30,000 PEOPLE
From the Street to the Ship Send off to better them ometimes we get the real young ones in here, and sometimes we look into their faces and make a decision for them, are they better off staying here or should we send them to the Covenant house? Our answer seems to always be to send the young ones to the Covenant House; after all they are more equipped to handle the needs of the young. We always felt that most of them don’t have their high
S
school diploma and that it is important that they get it as well as staying around people their own age. Then we got Mr. Longo in and he was a hard one to get to understand that rules are always needed when climbing the ladder. We thought at that time to keep him here for a while and then to send him off to a younger type of program. Reading to Making a Move A few months ago a supporter of the Homeless Voice wrote a letter (a (Continued on page 9)
TO SEND IN $15 Well this month was a pretty good month however our elevator went bad again and this makes it the third repair for over close to $100,000 in the last 12 months. So this kind of puts us in a bind once again. The good news is as most of you know because I was sick for the last few years with Bacterial Meningitis it has put us way be(Continued on page 6)
Alex Longo & Sean Cononie
Young Trick-or-Treaters: 1. Use face paint or makeup. Look for nontoxic and hypoallergenic
Cathy’s •
Prayer List
The Darlington Family Sharon • Jenna • Brian • Tommy • Hollywood • Joseph • Julie • • Roger’s Family Killingsworth Family • Owens Family • New Destiny International • Christian Center of Tamarac Kerri Fitzpatrick • Maria Rosales • Joe Middleton • Cathy • Frannie • • Carlos Alberto Dominique Francis Family •
To add a name to the list call 954 954--410 410--6275 No monetary donations needed Names will be listed in paper for 6 months
From Homeless to Multimillionaire
makeup instead of masks, especially
It's not every day you get the chance to pick the brain of a man whose real-life rags-to-riches story was turned into a Hollywood movie starring one of America's top actors. But the other day I had the opportunity to spend time with Chris Gardner, subject of the 2006 movie The Pursuit of Happyness, in which Gardner was played by Will Smith. While attending an unpaid internship program at Dean Witter Reynolds in 1981, Gardner spent a year on the streets with his two-yearold son. They took refuge at night in a church shelter or the bathroom of a BART subway station in Oakland, Calif. Nobody at work knew. Gardner eventually won a position as a stockbroker at Dean Witter. Two years later he left for Bear Stearns, where he became a top earner. In 1987, he founded his own brokerage firm, Gardner Rich,in Chicago. Today, Gardner is a multimillionaire, a motivational speaker, a philanthropist, and an international business-
make it hard for youngsters to see
for very young children. Masks can and breathe. 2. Wigs and beards shouldn't cover the eyes or mouth. Be sure headgear won't slide over the child's face. 3. Add reflective tape to costumes. Choose light colors. Be sure the cos-
Chris Gardner, the man whose rags to--riches story inspired the rags--to movie The Pursuit of Happyness, explains how he harnessed his passion to turn his life around.
(Continued on page 5)
Program your Cell Phone for “In Case of Emergency --- ICE" Program the person and phone number that emergency personnel can
man who is about to launch a private equity fund that will invest solely in South Africa. His partner in the fund? Nelson Mandela. Not bad for a guy who, six years before founding his own brokerage firm, was "fighting, scratching, and crawling my way out of the gutter with a baby (Continued on page 10)
contact in case of an emergency on your behalf. If you choose to have more than one name and number as ICE, then program ICE1, ICE 2 and so forth. This information is invaluable to emergency personnel if you are unable to communicate to them at the time of an emergency. The Lighthouse Point Fire Rescue Department personnel as well as many other emergency personnel are aware to check for any cell phone
How’s My Vending?
and try to locate any ICE information on the phone. This program is widely used in Europe and is now being pushed in different areas around the United States.
Call (954)
925-6466 X101
The Voice of the Homeless
Page 2
FRIENDS OF THE HOMELESS VOICE Mail check to: COSAC Foundation P.O. Box 292-577
For just $15.00 a month you can keep a homeless family off the streets for a day.
Davie, FL 33329 Please include on memo what name should appear in paper.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
The Cononie Family The Targett Family Patrick Helings John Bendor In Loving Memory of Uncle Joe & Nana Shannon Brooks Lisa Cebrat Pakita Price The Watsons Sean Cononie Sally Lister Judith Kelly Martha Roman The Baptista Family John Criasia Daniel Harrison The Martinez Family Amanda Reynolds Dolores R. Cerra Bob Hall Tressie W. Osborne Clark Rogers The Savir Family Corinne James Chris Sanchez Hugo DeCarpintini Mario Yuio Richard Friedman Diane Friedman Uylna Quadrino Arnold Reemer In Loving Memory of Peter Sullivan Maryann Springer Elaine Snaith Marshal Bugin Keith Yude Bruce Wethersoon Isabelle J. Henry Raul Cardenas M.D. Wendy Bryan Jacqueline McCarty Albert J Taragowski Darla King Paula King Richard Gomez Anthony Ralph Jennifer Hicky Timothy Lukehard Thomas Rua Justin Rowan Mary Green Morris Grazi Marvin Shatze Ronald Shafer Vance Gunn Adam Staler Allen Yancy Jimmy Daniels Mel Blount Carol Lockette Anna Marye Levier Magan Narduzzi Andre Johnson Antione Collins Eric Harrison Jessica Padilla Sheldon Jones Carlo Harrison Jason Emrik Dan Gilcert Amber Rowan
