HOMELESS SHOP ONLINE AND HELP THE HOMELESS- BUY FROM 4000 MERCHANTS DIRECTLY- GO TO:
Operator of Catholic Worker, under fire for the scope of facility's operation, says he wants his charity to have a positive impact.
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e do not want it in our Community or N.I.M.B.Y. as it is commonly called. For those who do not know what NIMBY stands for, I will share its meaning with you; NOT IN MY BACK YARD.... This typically means that residents who live in a community know that they must respond to certain social issues
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such as drug addition or homelessness. Let’s say residents of a community begin making complaints that they see a large number of homeless people sleeping on benches. They bring it to city halls attention and make complaints. Then city hall looks into the problem and begins considering the possibility of opening up a shelter to address the needs of the community. Then city hall
starts making plans and picks a location for the homeless shelter. When the plan and location have been agreed upon, city hall makes it known to the public. But when it is publicized the area begins complaining that having a shelter in their community will attract the homeless and corrupt their neighborhood. Even though they may have been the ones complaining in the first place, when the city decides to fix the problem, they say “Not In My Back Yard.” They become
A Matter of Degree COVINGTON
t was too cold to melt the snow on the ground, but it was too warm for Jeff Jones to sleep indoors. "If I have to, I might go to White Castle and get a couple of burgers and a drink," Jones said, contemplating a way to stay off the streets and out of the elements for the night. After all, they aren't likely to run off a paying customer, and you could sip on a cup of coffee all night. Jones, who has been homeless since he arrived here The Sunday Challenger staff photo from Alabama, dined on the COLD ENOUGH? Roger Smith and Jeff Jones eat pizza at the Northern Kenfree pizza at the Northern Kentucky Emergency Cold Shelter and hope tucky Emergency Cold Shelter, the temperature drops below freezing so knowing all the while that an they'll have a place to sleep. overnight stay wasn't likely. Not that night, anyway. The shelter provides overnight accommodations only when evening temperature or wind chill drops to 32 degrees or below. Rev. Joe Andino, executive director of the shelter, said he's pretty sure those guidelines are a national policy for emergency cold shelters. "This is only our third year, and it's a new program. We have an advisory board that is looking into expanding that. It won't happen for sure this year," Andino said. Last month, when snow blanketed the ground, temperatures were at 32 degrees for several nights. On those nights, the facility was full. "It's been at full capacity. We've probably had an average of 30 people a night on the nights that we're open, several nights being at full capacity," Andino said. Call (954) Full capacity for the center is 33. Getting the Word Out
How’s My Vending?
925-6466 X101
(Continued on page 4)
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angry and oppose plans for the location because it is in their neighborhood. The same thing happens with teen centers that try to work with kids who are addicted to drugs. Everybody wants to help a child, but how many of us really want a drug treatment center down the street from our house. I can give you the answer; hardly any resident of any city wants a center like this within a mile of their home. Yes, some people have legitimate concerns, (Continued on page 5)
Unlucky in Riches Winning the lottery turned life into a nightmare
or a lot of people, winning the lottery is the American dream. But for many lottery winners, the reality is more like a nightmare. "Winning the lottery isn't always what it's cracked up to be," says Evelyn Adams, who won the New Jersey lottery not just once but twice (1985, 1986) to the tune of $5.4 million. Today the money is all gone and Adams lives in a trailer. "I won the American dream but I lost it, too. It was a very hard fall. It's called rock bottom," says Adams. "Everybody wanted my money. Everybody had their hand out. I never learned one simple word in the English language -- 'No.' I wish (Continued on page 11)
Most Americans are “Two Paychecks” away from being homeless. Help the shelter stay alive. We are trying to pay the mortgage off! To help, please send a check or money order to: COSAC Foundation Burn That Mortgage Campaign P.O. Box 292-577 Davie, Fl 33329
The Voice of the Homeless
Page 2
HOMELESS VOICE
FRIENDS OF THE HOMELESS For just $15.00 a month you can keep a homeless family off the streets for a day. Please make check payable to: COSAC Foundation Friends of the Homeless. Please include on memo what name should appear in paper.
Mail check to: Friends of the Homeless, P.O. Box 292-577 Davie, FL 33329
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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 Delores B Mordon Mrs. Jenkins Everglades Moon, Covenant of Goddess, Elibet Hanson Judy B. Pascarella John Gaeta Michael R. Prokop, Jr. Jackie M. McCarty In Memory of Charles Horton
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In Memory of William F. Judge Todd Palgon The Morabito Family Todd Palgon Holly J. Andrus Lois Cross In Loving Memory of Florence & Nat Popkin Tailored Advertising, Inc Claudia K. Tapolow Margie Jones In memory of Wesley H. Woodall Maria M. Riveiro Gottlieb & Blair Family Pioneer Middle School Youth Crime Watch Rhenals-Mei Family The Strikowski family Margie Jones & Friends Ronald Prescia In Memory of Brian Groleau Laura Flash Jacqueline M. McCarty The Herrmann Family The Monserrate Family Madeline Butera Jennifer S. Nickel Marilyn R. Smith David Thawley On Behalf of Matthew Lambert Mustafa Mehmet Gokoglu In Memory of Scott Paul Cooper Robert and Ruth Baal In Memory of Melba DeSanto In Memory of My Mother Pearl McCann, Love Teresa Barbara Desanto Leah and Ray Michael & Michale Rhett
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Volume 6, Issue 4
HOMELESS VOICE Hi Folks, Well spring is just around the corner. How are you doing on your resolutions for the new year? We are trying to get this mortgage paid off so we can move up to bigger and better things to serve our clients. This mortgage thing weighs heavily on Sean, who by the way is still out sick, suffering from the effects of Bacterial Meningitis which almost killed him last year So paying off the mortgage is our number one priority after doing the best we can to help our people get their lives back in order. In the ad on the back page we address fundraising and getting schools involved. I feel that it is very important to start with today's children so they will grow up feeling a sense of being involved in helping those who are less fortunate. Many schools have already done drives and when they come by to bring their donations, you can see a real sense of pride and eagerness in them. So, as we “spring ahead” for daylight savings time, let’s all spring ahead with fundraising projects. As always though, we thank those who have already been helping us and we thank all our readers who buy LETT ERS TO THE EDITO R the paper...you are the reason we are able to help as much as we do. SEN D TO:
MARK TARGETT And My Family
P.O. BOX 29 2-577 DAVIE , FLO RIDA 33 329 FAX TO : 9 54-926-20 22 EM AIL: info@h omele ssv oic e.o rg AL L D ON A TION R E QU ESTS IN TH E H OM ELESS VOI CE F OR AN Y CH AR IT Y AR E AD V ER TIS ED IN CON JUN C TION WI TH TH IS WOR D IN G A CO PY O F TH E O F FI CIAL R EGIS TR A TION AN D FIN AN CI A L IN FOR M ATIO N M A Y BE OB T AIN ED FR OM TH E D IVISI ON O F C ON SUM ER SER VI CES B Y CA L LIN G TO LL - FR EE IN TH E S TA T E 1-800-435-7352 R EG IS TR AT ION D OES N O T IM PL Y EN D OR SEM EN T, A P PR OV AL, OR R ECOM M EN D ATION B Y TH E ST A TE TH AN K YO U F OR HE L PIN G TH E H OM EL ES S C os t of pape r $.25
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C u t t h e c e rti fic a te a n d se n d it w ith a c h ec k o r m o n e y o r d e r f or $50 $2 4 NAME
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A DDR E SS
24 Issues
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Need flyers passed out or other temp labor? CALL 954-920-1277
WHY C ALL A DA Y LABOR CO MPAN Y AND SP EN D LAR GE A MO UN TS OF MON EY
Rates Start at $5.95 per hour Yards , lea f raking, painting, flyers passed out, car was hed and etc.
