and Lois moved her floor mat that she has been using for two years, (because the both of us sleep in our office.) This gave us the ability to make Peter be with the people that loved him so much. At first I did not know if I could handle it because it was going to be sad. But this was great. Peter got talked to all through the day and night. We allowed all his friends from the shelter to come up and say hi to him whenever they wanted. Peter liked to watch us work. He would always make comments about us working. About 16 hours before Peter’s heart
stopped beating he had to use the rest room, and he wanted out of bed. Even though he had a diaper on him, he still wanted to use the rest room. He had pride and did not want us to have to deal with cleaning him up. We told him to sit down in bed, relax and just go in the diaper and we would take care of the rest. But Peter climbed out of bed and then we got the wheel chair and allowed him to sit on it and take him to my bathroom. This kind of shocked me thinking that he had many more days to his life then what we had thought. He never went but we allowed him a good half hour to try to do what he had to do and gave him the respect he wanted. We took Pete back to his bed. And that is when the dying process started. All that was written in the hospice book was happening to our Peter. At that point Peter had pictures of all his friends up by his hospital bed. We gave him his meds to make the pain as less as possible, his eyes had a thin coat of fluid that made him almost blind so it was just talking to him now. When his friends came in we identified them to Petey so he knew who was telling him that they loved him. All his friends were there as he exited our earth. As we gave him his medication under his tongue we would tell him, “Pete this is going to get rid of the pain, don’t try to swallow, it will absorb and make you feel better.” Minutes came and Pete’s oxygen level was in the 40’s and he was only breathing about five times a minute, but was in no pain. Our John came up to Peter and I walked John to him and put my arms around him so he would understand this was the last time he would see Petey alive. John surprised me by saying I love you Petey and kissed him on the forehead. Eddie Robinson, Petey's friend for about 15 years from the street to our place kissed Petey and said he was praying for him and told Petey he loved him. Lois gave her
goodbyes. As his breath shortened, I whispered in his ears and kissed him. I told him to speak to Jesus the whole way there. “Peter you are going to Lois, Carol, John, Sean on Pete’s Hospice Bed. meet Jesus, Jesus loves you talk to him Petey, Petey I love you, I Clifford to be my friend. With Life will see you soon in Heaven,” and comes Death, With Death comes then Peter took his last breath and all Life. With Peter being my friend I vitals were done and over with for have memories of him hitting me in our friend Peter Clifford who died at the face when he was drunk. Petey I 1:29 pm. love you, oh I loved you so much Why was Petey's death so beautihoney. Look after us in Heaven and say hi to Mary Lingo, Bel, Rusty, ful? Petey Clifford died with all Mr. Carter, and Donald. Jan, Della, his friends there and each person Richard, Helen Jones, and the others touched him and gave comfort to Peter only knew for a short time. As him. It was so beautiful to know I finish this article Lois has just exthat this homeless man had so much perienced the same feelings, for her mother in law passed away tonight at love by his side at the time of his her home in Tampa. death. Death is shocking especially Mark and Sara I love the when someone dies violently or with both of you with all my heart. You no one by his or her side. I have have made me so happy on your never seen something so beautiful in wedding day. Lord thank- you for the past. Pete was in Heaven and bringing Mark, Sara and Lily into we gave him one heck of a deparmy life. The Lord has the power to ture. The dying process for my give new life, as well as take it. We friend who I loved was a process that must all take the time to enjoy the was painless, peaceful, and the room beautiful events we experience in was filled with so much love. our own lives. Today I thank the Lord -Sean Cononie Lord I thank you for allowHomeless Voice of Florida ing me to see Mark and Sara join scononie@homelessvoice.org into one person because of their marriage. I thank you for allowing Mark to know that Petey wanted to be there for the best day of his life. Lord I thank you for allowing Pete to see Mark on his wedding day. Lord I thank you for allowing Peter to IRRIGATION*DESIGN*INSTALLATION*REPAIRS leave us in a way that will never be forgotten. Lord I thank you for al·New·Renovati ons ·Maintenance & Contracts lowing me to meet Peter ·Custom & California S ystems ·Low Water Us age S pecialists and for allowing Peter
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(Continued from page 8)
to give Petey this dignity in his last hours. Tonight we had a memorial service for him and the dining room was full to standing room only. Each person, one by one, shared experience or thoughts on life with Petey Clifford. Even new clients, some of whom really had never even met Petey said that they could feel the love in the room or that they could feel his presence in our lives. This is what I meant by not really knowing Petey. I didn't see the tender side of the man. I never saw the advisory side of the man. I never saw
the loving side of the man. He did it one on one as the occasion arose, whether it was in the elevator, passing in the hall, coming out of his room or sitting out on the patio. He was a friend to all and a helping hand where he could be, an assistant in the kitchen with Joe or with security when the teams came in. Unpretentious and without boast. He has obviously influenced and comforted many many people over the years. Petey Clifford always called himself a scumbag. Never gave himself a compliment. Never gave himself credit. Never, never, never. Others have though deeply
and often...they just voiced it tonight and I was blessed to hear it. And Petey looked down from Heaven and heard them. Now he knows how much he was truly loved and appreciated. Of course, our Father in Heaven knew this all along and Petey is at peace in his own mansion now. I can see him now trying to be like Sean fitting as many beds as he can into his new mansion for the homeless he may pass. We love you Petey, be our guardian angel, Lois
"What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal." -Albert Pike
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