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Jackie Johnson Ricky Cambell Dorr’e Terry Samual Manery Marilyn Vokish Jenny Curic Amy Curic Lisa Jackson Jim Johnson Bobby Neal Erica Fulton Darren Nolf Erica Sanclair Steve Dillan Dallan Michele King Bobby Ore Casandra Thomas Tara Hunter Mark Faber Nichole Faber Kevin Britt The Cable Family The Maione Family Barbara Strong Grace Marth Regla J Ferrer The Baldwin Family 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 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 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 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 Marie Sutera Floyd and Luana Coats Doug Boucher Family Kevin Jones Dorothy Griffith Family In Loving Memory of Kris Soltan Kevin “KJ” Jones Douglas Boucher The Swartout's Ivonne Fernandez The Verny & Stewart Families In Loving Memory of Frances Klein The Herrmann Family John C. Burt Albert Taragowski Renato & Malika Vasconez In Memory of C.T.R. Adriana Fernandez Andrea Brown The Kunicki Family
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Thank you so much, Sean & Lois, for all your help. –Joan Futscher & Kids McAvoy Family The Geise Family Richard & Margaret Martin Kenny Angela Adriana N. Quila Elizabeth P. Sublett Barbara N Robinson Mark E. Johnson Adrienne and Mike Julio A. Izquierdo Ann M. Hamilton Nicole Lee Nelson Anthony Rhodes Susan P Brady Christine M Wilson K.J. Williams Renato and Malika Vasconez Christine McAuliffe In Memory of Chief George J. Hodges Real Breakthrough Solutions Hartford Property Connection, Inc. In Loving Memory of Donald Fraser In Loving Memory of Rex Lichtenberger In Loving Memory of Jose A. Estruch, Jr. Ronald & Cathy Walker Ms. Evelyn Salerno Nicole Lee Nelson Al & Barbara Liebmann In Loving Memory of Isabel Grimany Dr Mary Michaela Farren In Memory of My Good Friend Pat Gibson Fred T Verny JR Nicole Lee Nelson C.R. Gallagher Jonathan Burger In Memory of Dan Holland Sheila Holder Merav & Ezra Alexander In Memory of Maxima Oakland Park Elks Lodge # 2407 J. Coffee In Memory of Stanley Smolen In Memory of Martin Grey God Bless Florence Menard Sebastian Parks Kellie Jones Jesus Diaz Virginia H. Bailey Naomi Ross In Loving Memory of My Daughter Melissa Lurz In Loving Memory of Charles G. Youngman YOUR NAME HERE
In Loving Memory of Shirley Coulson
Page 3
Volume IX, Issue 9
HATE CRIMES ISSUE The below represents an estimate of an un-audited glance until final figures are calculated. Program Services, includes donations w e give to our international programs such as the orphanages in Haiti as w ell as 14 different homeless social service agencies such as our shelter system. How do w e do it? Most of the top staff are full time volunteers and w e only have a very s mall paid staff. The paid staff gets below the normal salaries in the w orld of not for profits. We had a mission to do and w e did it and w ill continue to do it living by the rules of the founding fathers.
As you read Sean's story I must tell you that I really hope with all my heart and prayers that this place can be paid off once in for all. Sean has worked so hard creating this shelter system for this community. Without him this community would have scores of homeless people living everywhere like it was ten years ago. Please let him reach his goals so he can keep on doing what he does best. He wants to create many new agencies that can help many different types of people. -Mark Targett
LE T T E R S T O T H E E D IT O R S EN D T O:
P.O. BOX 2 9 2-57 7 DAVIE , F LO RIDA 3 3 32 9 FAX TO : 9 5 4-9 2 6 -2 0 2 2 E M A IL : in fo @h om e le ssv o ic e .o rg
H OM E LESS
V O IC E
M a il to : H om e les s V oi c e PO B ox 2 92 5 7 7 D a v ie , F l 33 32 9
C u t t he c e rt i 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 rd e r f or $50 $24 N AME
A DD R E S S
AL L D ON A TIO N R E QU ES TS IN TH E H OM EL ESS VOI CE F OR AN Y CH AR IT Y AR E AD V ER TIS ED IN CON J UN C TION W I TH TH IS W OR D IN G A CO P Y OF TH E O F FI CI A L R EG IS TR A TION AN D FIN AN CI A L IN F O R M ATION M A Y B E OB T AIN ED FR O M TH E D IV ISI ON O F C ON S UM ER SER VI CES B Y CA L LIN G TO LL - FR EE IN TH E S TA T E 1 -8 00 -43 5-7 35 2 R E GIS TR AT ION D OES N O T IM P L Y EN D OR S EM EN T, A P PR OV A L, OR R ECOM M EN D ATION B Y TH E S T A TE TH AN K YO U F OR HE L PIN G TH E H OM EL ESS C o st of pape r $.25
To re ach us c all
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HOM EL ES S H OT LIN E F OR P LA C EM EN T
9 54 -4 91 -BED S
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O n o u r h o m e p a g e , c l ic k o n sp o n s o rs , t h e n g o to a ff ili a te s .
Call for AD Space 954-920-1277
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Call 954-920-1277 Call our contractor referral line. Call us and we will get you the person to do the job much less!
WHY CALL A DAY-LABOR COMPANY AND SPEND LARGE AMOUNTS OF MONEY?
The Voice of the Homeless
Page 4
HOMELESS VOICE
ADVANTAGE COMMUNICATIONS, INC. • • •
ACI supports the Homeless Voice and the Cosac Foundation in raising awareness and providing solutions to homelessness in our neighborhoods. ACI knows that lending aid to human beings in need is good for our souls, our communities and is simply the right thing to do. ACI would like to thank all people who are actively engaged in helping humanity here on the blue planet. God bless the Cosac Foundation Commercial, Industrial, & Government 2-way Radio www.advantage-com.com
Mark Lavallee, President 954-961-2642
Excellence in Radio
Rural homelessness secretly on the rise
R
ecent studies according to library.thinkquest.org show that most people who are homeless in rural areas are women, who are white, married, and currently working. Typically, these women are homeless for the first time and homeless for a shorter period of time. Other homeless people in rural areas are families, single mothers and children. Also, the causes of homelessness in rural areas are more likely to be domestic abuse. Due to rising prices across the board and stagnant wages, it’s easy to understand the issue concerning rural homelessness. Therefore, affordable housing and greater awareness are key components in decreasing the number of rural homeless.