Call our c ontractor referral line Call us and we will get you the pers on to do the job much les s than calling s omeone els e
Only $5.95 per hour
We Need Mobile Homes for Our Disaster Relief Program: Call the shelter 954-925-6466
On our home page, click on sponsors, then go to affiliates.
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
The Voice of the Homeless
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HOMELESS VOICE (pink eye)
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ran out and his job came to an end, he only had a little emergency money and became homeless due to an outbreak of Conjunctivitis. This month we thought we’d share a little more health information with you and your families hoping that you won’t have a long and difficult time if you have an outbreak in your family. Parents remember to make sure that even though your child may be staying home from school it may be a good idea not to let them play with the neighborhood kids as well until there eyes get back to normal. And parents don’t forget, when the little one stays home usually one of the parents stay home which cuts money off your entire monthly budget. So keep the kids safe and yourselves as well.
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more serious problems, which might affect the vision, and may examine you with a special torch for looking into and at the eye (an ophthalmoscope). In some circumstances, if there is doubt about the diagnosis, your doctor might use special fluorescent eye drops to examine the eye better. Sometimes, especially if the treatment is slow to work, your doctor may take a specimen of the germs in the eye on a small swab (like a cotton bud) and send it to the laboratory for analysis. TREATMENT It helps to bathe the eyes with water or water with a pinch of salt in it. Beware, conjunctivitis is often very contagious. Wash your hands after touching your eyes (or your child's eyes, if you are nursing them), as it is very easy to infect others by spreading the germs on your fingers or on tissues etc. Over the counter eye cleansing solution can also soothe the eyes, but in the presence of a bacterial infection, you need to see the doctor as antibiotic eye drops or ointment are necessary. In some rare infections, antibiotics are also given by mouth. If the problem is a virus infection, then it will not respond to antibiotics, and your body will have to fight off the infection. If your doctor thinks that the problem
his month we have seen about five people who came to our shelter and had "Pink Eye." In this one case, both eyes got the infection and this man had a real hard time getting rid of it. Most doctors give the order that the person should not go to work or go to school when there is an infection present. As we know it, it is very contagious. It would be awful if a whole office got infected spreading it back and forth. Dan Monitors, just age 40, had a job that calling in sick was not an option. His infection went from one eye to the other eye and back and forth. He had it for over three weeks. Even with a doctors note his boss still fired him. He only had three sick days for the year and when they
cute conjunctivitis is redness and soreness (inflammation) of the clear covering (the conjunctiva) which coats the white of the eye and lines the inside of the eye lids. This comes on relatively quickly and lasts for a fairly short time. Acute conjunctivitis may clear on its own, but often needs treatment from your doctor. SYMPTOMS Mostly both eyes are affected, but often one starts before the other. The eye is red, with the blood vessels over the white of the eye more visible and swollen. The lining of the eyelids also looks redder or pinker than usual. The eye is sticky, with a discharge, which is worse when you wake up. The eye is itchy or painful. Sometimes people do not like to be in bright light (photophobia). CAUSES The commonest cause is infection with bacteria. Virus infection may also occur. Allergic reactions, eg hayfever, may cause conjunctivitis, but do not usually cause a sticky discharge. DIAGNOSIS Your doctor will want to rule out
is allergic, then you may be prescribed antihistamines, sodium cromoglycate eye drops, or nedocromil eye drops. There are proprietary eye washes and lotions which may soothe the eyes, and at least one eye treatment which is for mild infections, but in general these are merely a temporary measure. You should see your doctor for further advice. Your doctor may prescribe drops or ointment, or both. Drops stay in the eyes for a shorter time, but ointment tends to blur the vision. Sometimes your doctor may prescribe drops by day, with ointment at night. Prevention You are more prone to conjunctivitis after a cold, but anyone can pick it up. Certainly it is important to avoid spreading the germs, and anyone with conjunctivitis, and those treating them, should be scrupulous about washing their hands after touching the eyes, and disposing of tissues straight into the trash bin. -Arboris Limited
A Matter of Degree (Continued from page 1)
When the temperature doesn't hit freezing, the shelter still provides warmth, food and bible study to homeless individuals. Andino said they serve dinner and breakfast. But, unless a homeless individual has access to a thermometer, he has no way of knowing whether the shelter is open for a night's sleep. A study of adult shelter use in Washington, D.C. for the winter of 2002 and 2003 found that, unless temperatures were at freezing for a prolonged period, homeless people on the streets had no reliable way of knowing whether "hypothermicnight-only" shelters would be open. Andino said the shelter partners with other social service agencies that deal with the homeless to try to get the word out about the shelter.
Joe Young, 57, whose body was found beneath a Covington viaduct on Christmas Eve was a frequent visitor to the emergency shelter. "If he could have just made his way to our shelter it would have actually saved his life," Andino said. A small green alarm clock sits on a table at the shelter, a gift from Young, so that people staying overnight at the shelter would wake up in time for work the next day. "He had a problem with alcohol, but other than that he was described as being a pretty happygo-lucky guy, who got along with everybody and tried to help people," Andino said. Level of Respect "The wonderful thing about our shelter is, because it's a faith community and we're really relation-oriented, we try to build
relationships and there's a level of respect," Andino said. "We really respect the people that come to the shelter, and we demand that everybody respects each other." Some of the staff at the shelter, have been, or still are, homeless. Andino's efforts in dealing with the homeless population go beyond just keeping them warm on freezing nights. "We helped six people last season, 2003 and 2004, get into permanent housing. This week, we'll be helping two individuals get into permanent housing. We're looking to see how we can partner with other agencies in
that regard, as far as affordable housing. Some of them work; they're working hard. They say there are so many people in America who are just a paycheck away from being homeless," Andino said. Tonight, for the men in his shelter, the difference is even less, just a couple of degrees. For more information about the Northern Kentucky Emergency Cold Shelter at 1205 Maryland Ave., call 859-291-0600. By Vicki Prichard The Sunday Challenger
"It's been at full capacity. We've probably had an average of 30
SHOP ONLINE AT THE HOMELESS VOICE INTERNET MALL go to www.homelessvoicemall.com
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Volume 6, Issue 4
VOICE OF THE HOMELESS
(Continued from page 1)
they may be trying to protect their own kids from the risk that their kids might hook up with the troubled kids who are going for treatment down the block and the idea that a treatment facility is so close to their home worries them. A situation like this reminds me of an old saying, “a kid is going to do what a kid wants to do.” I have seen families that were so full of love and structure and their child becomes addicted to drugs. I have seen families that most would consider dysfunctional because mom and dad drink all day, the house is always dirty, and the parents get arrested for drug activities, however their offspring are like perfect angels. So the saying “kids will do what kids want to do” may have a lot of truth in it. I am not saying do not give kids good solid advice, what I am saying is, don’t hide the problems of others from your kids either. Yes, homeless shelters may cause a problem in a particular community but ignoring the problem may only create more problems. We need to always sit down together, residents, city leaders, providers, and any one else involved to create plans that will work for everyone concerned. Believe it or not city residents in some cities have even made complaints about hospitals that treat the sick and injured. Some of them say that the sirens, flashing lights and inconvenience of having to pull off to the side of the road are frustrating, that is until they need one themselves. Below is an article about a shelter that was almost closed by a city in California… -Sean Cononie
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perators of an embattled Santa Ana homeless shelter have shifted tactics in their efforts to soothe relations with critics. Five homeless people dressed in crisp white shirts and black pants recently served chicken breast in sherry with mushrooms, green beans with
almonds, and homemade mashed potatoes to members of the South Santa Ana Merchants Assn. The dinner, whipped up in the shelter's kitchen, was part of a new campaign to reach out to neighbors, said Dwight Smith, who operates the privately funded Catholic Worker shelter. It was quite a different approach than what Smith and wife, Leia, took in January 2004. After Santa Ana officials threatened to evict homeless people from the shelter situated in the middle of a Cypress Street residential neighborhood, Smith sued City Hall to keep the shelter open, proclaiming he was "following a direct command from Jesus." On behalf of Smith, attorneys from 14 law firms filed a federal lawsuit against city officials who had threatened to enforce a law banning missions outside industrial zones. Shelter attorneys said the city was violating the organization's religious freedom. The city rescinded the ordinance after the lawsuit was filed, but shelter attorneys say they will not drop the lawsuit until they are assured the shelter can continue its work. While court-ordered mediation continues to develop guidelines for the shelter's longterm operation, Smith has softened his approach, embracing public relations over litigation. "I'm getting more sophisticated," said Smith, halfjokingly. "I still feel I'm following Jesus, but I'm following more of his strategies for community organizing. We want to have a positive impact and less of a negative impact." The suggestion that Smith try to win friends up and down the street was made by neighborhood activist Tim Rush, who said the shelter should demonstrate its value to people who are not homeless. "When you get past those statements about Jesus' will and look at the hard facts and service
that [the Smiths] are doing, peo- and the Smiths say 50 to 80 people begin to appreciate their ple now sleep at the shelter role," Rush said. nightly — indoors, on the floor Smith of the unfurnished took the advice to "The unfortunate first level. heart. The repart of this is that d u c t i o n w a s Although the Smiths had by single there are homeless caused long given food men who have to neighbors on people who don't get been sent to other their street, they facilities enough help," said homeless b e g an d o in g that open during Jasso. more. They asked the winter months. the homeless to The remaining collect trash in the neighborhood people are mostly women, or and debris in area parking lots. men with families. The shelter They began attending neighbor- feeds its guests nightly, and ofhood association meetings, and fers meals to others Sunday even brought snacks to one. mornings. The strategy is working. Steve Dzida, an attorney Mary Bloom-Ramos, who owns the house, said Catholeader of the Eastside Neighbor- lic Worker is considering other hood Assn. who last year called means to provide shelter at the the shelter a fire trap, has sof- house while meeting city requiretened her opposition. "There are ments. still too many people in that City Councilman Jose place, but we are trying to work Solorio thinks an informal, tenuthrough this on a friendly basis." ous détente has been reached beDavid Jasso, a body shop tween the shelter and the city. owner and member of the South City officials have noticed that Santa Ana Merchants Assn., said shelter operators are "seeing that the dinner cooked by Catholic we need to be mindful of health Worker was enjoyed by all 45 and safety. people who attended, including "They seem to have more business people and police offi- of an understanding of where the cers. city is coming from," Solorio "The unfortunate part of said. "The city is also realizing this is that there are homeless [the shelter's] work is noble and people who don't get enough fulfills a need for some of the help," said Jasso. "If they are not indigent in our community." By Jennifer Mena, destructive, they are OK." Times Staff Writer City Atty. Joseph Fletcher declined to comment on the shelter's activities or say whether the city still receives complaints about the Where Quality, Service & Pricing Count! facility. The mediation, he said, has been Screen Printing & Embroidery fruitful. Custom Imprinted: City officials said they wanted to • Hats • Staff Shirts scale back the scope • T-Shirts • Sweatshirts of the operation, • Jackets • Sport Bags which last year saw For: Schools-Clubs-Businesses-Teams-Organizations up to 120 people sleeping in backyard (954) 434-7480 tents. The tents were 4740 SW 82nd Ave, Davie Fl dismantled after city Located Directly Behind the Davie/C.C. Library officials complained, Serving the Community Since 1980
We Need RV's and boats. They will be used to provide social services during an emergency for COSAC's Disaster relief services.