lack of transportation; deCauses for cline in home-ownership; rural homelessness are Lack of awareness and resources, as restrictive land use regulasimilar to the causes of tions and housing codes; urban homelessness; well as, isolation are all factors that rising rent burdens; and inresult of poverty and a complicate the efforts of ending secure tenancy due to lack of affordable changes in the local area housing. It is most obhomelessness. real estate market. vious in rural regions Lack of awareness and rethat depend on agriculsources, as well as, isolation are all in rural areas, but so are rural inture for income. A lack of affordfactors that complicate the efforts of able, decent housing is a large under- comes. In rural areas it is said about ending homelessness. Helpful initia“23% of poor homeowners and 27% lying reason for the homeless epitives would include extending the of poor renters live in inadequate demic in both rural and urban areas. definition of homelessness to those It is true that housing costs are lower houses.” Studies of past rural homewho live in temporary and/or dilapilessness show that one great cause of dated housing, increasing outreach to homelessness is the issue of physical isolated areas, and increasing awarehealth and safety. Many houses are ness on a national level. Jobs that detrimental to a person’s health I’M HOME NOW! pay a wage high enough for living causing people to move to safer was born of a humble woman and a they would not look at me at all, like if are also greatly needed. houses. These living conditions are modest man. Our pleasures were I was not there. I spend my nights in In conclusion, women tend too expensive and this is when peosimple in a changing world. We did not hiding in the shadows, hiding from the to be the growing number of homeple actually become homeless. Popuneed much, we loved each other and we cold and hiding from the hate. Hate, less in rural areas. This statistic is lar rural areas to stay are in trailers, were satisfied with having a roof over what was this word so foreign in my more disturbing because it includes cars, and in overcrowded houses our heads and a meal on the table. upbringing, dear Lord I just want to go children as well. Hopefully, more when homeless. Therefore, this enWe were like many others; home. awareness will enable more people ables this segment of the homeless our vices were pure and innocent, and Perhaps I can find someone to take notice of people in unsafe population to become invisible to no matter what would happen I loved that could understand me; maybe if living conditions and they will help most of society. On the other hand, my home, it was my shelter from the they look closely into my eyes, they them. Local governments can start urban homeless are more visible in cold of weather and from the cold of could see that I am a good person, heart, it was my haven from the world maybe they can see that I need a by lowering property taxes and inthe streets of large metropolitan arI was afraid to face. The outside world chance to make good, maybe I can sisting on affordable housing based eas. Some other reasons for rural that to my dismay slowly was robbing convince them not to hate me. I was homelessness are the distance be- on the income of the residents. me of my youth and my innocence. My not strong enough I was not convincing by: Jamie M. Kisner tween low cost housing and employparents taught me love and underenough, hate had won this battle, I laid ment opportunities. Important facstanding, and to treat others with the there in the dark, I laid there finally tors that influence homeless are a same. bathing but in my own blood, I could
I
My parents are long gone now and even though I tried to live the way I was taught, I was unable to cope. I made wrong choices and that left me with few options, I felt alone and lost, I tried to remain faithful to the teachings of my parents, but even that seemed far away and unreal. What mainly disturbed me was that I had no home, I could not understand how this could of happen to me, and I felt betrayed by life and by myself. I slept on the streets and begged for food, I wore my dignity in the palm of my hand; I wanted to go home, a home that did not exist for me anymore. My days were filled with shame and worry, I felt dirty and sick, and people looked at me with disgust or
not move or wanted to, why was I hated? What have I done to deserve this hatred, and as I looked into the light I understood, I was not the one condemned, they were, I will be in a better place, they will never be, they will always have bitter hatred eating at their insides and when their time to go comes, they will not see the light, they will see only the darkness, and me I am finally going home. By Mary Lou Gonzalez
Advantage Communications, Inc. is a proud supporter of The Cosac Foundation "Excellence in Radio"
Page 5
Volume IX, Issue 9
HOMELESS VOICE Truth and Illusion---A Halloween Tale
T
tance. Instinctively, he knew beyond he shivering wind sliced them lay his destination: this cabin, through the crystal sky; in the this sacred shelter. Abandoning his huddling valley, a soft curl of grey meager possessions, he set off. Alsmoke rose from the chimney of the most immediately the air turned solitary cabin. Inside, feeding the sputtering hearth, Sam Claggett cold, but it did not deter him; indifferent to the seasons, heard the distant he pushed on. All of growl of winter his experience had not and knew this His life was prepared him for the year the Beast punctuated by journey, and none of would win. the tools and treasures So be it, these games of he had horded in his Sam thought. He catch & release release.. pack could have had always helped him on his way. known he would Finally, he made it lose the final here through force of will, and he confrontation. He was a little surwas glad. There would be no more prised he had lasted this long. For minions; only the Beast itself could years he had fought, usually in winfind him now. ter, and although sometimes he had So be it, Claggett repeatalmost hoped he’d lose, mostly he edly doggedly to the cabin walls. At had enjoyed the struggles and what the window, he watched frost clouds they had taught him about himself roll through the hills and guessed and others. But this fall the Beast’s that by tomorrow all would be minions had come with bats and attacked him as he slept in his card- smothered in a deep layer of snow. He wouldn’t be able to find his way board lair. He had risen up against out of the fast-approaching white them, then stopped when he saw a world. So be it, Sam repeated softly. ridge of green hills throwing their He had found contentment here, so light against the night sky in the dis-
Young Trick-or-Treaters: (Continued from page 1)
tume is not too heavy for the child. Accessories such as wands should be soft and flexible. 4. Costumes should be short enough so the child won't trip. Sleeves should fit properly, as well. Avoid footwear that makes it hard to walk. 5.
Use flame-resistant fabric for
homemade costumes. Adolescents and Teens: 1. Travel in groups. Go only to the houses of people you know. Younger
3.