ALL INSURANCE ACCEPTED OTHER SERVICES INCLUDE : • OVER T HE COUNTER MEDICAT ION • PRESCRIPTION COUNSELING • VITAMINS • PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS • FIRST AIDE SUPPL IES
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LOCATED BEHIND HOLLYWOOD MEMORIAL REGIONAL HOSPITAL 1150 N. 35TH, SUITE 105
The Voice of the Homeless
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HOMELESS VOICE
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irst and foremost we would like to thank God for giving us the opportunity to be able to serve the unfortunate at such a special time of the year. We want to encourage everyone to take time out of their busy schedules to give back to those who are in need. This experience filled our hearts with so much joy, that we are already planning our next visit. We want to thank Roxanne and the staff for such great hospitality. May God bless you all. -William Robb
Without You, None of this would be possible!
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hat is love? That seems to be a simple question, but is it? It should have only one meaning, and it should mean the same to all. The reality is, is that it has many meanings and it has many levels, and sometimes we as human beings do not have the knowledge, the comprehension, or the intuition that we need to understand the true meaning of what love is. I understand that there has to be different kinds of love, the love of a parent, the love of a child, the love of god, the love of a friend, the love of a country. As a mother I can understand very clearly the love I feel for my children and my grandchildren. They are of my body, they are of my blood. I held them in my arms as they entered this world, a world they entered because of me. I’m responsible Get your yearly Therefore for their well-being, my subscription for heart automatically opens up for them. I nurture the Homeless them, I teach them, I feed them, I heal them, I proVoice. Call tect them, and because of 954-410-6275 or them, my life begins to see and share fill out form on again what I’m already aware of. I live the simple things page 3
again, and as I see everything through their eyes, I’m reborn once more. You want to protect them always, but as they grow up, your love has to go to another level, you have to let go, and your love has to take backstage so they could try their wings, and pray and hope they won’t fall. You have to use your intuition to know when they need your help or not. Because of this love, you’re there always when they need you. I am a daughter, so I know the love of a child for a parent, getting loving care, trusting the hands that hold you, hearing your mother sing, and in your eyes she is the angel that protects you, getting caught by the strong arm of your father just when you were going to fall. Feeling safe in your bed at night, because you know, that right outside your door there is love. The love of a friend when its genu(Continued on page 11)
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Volume 6, Issue 4
VOICE OF THE HOMELESS
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hen I came to Florida ill on our streets as well as vets I came with the same who served our country. The ideals I grew up with. only difference between the You never turn your back on an- homeless and the general populaother fellow human, you never tion is we have more to be thankkick anyone when their down ful for. We have our health, we (not even your worst enemy) and have our family and friends to back us up. We were gifted by above all you never judge. This is n o w God with this life. Now what are you going my community, as well as yours. A larger community with bigger to do with the gifts God gave problems, but it is still ours. It is you? Keep them to yourself or where our children join in to help grow up, where make a dream “This is now me mo ries are come true? made, a commu- my community, as Our goal nity that can enright now is to well as yours.” able us to teach simply pay the our children love, mortgage off so charity and humanity towards all that we can make more room to people. And perhaps show them help more people. I don't mean just how lucky many of them are. giving anyone a free ride. Just a I was amazed at the home- stepping stone, a thread of less problem in the state of Flor- hope. ida and wondered where these We wrap services around people would end up. I think the them. Doctors come to our shelmost poignant memory I have is ter, or Memorial Hospital takes walking in Miami and coming care of our indigents. Self help across a man sleeping on the groups of all kinds are available street with a empty pack of at the shelter. A job the next day McDonalds ketchup in his is available, savings accounts, mouth. Probably his only nour- case workers. This is a tiered ishment for the day. I didn't incentive program, which means know what to do for this man so we create individual plans for I slipped some money in his each individual person. pocket for some food as my What can you do to help? friends told me he was a bum Simple... and I was a sucker. He was not Look around your my last. In my younger days house.. Find something that is I put homeless people in apart- just taking up space and donate it ments, hotels, and one Christmas to sell in a large Bazaar. Please Eve I brought one very sweet email me directly to have anyman named Harvey to my house. thing picked up. I certainly do not condone bring- •Clothing ing strangers to your home as it •Sheet Sets could be dangerous but at the •Furniture time it seemed the right thing to •Anything that you don't feel you do and worked out wonderfully need any longer for me as I made a wonderful •Any salable item friend named Harvey. I Thank you in advance. Ginger DeLano Luznar The homeless are there, IvorySpirit10@aol.com we can't ignore them. They have spirits and souls just like we all have. Somehow they got lost along the way. We have many mentally
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uring the past year, requests for emergency shelter increased in the survey cities by an average of 6 percent, with 70 percent of the cities registering an increase. Requests for shelter by homeless families alone increased by 7 percent, with 78 percent of the cities reporting an increase.
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eople remain homeless an average of eight months in the survey cities. Forty-six percent of the cities said that the length of time people were homeless increased during the last year.
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Why I Became Homeless - Jeff R.
have been manic-depressive all “Before I became my life as well as an alcoholic. Due to early intervention with AA, I ac- homeless, I had built quired an almost fanatic aversion to and maintained a medications. As a result, although I thriving consulting have 20 years experience with the program and with working the steps, business.” my sobriety never yielded the fruits I wanted. In short, unmedicated manic depression was far worse than untreated alcoholism. This does not mean that the program doesn’t work, or that I am not a better person when working it. Simply, sober manic or depressive episodes hurt even more, although the people around you get hurt less. Before I became homeless, I had built and maintained a thriving consulting business. All the nice toys, seven years of sobriety, a woman. The depression and frustration became unbearable. I became suicidal. I threw the keys and the titles on the kitchen table, left a note to dispose of it all as my wife saw fit and bailed out. Homeless…. the cops interrupted a suicide attempt – back to the locked ward. Changed cities…managed to commit an act so morally and legally heinous – back to another locked ward. Changed cities again and hit my first homeless shelter. Worked, put money in the bank, and got stabbed in the back. I surrendered my sobriety. Depression and intoxication were a double whammy. Several suicide attempts later, the shelter caught one and asked me to move on. I managed to get off the streets on my own. Decent job, money in the bank, getting back some of my toys…. manic depression helped me throw it all away again. Time for another city change, I wandered around the streets of Chicago for seven months. It was hard to find a job with no shower, phone, or address. Another supposed friend stabbed me in the back again. By now, I pretty much knew the drill, and before long, I was back in a locked ward again. I moved to Florida. I was able to get into this shelter and program. They have encouraged me to attend and work the AA Program. Adding to this is the fact that my doctors have finally arrived at a winning combination of medications to combat my bipolar disorder. For the first time in my life, I think I can truly become sober and reasonably stable.
From Air Travel to Wire Transfers SHOP @
The Voice of the Homeless
Page 8
HOMELESS VOICE Homicide on Portland streets
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ccording to the Oregonian, the Portland Police are investigating the April 23 death of Robert G. Newman, a homeless man. At 4:27 a.m., police were called to Southwest 5th Avenue and West Burnside Street on a report of an assault and a person down, police said. Newman was taken to Legacy Emmanuel Hospital & Health Center, where he was pronounced dead later that morning. Newman died of a head injury, an autopsy found. Anyone with any information is asked to call the homicide detective division at 503-823-0400. “Robert was a true compassionate man,” said Josh Simison, outreach worker for JOIN. “Some people didn’t see it that way, but he was always putting himself before his partner. There were times when Robert could have probably gotten off the streets, but he was loyal to his partner who was dealing with some mental health issues.”
Homeless man found stabbed in WPB area parking lot
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homeless man was flown to Delray Medical Center this morning after he was found lying in a Burger King parking lot in suburban West Palm Beach with serious stab wounds. Burger King employees called the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office about 5a.m. after finding him lying in the back of the lot at 1800 S. Military Trail. When authorities arrived, the man, identified as William Jarrett, denied he had been in a fight and appeared unaware he had been stabbed, sheriff's spokesman Paul Miller said. Jarrett, described as being in his 40s, appeared intoxicated at the time. His injuries are not considered life threatening, Miller said. By ANDREW MARRA Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
-Street News Wire
"For people who are homeless and mentally ill, that [the event] could be very scary for them," Lanier said. "We just want to make sure s thousands get set to pour into downtown Jacksonville next there is a safe place for people to go." In addition, the number of transients is expected to swell durmonth for the Super Bowl gala, local homeless advocates have made ing the Super Bowl as many come to Jacksonville looking for partefforts to help transients off the streets. time work, although no figures were available on how many, Lanier A new temporary shelter for 300 homeless will open its doors at the shuttered Stanton School downtown. The additional shelter will said. Thao Costis, assistant executive director of SEARCH, a Housbe open 24 hours a day starting Jan. 25 and will close Feb. 7, the day ton-based homeless service, said she did not notice an increase of tranafter the Super Bowl. sients traveling into the city for the Super Bowl last year. The Emergency Services and Homeless Coalition Sherry Burns, executive of Jacksonville, which is opening the shelter, has raised “On any given day director of the I.M. Sulzbacher $60,000 in private donations to run the place. The city was Center in Jacksonville, said some not a contributor, said Wanda Lanier, executive director of about 3,000 people are people have already questioned the the coalition. homeless throughout intentions of opening up the shelter The building itself was donated by Edward Waters during the Super Bowl. College. the city, many of them "People are always lookDowntown will be the scene of the four-day Supering for the dark side," she said. "In downtown,” Lanier said. Fest party, which is expected to draw 100,000 visitors this case, for once people are doing daily. Mayor John Peyton announced a citywide cleanup the right thing for the right reason and I guess it's just human nature to Monday to prepare for the event, but city officials and homeless advofind out what's 'really' going on." cates said homeless people are not targets for removal from the streets. She noted that homeless are not required to stay in a shelter The opening of the temporary shelter also is not an attempt to and there would be no busing of the homeless to the shelters in Jackdrive the homeless out of view from the throngs of visitors expected to sonville. come to town, Lanier said. "It's not a sweep, it's the exact opposite," Burns said. "It's tryRather, with shelters already over capacity and with additional ing to accommodate the needs of people we expect to be on our doorhomeless people expected to arrive in search of temporary work, the step so they won't be out in harm's way during the actual Super Bowl." need for another facility was there, Lanier said. Currently, Jacksonville Frank Mackesy of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, who is shelters can accommodate 600 people. coordinating Super Bowl security, said the homeless will not be On any given day about 3,000 people are homeless throughout treated any differently during Super Bowl week than any other day. the city, many of them downtown, Lanier said. "Being homeless is not a crime and the only time we truly interact with the homeless is when they are violating a city ordinance or state statute," Mackesy said. Peyton said people should not read anything into the new shelter. "Naturally with the Super Bowl coming here, there will be a heightened sense of awareness and increased visitors including homeless here," he said. "So we want to make sure that if there is an increase in capacity, we have the capacity to meet it. And I think it's very proactive and a smart way to try to help people, not to hide people." Some homeless in Jacksonville are wary but welcomed the idea for the temporary shelter. "I'm sure we're not wanted around," said Kenny Dudley, who has been staying at the I.M. Sulzbacher Center for the last five weeks. "Out of sight and out of mind." But he noted that there is a need for additional shelter space. "As many homeless people as I've seen, if We are looking for churches and/or other there were one or two more shelters open, it would organizations to get involved by help a lot," he said. Otto Hasenback, another Sulzbacher resident starting penny drives at your location. who along with his pregnant wife has been homeless Call 954-924-3571 since Nov. 6, agreed with Dudley, saying the opening of the new shelter "is not a bad thing, but not a good thing" either.