Drive slowly and defensively.
children should be accompanied by a
Don't assume that a pedestrian, espe-
responsible older person.
cially an excited youngster in a costume,
2. Carry flashlights.
will move as you expect. Keep an eye
3. Carry a mobile phone for quick
out for trick-or-treaters darting out from
communication.
parked cars.
4. Stay focused on your surroundings. If harassed or threatened, go into
Homeowners:
like his Grandpa’s home where he had once spent a boyhood summer, very far away from the noise and pain of the others he chose not to remember. Most people never came here, he thought, not even when the pass was open. They had heard the warnings and were afraid. There were tales about this place, legends as old as memory, stories of mystery and superstition. He had heard the stories when he was living in houses and in towns, but he had never felt the dread he saw on others’ faces. Instead, he had recognized a strange, primordial longing, and (he realized now) he had spent much of his life searching for the way here. He had lived among men but seldom with them, and once he’d glimpsed the luminescent green hills, his path had been clear as yellow bricks. Dusk came on and the first snowflakes swirled around the cabin; he heard a muted cough and sputter from the fireplace behind him as a bit of snow found its way down the chimney. Still at the window, Sam remembered his arrival here as though it were yesterday, which it might as well have been for all Sam knew of time. In the long ago, softshoed minions would sometimes capture him, take him to their places of beds and bars and make him swallow poison. When he was half dead and mute, they let him wander the halls. There were clocks everywhere, and he could hear the clicks that struck each minute. Then time was all he knew, and the raw pain and sadness of their world was all he saw. But he had been patient, and he always out waited them: Eventually, when they thought he’d gotten small enough, they let him go. His life was punctuated by these games of catch & release. Yes, the pass through the hills had been easy enough, but the shadow of the Beast had darkened his descent, and at first he stumbled down a slope of foreboding. Regain-
ing his balance, Sam wrapped his empty arms around himself and ran toward the light shining through the window of the cabin below. He hadn’t been surprised to see the cabin, nor to find it empty but lighted and warm. Thus he had arrived, without possessions or baggage, and here he stayed, secure within these rough-hewn walls. Sam knew he had found home, and all his senses were alive to the timeless, translucent beauty surrounding him. He knew that whatever he had done, whatever had been done to him in the before, no longer mattered. He was untouched by the memory of fear; he realized that despite the wrongheaded minions, the Beast was never his enemy, and there would be no disgrace in surrender. Sam turned from the window when he heard the gentle knock. So be it, he smiled. Exhaling, he opened the door… The sharp drone of a monitor cut through the stillness in the darkened halls. On rubber soles, the night duty nurse walked toward ward D, the source of the sound. The insistent monitor next to the bed in the corner showed a flat, green line. So be it, she thought.. Mr. Claggett had been brought in after having been beaten by some teenagers. He’d been unconscious then, brain dead and homeless, and the doctors had seen no reason to put him on life support. He wasn’t expected to last through the night. That was weeks ago. But he’d kept breathing and his heart had continued beating, so they’d gently washed him and lay his body between clean, white sheets, adding blankets when he seemed to shiver. This was probably the most comfort he’d known in years, the nurse reflected as she switched off the monitor. Too bad he hadn’t been able to appreciate it. MH Poulson
the closest store/restaurant and ask to
1. Replace burned-out bulbs in exte-
use the phone. Call parents and/or po-
rior lights. Leave your exterior lights on
The best way of getting rid of mosquitoes is Listerine,
lice. Let the proprietors know that your
later than usual -- perhaps even all night.
the original medicinal type. The dollar store type works
group feels unsafe.
2. Clear the pathway. Make sure the
too. I was at a friend's deck party, and the bugs were having
5. Be very cautious around jack-o'-
path to your door is well lighted and
lanterns with lit candles. Keep an eye
your lawn is clear of things that could be
out for flames and/or candles on
tripped over, such as jack-o'-lanterns with
porches.
lit candles, ladders, garden hoses, flow-
saw mosquitoes, I’d spray and voila, it worked. It worked at a picnic where we
erpots, bikes, and animal leashes.
sprayed the area, around the food table, the children's swing area, and the stand-
6. Consider alternatives to trick-ortreating. Alternatives include house or school parties or volunteering at a haunted-house project.
3. Sweep wet leaves from sidewalks and stairs.
The next year, I filled a 4 oz. spray bottle and used it around my seat. Whenever I
ing water nearby.
4. Keep excitable pets away from the door. You'll have a safer and calmer house if you keep Fido away from where
1. Clear the driver's view. Be sure that
you are dispensing the treats.
else in the car obstructs the driver's view.
lawn and deck floor, and the little demons disappeared.
During the summer, I don't leave home without it.
Teen and Adult Drivers: neither the driver's costume nor anything
a ball biting everyone. A man at the party sprayed the
5. Put your car in the garage. Lock your garage doors.
(BHG)
2. Wear a seat belt. Be sure your pas-
As always, all candy should be
sengers are wearing a safety belt, even
wrapped and inspected before eaten,
if they have to take off part of their
anything that doesn’t look right, throw
costume to attach it.
away! Have a Happy Halloween! -BHG
Homeless Shelter Wish List • Clothing • Coffee Cups • Canned Foods • Medical Supplies • Diapers & Wipes • Personal Hygiene Items Call for directions 954-410-6275
The Voice of the Homeless
Page 6
HOMELESS VOICE 30,000 PEOPLE TO SEND IN $15 (Continued from page 1)
hind in all our governmental paper work, finally I can say even with us working so many hours
Please Send/Bring Cards to: 1203 N. Federal Highway Hollywood, Fl 33020
DID YOU KNOW? As you enter the Supreme Court courtroom, the two huge oak doors have the Ten Commandments engraved on each lower portion of each door. DID YOU KNOW? There are Bible verses etched in stone all over the Federal Buildings and Monuments in Washington, D.C. DID YOU KNOW? Every session of Congress begins with a prayer by a paid preacher, whose salary has been paid by the taxpayer since 1777. DID YOU KNOW? The very first Supreme Court Justice, John Jay, said: "Americans should select and prefer Christians as their rulers." How, then, have we gotten to the point that everything we have done for 220 years in this country is now suddenly wrong and unconstitutional? Let’s put it around the world and let the world see and remember what this great country was built on. It is said that 86% of Americans believe in God. Therefore, it is very hard to understand why there is such a mess about having the Ten Commandments on display or "In God We Trust" on our money and having God in the Pledge of Allegiance.