New shelter to operate for Super Bowl
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All it takes is One
By JORDAN RODACK The Times-Union
SHOP ONLINE AT THE HOMELESS VOICE INTERNET MALL go to www.homelessvoicemall.com
Page 9
Volume 6, Issue 4
VOICE OF THE HOMELESS
O
ver the years we have seen lots and lots of people become homeless for many different reasons. Once in a great while it will be a reason that only happens once in 10 million. John Paul Vincent, age 26, became that one. Not because of the physical damage that was caused by an incident, but because of the post traumatic stress syndrome that prevented him from working on boats ever again. John Paul was cleaning the bottom of a boat, which was still in the water. Two boats over, an inexperienced fisherman was cleaning his catch of fish and throwing the bloody remains into the water. Well, those bloody remains in the water sent the signal, the aroma of a meal to one of those marine kings of the ocean, a shark. This marked the spot and they soon showed up for the meal…John Paul's body. They swarmed around him for about 10 minutes and then finally, several of them attacked him. His injuries were minute, however, but the real trauma followed later. John Paul had dreams of the attack, very similar to the dreams that some of our service people suffer from when they return from battle. Eventually, John Paul was afraid to go to sleep, causing his whole life to be permanently disrupted. The dreams that he had caused him to give up his boat job. While he could try to overcome his fear of the ocean, it was his lack of sleep that made him very dysfunctional and he soon gave up his boat job and decided to try something different. Nothing changed, though, and he went from job to job, being terminated from each one for lack of concentration and lack of energy. It took four years of job searching, support groups to help him adjust, and even seeing a psychologist, but he finally became homeless. A shark attack is something that is never planned and probably the thought of "what to do if" really never enters our minds. If John Paul would have known what to do when the sharks were circling him, he might have walked away with no injuries. John Paul came to our shelter after living two years on the streets in Key West. Today, a few months after John Paul got his disability and moved back up north with his parents in Ohio, we saw these tips on AOL on how to protect yourself, from inviting one/ to what to do in the event of a shark attack. Having known that "one" case personally, we thought we would pass on the information. Chances are you would never need them, but considering that we live in South Florida, if you are ever in danger, they might help. So here they are: • Stay away from the mouths of rivers after heavy rains, when freshwater fishes and other animals are swept out to sea. • Swim clear of fishing boats. They often trail fish remains and blood, which can draw sharks. • If you're bleeding, including menstruating, stay on the beach. Sharks can smell and taste even the smallest amount of blood from over a mile (1.6 kilometers) away and trace it back to its source. • If you cut or injure yourself in the water, get out! Do not stay in the water with blood around you. • Stay out of the water if fish blood or baitfish are present. In other words, steer clear of fishers. • Avoid large groups of fish, seals, or sea lions. They all are prominent on the shark's menu. • Stay away if you see large groups of dolphins and seabirds. They are attracted to the same food sharks eat. And don't make the mistake of thinking that if dolphins are present, there won't be any sharks around. Dolphins can be prey for large sharks. • Stay away from dead animals in the water. • Avoid areas where animal, human, or fish waste enter the water. Sewage attracts baitfish, which in turn attract sharks. • Stay out of the water at dawn, dusk, and night, when some species of sharks may move inshore to feed on fish. Sharks are well equipped
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Things We Need •
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Batteries all sizes
Solar panel for our solar system
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Envelopes big yellow ones and regular white ones for mail; all sizes
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Coffee Garbage bags
Medical bandages
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Medical tape
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Tampons
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Paper towels
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Toilet paper Lunch bags Silverware
Dinner plates
-COSAC Staff
Pens
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150 gallons of white or yellow outdoor paint
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TV’s
Bug bombs and roach motels
Plastic drinking cups
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to locate prey even when visibility is poor. • Avoid murky waters, harbor entrances, channels, and steep drop-offs. These areas are frequented by sharks. • Do not wear high-contrast clothing (orange and yellow are said to be risky colors) or shiny jewelry (which may appear to be like fish scales). Sharks see contrast very well. • Refrain from excessive splashing. Keep pets, which swim erratically, out of the water. Sharks are attracted to such activity. • Leave the water quickly and calmly if a shark is sighted. Do not provoke, harass, or entice a shark, even a small one. • If fish or turtles start to behave erratically, leave the water. They may be behaving like that because there is a shark in the area. • If you feel something brush up against you, get out of the water to make sure that you have not been bitten. There have been reports that shark-bite victims often do not feel any pain. • Swim, surf, or dive with other people. Sharks most often attack individuals. • Don't wander too far from shore. Doing so isolates you and places you away from assistance. • If you are diving and are approached by a shark, stay as still as possible. If you are carrying fish or other catches, release the catch and quietly leave the area. WHAT TO DO IF YOU'RE ATTACKED • If an attack is imminent, defend yourself with whatever weapons you can, advises the ReefQuest Centre for Shark Research. "Avoid using your [bare] hands or feet if you can avoid it; if not, concentrate your blows against the shark's delicate eyes or gills." A shark's snout is also said to be sensitive. • If a shark actually gets you in its mouth, says ISAF's George Burgess, "I advise to be as aggressively defensive as you are able. 'Playing dead' does not work. Pound the shark in any way possible. Try to claw at the eyes and gill openings, two very sensitive areas." • If bitten, try to stop the bleeding. Leave the water as efficiently, calmly, and swiftly as possible. While many sharks will not bite again, you cannot rule out a second attack. • Get immediate medical attention, no matter how small the injury. HOW TO HELP A VICTIM • Remove the victim from the water as soon as possible. • Even before you leave the water, begin controlling bleeding by pressing on pressure points or by applying tourniquets. • Protect the victim from cold by wrapping him or her in a blanket to minimize heat loss. • Once out of the water try not to move the victim unnecessarily. Call for medical help.
Ketchup and mustard
Bottles of alcohol and peroxide
Copy paper
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Band aids regular types
(Homeless) Not because of the physical damage that was caused by an incident, but because of the post traumatic stress syndrome that prevented him from working on boats ever again.