•
and major donations.
Did you know? You can set up payroll deduction through your employer to support the COSAC Foundation’s Homeless Voice • Your company might even match your donation • See your human resource or department manager
This
excites me because I will be able to give up some of my responsibilities and as most of
and then the office and some of the shel-
ment funds because every time we take a
you know I am a creator in which so far
ter being destroyed by the hurricanes we
homeless person from the city it leaves
we have created many fine agencies that
are starting to get our forms and paper
their police doing less work. As you know
help many causes and like I said before it
work done which means less fees paid to
I won’t take funds from HUD or the gov-
does not always take money to create
governmental agencies when we are
ernment that deals with homeless pro-
agencies that help people.
late. I have been in the hospital over ten
grams because I will never reject some-
As stated above we did pretty good on
times after almost dying and the Home-
one who can’t function or follow rules or
my request to have you make copies
less actually kept this place going while I
can’t find a job due to their mental health
of this article and pass it to your friends,
was sick, can you imagine that. When
condition.
co workers at the office and even on your
most people think they are “worthless
only take people with certain abilities or
block where you live.
bums” here at this place they were check-
won’t take them 24 hours a day or night
did this at their work place and we
ing in new homeless people and running
like we do because they have more rules
raised over $14,000. Most people just
the shelter as if I was there myself.
to follow because where they are located
sent in their checks with no letter but one
When we don't turn in our paper work
the cities made them stick to tight rules of
very special supporter sent in her checks
on time to the government they will
control. In most cases a homeless person
with a nice letter that moved our hearts. I
charge a fee for late forms and some-
can’t just walk up to a shelter because
just wanted to thank you and you know
times these fees are quite hefty. How-
they don't allow that. It is not the shelters
who you are. Your letter moved us and
ever they have been very lenient on me
fault; it is the cities they are in that don't
made us want to run this campaign again
because they know I lost four of my co
allow walkups because they do not want
and again this way we can move
workers all too young to unexpected
long lines of homeless people in the front
ahead. So from the added funds sent in
deaths, as well as me being in the hospi-
trying to get a bed.
this month and the elevator expense we
Some shelters are forced to
Several people
tal all these times and Lois being in the
Thank God all the agencies that we
are off to beat last months’ donations. It
hospital herself and then her taking care
report to from the state and the federal
is our goal to burn that mortgage and we
of me when I was out sick as well as us
government allowed us to be late and
want to do it very fast. So we are rerun-
losing all our computers and office to the
always
be-
ning last month’s story on needing your
two hurricanes we got where it essentially
cause everything was in order and docu-
help. We are not adding the elevator
destroyed our roof and our main of-
mented to their approval.
The other
expense to what we need for now but we
fice.
reversed
the
fees
The good news is that we were
good news is that we are getting there
can proudly say that in the month of Sep-
finally able to get myself to work a few
and when we get there at 100 per-
tember
days with no interruptions and did a
cent there is no stopping us... We are
$470,000.00.
lot of the forms. It is one thing taking
becoming more self sufficient and we are
don’t count, for that money goes to run-
care of the homeless but crunching num-
making our plans to pay this place off
ning our shelter monthly. We did do a
bers must be done when I am not at the
and also making plans to of course ex-
great job with your help.
shelter, there is no way to do it while
pand to the maximum and I am going to
$14,000 from our special campaign with
here. We only have about another 31
after almost 12 whole years hire a pro-
the people going to their co-workers etc
forms to complete and then we are in
fessional accountant or get someone who
and then we got our normal $6,000
compliance at 100 percent.
we
still
needed
to
raise
Our newspaper sales
We got in
Once we
wants to donate about ten hours a month
worth of checks that come in to us usually
are there at 100 percent we will try to
to the cause. With an accountant we get
(Continued on page 10)
get some funds from law enforce-
a chance to get law enforcement money
Page 7
Volume IX, Issue 9
HOMELESS VOICE Homeless Credited With Saving Woman, 93, From Burning Car LANTANA, Fla. -- Three homeless people who pulled a 93-year-old woman from her burning car Thursday are being credited as heroes. "We just happened to be in the right place. I believe God put us there for a reason," said Renee Streisant, a homeless woman who helped with the rescue. Streisant said she and two other homeless individuals were standing in front of The Lord's Place thrift store on Hypoluxo Road in Lantana around 3:15 p.m. Thursday when a traffic collision caused the elderly woman’s car to catch fire. Streisant said she and the other two individuals pulled the woman out of the burning car before rescue workers arrived. "You don't hesitate. You don't think this car is going to burst into flames and kill me, or burst into flames and kill her," Streisant told WPBF News 25. Streisant said the elderly woman, whose name has not yet been released by police, was a well-known helper of the homeless and a volunteer at a center in West Palm Beach. "I didn't even know who was in the car, to be honest, and then I found out it was someone near and dear to the area," Streisant
Help the Homeless Donate Online www.HomelessVoice.org
said. The woman was taken to Delray Beach Medical Center for treatment. She was listed in critical condition Friday. Streisant said she is currently looking for a job as a nanny, and just happened to be in the right place at the right time to help. She told WPBF she hoped people would look at the homeless a little differently from now on. "All people do good deeds everyday - we just happened to be three people that are homeless. We aren't homeless people first -we are people," Streisant said. -Homeless News Wire Video: www.homelessvoice.tv
For more pics go to www.SeanCononie.tv
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The Voice of the Homeless
Page 8
HOMELESS VOICE
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Page 9
Volume IX, Issue 9
HOMELESS VOICE
From the Street to the Ship (Continued from page 1)