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BLEACH Flashlights
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Generator Extension cords
Emergency exit light
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Paint sealer Tylenol Aspirin Cough syrup
Throat and flu medicine
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Zantacs or Tums Candy by the box
Lays potato chips; individual bags
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Soda
Folding chairs; metal
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Light bulbs Plungers for toilets
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Lysol
Combat/Raid bombs
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Bug Spray Roach Hotels
The Voice of the Homeless
Page 10
HOMELESS VOICE
I
n the world of drug addition there are many ways to combat it,. Below is one method in an interview with a specialist. Some of us agencies force drug treatment on individuals and some agencies allow the person to seek the treatment when they feel it is necessary. Research has indicated that when the addict himself decides to seek treatment it is always best for recovery. The most important thing we can learn is that we must all never give up on those addicted to drugs. We must try all sorts of treatment whether it be AA or NA, or professional treatment centers we must never give up. It is time for all of us to take an addict and offer a binding agreement to help them. Lend them an ear, do not judge them for their addiction but just go easy and allow them to understand that there is life after drugs. Rule number one: never talk to them when they are high or drunk. As soon as they wake up and they are sober it is the time to talk about options. As we all know, drug addiction causes loss of job, loss of their duties and responsibilities and therefore causes homelessness. Read below and understand that this and many other ways are out there to help a friend, a loved one or even an enemy. Maybe if that person who is an enemy that always steals from you because of their addiction, finds out that you are truly trying to help them. They will no longer be your enemy...
I
n the 1970s, Dr. Peele began to confront conventional wisdom with his carefully developed and documented view that addiction is not an automatic biological reaction to a powerful substance, but a product of a person's whole life experience. For him the necessary solutions lie in changing the structure of people's lives, both individually and collectively. In Love and Addiction (1975), The Meaning of Addiction (1985/1998), Diseasing of America (1989/1995), and The Truth about Addiction and Recovery (1991), as well as in influential professional journal articles, Dr. Peele has changed the way many people think about addiction. His website (http://www.peele.net) shows the depth and breadth of his involvement with addiction and with people affected by it. Dr. Peele has had to be thick- skinned to respond to the controversy that his work triggers and he has had to be resourceful to accomplish what he has done as an independent scholar, without a salaried university position or grant funding. Current trends in the addiction field -- harm reduction, motivational interviewing, brief intervention, and community reinforcement -- are making Stanton's ideas respectable. He has won academic awards, organized international conferences, had an audience with the Queen of the Nether-
lands, and had an annual lecture in Australia named after him. 7 TOOLS TO BEAT ADDICTION By Stanton Peele, Three Rivers Press. Publication date: August, 2004. Price: $14.00. Pages: 275. ISBN: 1-4000- 4873-7 Questions and Answers with Dr. Stanton Peele author of 7 TOOLS TO BEAT ADDICTION Q: Are you saying that AA and other 12-step programs are worthless? A: "No, AA is fine for a small minority for whom that approach sits well. But AA is only successful for less than 10% of those who attend meetings. In addition, for some people, AA can be harmful. In any case, we need a wider variety of approaches for addiction in order to help more people." Q: Are you in favor of using drugs? A: "It is not my job to tell people what to do. Many people use drugs and the majority of Americans consume alcohol. People seem to have a desire to do these things. If our goal is total abstinence, we will leave most people behind. Instead, we can help people to avoid addictions not by telling them they are diseased and powerless - but by encouraging their feelings that they can change. This is called selfefficacy." Q: Don't people's addictions always grow worse as the
To reach the shelter for any of your other needs please call 954-924-3571 Remember you can send checks to us at P.O. Box 292-577 Davie, Florida 33329
Need a MasterCard and you have no credit? Well, come get your own prepaid MasterCard at the Cosac Banking and Office Center
We have lower fees Notary service available Check Cashing with ID *2% Fee Call Ginny at 954-923-0441
"Instead of bombarding the individual with accusations or intimidating them, a better approach is to speak calmly to people and to elicit things that are important to them that contradict the addiction. disease theory tells us? A: "No, in fact the opposite is true. Most people, on their own, turn away from addictions as they move through their life. As they mature, they develop new interests and responsibilities that rule out their addictions. Having children, for example, provides a strong motivation to quit addictions." Q: How do we know this is true? A: "Major research studies, often conducted by the U.S. government, prove this is true. More importantly, I review scores of cases - involving historical figures, celebrities, friends and relatives, and clients and ordinary people - who have recovered on their own or without the 12 steps." Q: We hear about all the celebrities that go to high priced treatment centers. Aren't these programs beneficial? A: "Actually, when we view the case histories of the stars that go into these centers, we discover that relapses are the rule. Systematic research likewise indicates this is true, and that our current treatments are not particularly effective." Q: Don't companies often force employees to go into treatment programs?
A: "Yes, they do, but it violates the medical practice of informed consent. Numerous court cases have found that when a court or state agency pushes employees into such programs, it violates the First Amendment to the Constitution, which guarantees the separation of church and state. This is because AA and 12-step programs are religious in nature, which many people find offensive." Q: If these treatment programs work well, wouldn't it make sense to require that employees participate anyhow? A: "A truism that I emphasize in my new book is that people succeed best in treatment when they choose it on their own, not when they are forced. This is because otherwise they spend more time fighting the change process than cooperating with it." Q: Can you demonstrate for us how this works? A: "Instead of bombarding the individual with accusations or intimidating them, a better approach is to speak calmly to people and to elicit things that are important to them that contradict the addiction. This process emphasizes people's own values and internal motivation - which are the most important forces in change." Three Rivers Press
SHOP ONLINE AT THE HOMELESS VOICE INTERNET MALL go to www.homelessvoicemall.com
Page 11
Volume 6, Issue 4
VOICE OF THE HOMELESS
(Continued from page 6)
ine, has the possibility of also lasting a lifetime. A true friend stays when everyone else leaves, showing the love of a friend. It’s expressed in the little things and most of all in the important things. Listening shows the love of a friend especially when you have heard it many times before, sharing, shows the love of a friend, not only when clinking glasses at a party, but when holding your hand at your grandma’s funeral. When this kind of love is found, we hope we are wise enough to hang on to it. Love of country, the way I relate to this kind of love, might not be unique; maybe there are a lot of us that feel the same way. Perhaps because I came from a country, that has no freedom, I can appreciate this kind of love. Because of my background, I
have love of two countries, one that saw my birth, and one who let me thrive. The love of God, this love also is very complex. Who is God? Where is he? Does he really exist? Does he really love me? The answer to this question is inside all of us, the way we were raised has a lot to do with the answer, and we seem to follow traditions, customs that guide us to believe what we believe. As for me, I like to believe that there is a God, an all knowing and loving God, that although I cannot see Him or touch Him, he is there, that we do have a purpose for being, that we are not part of any matrix whatsoever. The love that I feel for him is real, so I know He exists. Last but not least, the Love of a soul mate, that special person that is just for you, that
“We keep bumping into old clichés, like LOOKING FOR LOVE IN ALL THE WRONG PLACES…” person that is there to share your life and your dreams, to share your happiness and your sufferings. Someone you can love unconditionally and give you back the same. Unfortunately, most of us do not find this kind of love, in the world we live today it is becoming harder and harder to find it. We keep bumping into old clichés, like LOOKING FOR LOVE IN ALL THE WRONG PLACES, THERE IS MORE FISH IN THE SEA, MEN ARE FROM MARS WOMEN ARE FROM VENUS. I wish it would not be so hard to find your soul mate, because this love should not be a quest to find, this love should not be a competition or a battle of the sexes. This love is what starts it all. Without this love, all the others would not be
Winning the lottery turned life into a nightmare (Continued from page 1)
I had the chance to do it all over again. I'd be much smarter about it now," says Adams who also lost money at the slot machines in Atlantic City. "I was a big time gambler," admits Adams. "I didn't drop a million dollars, but it was a lot of money. I made mistakes, some I regret, some I don't. I'm human. I can't go back now so I just go forward, one step at a time." Living on food stamps William "Bud" Post won $16.2 million in the Pennsylvania lottery in 1988 but now lives on his Social Security. "I wish it never happened. It was totally a nightmare," says Post. A former girlfriend successfully sued him for a share of his winnings. It wasn't his only lawsuit. A brother was arrested for hiring a hit man to kill him, hoping to inherit a share of the winnings. Other siblings pestered him until he agreed to invest in a car business and a restaurant in Sarasota, Fla., -- two ventures that brought no money back and further strained his relationship with his siblings. Post even spent time in jail for firing a gun over the head of a bill collector. Within a year, he was $1 million in debt. Post admitted he was both careless
as easily achieved. Therefore it should be waiting out there for us, easily attained, easily recognized and very much appreciated. I’m still waiting for my soul mate, but that’s because I’m a romantic, perhaps I will never find my soul mate, perhaps I have already found my soul mate, and I did not have the wisdom to recognize him, maybe I did not have the understanding I needed to hold him, or the intuition that was born with me. You know the heck with all the perhaps, I’m a true believer in love, I love my parents, I love my children, I love my friends, I love my country and I love my God. Now . . . perhaps I can love myself. By Mary Lou Gonzalez
"I wish it never happened. It was totally a nightmare," says Post.
won a judgment for the and foolish, trying to please his family. company against Mullins He eventually declared bankruptcy. for $154,147 last May, Now he lives quietly on $450 a but they have yet to colmonth and food stamps. lect a nickel. "I'm tired, I'm over 65 years "My understanding is she has no asold, and I just had a serious operation for a heart aneurysm. Lotteries don't mean sets," says Kidd. By ELLEN GOODSTEIN [anything] to me," says Post. Deeper in debt Suzanne Mullins won $4.2 million in the Virginia lottery in 1993. Now she's deeply in debt to a company that lent her money using the winnings as collateral. She borrowed $197,746.15, which she agreed to pay back with her yearly checks from the Virginia lottery through 2006. But, when the rules changed allowing her to collect her winnings in a lump sum, she cashed in the remaining amount. But, she stopped Jason Echevarria making payments on the DOB : 12-7-1982 loan. Height : 5’ 10 “ Weight: 180 Eyes: Brown She blamed the Age: 22 Hair: Black debt on the lengthy illness This Missing Person is a Mental Health Consumer, he is of her uninsured son-in-law Schizophrenia, non dangerous. He is not on his med ication. Pemb roke Pines Police Depart ment has the Missing who needed $1 million for Person Report. Please call The local police if you spot him or call medical bills. the parents or the Pembroke Pines Police Depart ment at Mark Kidd, the 954-431-2200 Roanoke, Va., lawyer who represented the Singer AsAlvaro or Evelyn Echevarria 954-392-9630 set Finance Company who Or 954-829-1892 sued Mullins, confirms. He
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-891-1740
Missing Mental Health Consumer MISSING PERSON
The National Coalition for the Missing and Exploited, Inc i s operated by the Cosac Foundation and the Hom eless Voice Newspaper 954-924-3571 Ask to speak to the Chief of Missing Mental Health Consumers
WE’VE MADE A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION JA! We want to pay off this mortgage ? t this year and as a team we can do it a h W t? YES !
YES!!
SÌ!
OUI!
Wha hat? W HOW?
We need We only only need 740 people, 728 people, organizations and organizations and institutions to institutions to each each send in send intheir their$1000.00 1000.00 We have We have the the Ability to ability to pay payoff off This building this building. Mail your check to:
Cosac Foundation Burn that Mortgage Fund!! P.O. Box 292577
Davie, Florida 33329 Phone: 954-924-3571
Why are we being so careful to try for this year only? ‘Cause my friends, we are running our of room. The Inn is full and has been for the longest time! We need to buy an additional, smaller complex.. SO...once we pay off the current mortgage we can expand. If you are a church you can do one special collection to send in your $1000. If you are a student .. have your school do a penny drive. If you are a big business or small business take up a collection and send in your $1000. We only need those 728 740 groups of people to do this. I, Sean Cononie, hereby give you permission to do your own fundraising plan to help us pay off this mortgage. Please do not get involved unless you come here and see what you are helping. I am confident that once you see what we do you will, with all your heart, help the people with our shelter. I say the word "our " because this place is not mine, it is the community’s. Thanks
Call us or email us at the following email address and tell us that you want to do a plan and give us your details. A dinner party at your house for 10 people, asking each one to pay 100.00 for the dinner? Or a penny drive at your church or school? We are ready without hesitation to take your money and burn those mortgage papers. Together we can make our place grow and help the most needy. Email: Iwant2help@homelessvoice.com
HELP PAY OFF OUR MORTGAGE We need just 36,395 people to send in a check for $20.00, Or 14,558 people to send in a check for $50.00, Or 7,279 people to send in a check for $100.00, Or 728 people to send in a check for $1,000, Or Just one wonderful person or business to send a check for the entire $727,900.00 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
W
e need your help with our building fund. We are getting closer and closer to reaching our goal. How can you help? Here are 3 easy ways to help. 1.) get your church or school involved in a penny drive 2.) check out page 2 and help with the friends of the homeless column. 3.) donate directly to the building fund.