copy of this letter is on the right) about a Homeless Voice Vendor who was at the corner selling his papers. He went up to her about the license plate and stickers on her car that named a few of our armed forces. They talked for a while and Mr. Longo stated to her, that those stickers were his future. After the article was in the paper he stated that, that vendor was him and that he was going to see a recruiter. I must be honest at first I told him he was nuts to join the service now. Not because I don’t support our troops but we the staff here treat all the clients here as our sons and daughters. And frankly no parents want to send their kids off to war. I also thought it was a desperate time in his life and that desperate people do desperate things and with the bonuses they are giving to the new recruits these days to join the service maybe it was just too tempting to pass up for him. In the past some recruiters had come to the shelter asking to speak to people to recruit them in the military and I was against it, again I thought that our people were desperate because they have no money and maybe the recruiter should wait until they had a job and had money saved on account and then recruit them, this way the clients would make a decision based on actually serving our country than serving their bank account for instant gratification. I again told him how I felt and that maybe he should stick around for a few months, get a job, save money, get his own place, get grants and go to school and if he wanted to serve maybe he should go in the military with at least an Associates Degree. I then changed my mind….this kid was different, it seemed he wanted to serve his country and I’ve got to tell you when I saw it in his eyes that he wanted to serve and be part of history I changed my mind and supported him. I did tell him I thought he needed to get ready for the iron type of following rules before basic training to prevent any dishonorable discharge. From time to time during the recruiting process I would give him some of our own boot camp and I could see this man, this young man could withstand the drill sergeant in any boot camp. What Branch would he pick? We had the chance to talk about this and I asked him where he thought he would be the safest. I told him young kids were dying over there in Iraq and that maybe he should try to pick something a little safer, again that Mom and Dad taking our part in his future. I explained that maybe he should consider the Coast Guard because there he would be able to serve as well as protecting our borders and be a little safer. He said no to the Coast Guard and decided to stick to the Navy. I was pleased when he said the words “US Navy.” He just did not say the words “Navy,” he gave the reasons why he chose the Navy and to me he gave good valid reasons and every reason made sense to the future outcome of his life. To
We wanted to let the writer of this letter (to the right) know that her comments, her conversation and her guidance with our vendor paid off. this day I don’t think he picked the Navy because it was a little safer than the other branches in this current war but he did pick the Navy because of the ability to learn the most. When you are on a ship or a sub you must be able to handle all different types of situations and keep them contained and stable until you are at port. This was challenging to him. He felt that he needed to know this for his future. Past Navy and what would Longo do next? He came right out and said the magic words to me and then when he was done I said the magic words right back to him. He said, “Sean, I am going to be a medic, a paramedic and I am going to do what you all do here when people have seizures, I am going to save lives.” He added “I am going to be on a ship and I have to take care of people and keep them stable for days until we can get them to a hospital.” When he said this to me I replied and said, “Great! When you get out you can come back here and volunteer helping our homeless friends until the ambulance arrives on scene.” We wanted to let the writer of this letter (to the right) know that her comments, her conversation and her guidance with our vendor paid off. Not only did she donate her hard earned money to us at the shelter but she helped mold this mans life. It was she who got this formally homeless young man to self sufficiency that she met while he stood tall and proud selling the Homeless Voice. By the way we thank you, Major Mom for taking that extra time to lead this man to his future. The night before he left with the recruiter he gave each of us on staff a big hug and told each of us how much we meant to him. This is the time I told him that when he graduated basic training he should let me know two weeks in advance and I would come and be very proud as he stood tall protecting us and our freedom. We hope there will be more to follow and hopefully we will print his graduation picture and his story as well as some of his basic training pictures in the future. Good luck Mr. Longo and get down and give me 30 push ups…. Sir …. Permission to recover, Sir…. As Mr. Longo lived by these words his last few weeks here with us. -Sean Cononie
The Letter– by Major Mom I was just sitting here thinking about a young man I met by chance a couple of weekends ago. I had just pulled up to the traffic light at Commercial Blvd and McNabb. As I was waiting for the light to turn green, I saw this young man standing in the medium holding a plastic (looked like) a gallon milk container. Anyway, on the container were the words... HOMELESS VOICE. This young man looked at my PT Cruiser, with the front tag, "God is My Pilot" and he came to speak with me. He also saw the stickers on my front windshield for USAF and USMC. This young man who seemed very well taken care of and by his posture you could tell he did not belong in a homeless situation. However, this young man asked who I knew with the Air Force and the Marine Corp. I proudly stated… My Dad USAF and my son USMC. The young man probably about 18 or 19 years young stated that is what he wanted to do. This young man had an appearance about him with a glow on his face and sparkles in his eyes and excitement in his step. I reached down where I keep my change and grabbed a hand full and put it in his container. He thanked me and started to walk away to see if others would help him as well. The light was still red at the traffic stop. As I watched thru the front windshield and my rear view mirror, no one else offered this young man any more assistance. So, I beeped the horn and this young man came running to my PT Cruiser. I asked him what he wanted to do, which service he wanted to be in. He stated he was not sure. So I asked him… do you want to fly for your country, sail on ships or be a ground pounder? He looked at me like he did not know what to say. So I simply said... If you can't tell me “exactly” what you want... how can I give it to you? The young man smiled and stated... I want to Fight! Sooooooo with that said... I pointed to the USMC sticker and told him to go there. I also continued with... and "When" not if… When you get there... please tell them... Major Mom says hello. The young man said... "Major Mom"... and I replied yes! He had the biggest and best smile on his face and I handed him a ten dollar bill and told him to go for it!!! This young man was like on cloud nine. At this point the light turned green and I had to go with the flow of the traffic. However, as I looked back in my rear view mirror he was just beaming. Just to let you know... this whole experience took approximately 3 minutes with this young man however, seemed like time stood still. When I first saw this young man... I could not believe from looking at him that he was homeless... however, I am very familiar with the Homeless Voice here in South Florida so I knew this young man was definitely homeless. I feel like, just those 3 minutes out of my life and into this young man's life made a difference in his direction of which way this young mans life will go. (I feel this young man will definitely stand tall for our Country) I wish I knew his name... (However, I do know this... this young man will go to the USMC and he will tell them... "Major Mom says hello".) The Good Lord puts me where he wants me to be... and I love it! Just wanted to share that with you.
Things We Need....... • Toilet Paper We are in desperate need of toilet • Ketchup paper. Sometimes people do not like to do- • Ham slices nate money and would rather donate prod- • Ground beef ucts. We spend anywhere from $1500 to • Eggs $2500 a month on this product. It changes at • Milk different times of the year. We need this • Juice product donated as well as many • Pancake syrup other products. What some people have done • Sugar was to set up food donation programs at the • Coffee office or where they live. One lady last year • Spaghetti made a little flyer and passed it out in her • Spaghetti sauce community asking her neighbors to buy a • Veggies little extra when they went to the store and • Fruit in cans then bring it to her house once a week. Her • Salt and pepper little flyer said, “When you buy that TP buy • Tuna fish some for the homeless and bring it to me.” It • Oatmeal was so nice to see her show up weekly with a • Grits truck full of supplies. She would bring her • Garlic power kids who were young like maybe five years old weekly. She would tell her kids little things like, “You see this food it is going to kids who don't have any snacks or food.” Once in a while her kids would be eating their own snack and they would come up to us handing their little half eaten snack and say “here give to peeeeopple who hungy.....” She was grooming them for a life of giving to others. It was the cutest little thing. So today with no delay start a food drive at your church or office or even where you live, allow us to put your generous support in the form of smiles. If you are short on your time you can try to collect gift cards from Publix and send them to the: Put a Smile on A Face Campaign P.O. box 292-577 Davie Florida 33329
The Voice of the Homeless
Page 10
HOMELESS VOICE 30,000 PEOPLE TO SEND IN $15
HELP PAY OFF OUR MORTGAGE We need just 22,500 people to send in a check for $20.00, Or 9,000 people to send in a check for $50.00, Or 4,500 people to send in a check for $100.00, Or 450 people to send in a check for $1,000, Or Just one wonderful person or business to send a check for the entire $450,000; We will name the shelter after you or whomever you choose
(Continued from page 6)
your friends doing the same and then
de-worming
monthly. So all this meant that we alto-
look in their desk drawers as well, we
giving beds to kids who
gether brought in just for the mortgage a
would again be so much closer. Also if all
have HIV in Haiti. It has
total of $20,000 which we needed to get
who bought our paper would make a one
been a long “almost 12
the balance now at $450,000.00. You
time donation this would get us so much
years” to this day who
all did outstanding work for your shelter.
closer. Let’s look at the simplest plan for
would have thought that
I say your shelter because it belongs to
all concerned. It is now October and it is
we would be in so many
all the supporters who pay the bills
a little slow as far as how many papers
places in the world and
monthly by buying this paper and then it
we normally sell. Let’s say we only sell
still be located here in
also belongs to those who contribute to
60,000 papers for October and let’s say
Hollywood.
the “Burning the Mortgage Campaign.”
that half of the people who bought the
have thought that we
So congratulations!
When you send in
paper can afford to only send in a check
would still run all this from
those checks you are directly paying off
for $15.00 if this happens my friends we
the same small office that
the mortgage to the shelter. Once paid
are over with paying off the mortgage,
we have used over the
off, we will have all the names who con-
that is it, 30,000 of you lovely people to
years… Come by and
tributed to the fund on the walls as well
send in your checks for the amount of
see if for yourself……
of us having a “Burn Those Mortgage
$15.00 and then we all can get some
May God Bless all who give, all who
prepare for disasters, to actually responding
Papers, party.” For real…. we will have
well needed rest as well.
can’t give and all who won’t give for
to disasters with our Helping People In Amer-
they need blessings as well….. Love you
ica Disaster Agency, reuniting missing elderly
a party and we actually will burn them
So not only will you be copying this
This has
article and the below article we ran last
been the closest we have ever been and
month and passing it to you friends and
if we do it correctly it can be paid off in
co workers. You too will be the treasure
just a few months.
hunter you once wanted to be when you
while we all watch and smile.
Let’s look at the
kids
and
Who would
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
all….. Sean Last months story… On “We Still Need Your Help”
people who have become homeless with our Homeless Emergency Management Team to our medical outreach team working on the streets with the homeless getting them treated for major infections, to being able to bring
We can do it and do it
were a little kid. Look at it this way, not
As you all are aware of we are still in the
fast. Let’s see how we can do it. First
only will you bring funds to help with our
process of trying to pay off the complete
homeless. We did all this in the last 12 years
and foremost we must network with all
shelter you will be picking up potato
mortgage. Every day is a venture when we
all with the help of you all and of course those
we know. We must copy this story and
chips and everything else that gets lost
get the checks in the mail. Our mortgage is
Homeless Voice Vendors who are really he-
pass it to your friends and ask for a do-
under those couch pillows.
still $8400.00 a month and we are still paying
roes because they make all this possible.
facts.....
nation.
food stamps to people who are poor but not
about $2000.00 per month extra which helps
With their help as well as yours just this
get our principles down. Most of you do not
month we were able to branch out and help a
You do know that if everyone
Let’s make this happen. I hoped all of
who bought our paper went to their
you watched our sister agency Planting
know Cosac has branched out in many differ-
very small child who was struck with Bacterial
couch at home and looked under their
Peace this month on CNN heroes where
ent directions to help in many different causes.
Meningitis by making a donation to his family.
pillows you will be able to help even
they told the world that Saint Aaron was
From homeless shelters, pandemic planning,
Most of you know that I am a survivor of a
a CNN hero. You can still help us with
public education about preventing MRSA as
very bad case of Meningitis a few years back
our international projects feeding kids,
well as bacterial meningitis, helping families
(Continued on page 11)
more. You will find change and so will every one you know. Now imagine all
From Homeless to Multimillionaire (Continued from page 1)
on my back." "Passion is Everything" Gardner is a magnificent speaker and has an engaging personality—qualities all business professionals would crave. But what's behind his success? What is the one thing—the one secret—that helped him change his life? "It's passion," he told me. "Passion is everything. In fact, you've got to be borderline fanatical about what you do." Gardner says he was fortunate to find
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something he truly loved, something where he couldn't wait for the sun to rise so he could do it again. His advice to entrepreneurs and those seeking a career change? "Be bold enough to find the one thing that you are passionate about. It might not be what you were trained to do. But be bold enough to do the one thing. Nobody needs to dig it but you." Gardner wanted to be "world-class at something." For him, that something was being a stockbroker. For you, finding something you are passionate about will make the difference in how engaging you become as a communicator and as a leader. If you love what you do, you'll eagerly share the story behind it with boundless enthusiasm. Passion is not teachable. As a communications coach, I can help clients craft and deliver a powerful story, but I can't create passion. But it's passion that separates the electrifying presenters from the average ones. I'm absolutely convinced of it. As a former television journalist, I've interviewed thousands of spokespeople and personally coached hundreds of others in my current profession. Donald Trump once said: "Without passion, you have no energy—and without energy, you have nothing." Your listeners want to be in the presence of someone with energy, a person who greets people with a smile
For you, finding something his father and an abunyou are passionate about never had the dance of enthuopportunity to siasm. Passion will make the difference in experience. is not somehow engaging you become The coffee thing you necas a communicator and as a product offers essarily verballeader. the means to ize, but it help Schultz shows. When fulfill his Gardner walked passion. In much the same way, into Dean Witter after having slept stock trading and commissions ofin a subway station the night before, fered Gardner the means to fulfill his he only wanted to leave one imprespassion, which was to give his son sion on his co-workers. "All they something he never had—a father. needed to know is that I would light Passion is the foundation of it up day after day. Passion is not effective communication. Dig deep something you have to talk about. to discover your core purpose, your People feel it. They see it just as true passion. Once you connect to it, clearly as the color of your eyes, use it as fuel to build a rapport with baby." your audience—recruiters, managCoffee and Commitment ers, employees, etc. Your presentaI have spent the last several tions, pitches, speeches, and all years interviewing inspiring leaders, forms of business communication and I can say without hesitation that will be more engaging than ever. passion is the No. 1 quality that sets Nearly everyone has room to inthem apart. In many ways, my talk crease what I call the "passion quowith Gardner reminds me of a contient"—the level of passion you exversation I once had with Starbucks hibit as a speaker. The higher your (SBUX) Chairman Howard Schultz. passion quotient, the more likely you Like Gardner, Schultz used the word are to connect with people. Chris "passion" throughout our entire conGardner's passion fueled his determiversation. But remarkably, the word nation in the face of overwhelming "coffee" was rarely spoken. You see, odds and obstacles. Take the time to for Schultz, coffee is not his passion. imagine where harnessing your pasInstead, Schultz says, he is passionate about creating a workplace that sion can take you. by Carmine Gallo "treats people with dignity and respect;" a workplace environment that Advantage Communications, Inc. is a proud supporter of The Cosac Foundation "Excellence in Radio"
Page 11
Volume IX, Issue 9
HOMELESS VOICE 30,000 PEOPLE TO SEND IN $15 (Continued from page 10)
contact with the shelter and leads of our other
Global Warming.
that really hurt our agency because I was not
agencies. If I am in a car driving from an
are taking it even further,
able to be the worker I was before. These
airport to a meeting I can attend another
we are going to be edu-
vendors raised $2300.00 to help this family
meeting by laptop and video conference
cating the public on what
and others who suffer and become blind from
costing us nothing to do so. I can see the pa-
they call Energy Hogs as
the effects of Meningitis. Then of course our
pers as it is being produced by video which
well as what we all can
agency works in a few countries in the Carib-
saves many man hours as well as cost associ-
do to reverse and prevent
bean such as Haiti by offering shelter to kids
ated with sending me proofs via over night
Global Warming.
who are very young who have been disowned
mail. Some of you know we decided to re-
With all the things to
by their family members because they could
place the good air we take each and every
do, I need volunteers to
not feed them or provide medication for their
month from the atmosphere by the gas and
go out and help teach our
HIV.
We
We went one step further and have
power we consume each and every month by
church members on how to
been working trying to feed some of the poor
planting trees. Each tree planted removes 50
keep their energy cost
in these very poor nations. It does not always
lbs of Carbon Dioxide each year. Plus, trees
down and at the same
take money to work on world poverty because
are cut down all the time to bring newspapers
time help stop Global Warming. We need all
only a few cost us money to run them with
it is policy that we have to change to try to
to the readers. So we created an agency that
of you to plant trees and when you plant them
about 95 percent of the money donated going
cure the problem. That’s the beauty of Cosac,
deals with this and we are out there planting
email me telling me how many you planted on
to the homeless here in South Florida. Most of
not all we do cost us or you, a lot of it is done
trees. Why plant trees? For global warming
your property. We have the seeds for the
our other agencies only require me to put in
by full time volunteers.
of course. When we visited Mark, this also
trees that grow up to 15 feet for the first year
time to get others to take our dreams and run
It was this month when myself and Lois went
meant we got to also visit three beautiful little
alone. They are called the “Moringa Tree.”
with them as well.
to New Jersey in which we do every three
angels, his little girls. These little ones I treat
Look it up on the internet.
They cost us
creator and I want to create as many more
months so we can plan the layout of the Home-
as my grandchildren and they call me Pap
about .30 cents for each tree if you count our
agencies as I can to help out, I want to put a
less Voice and to work on the Homeless News-
Pap and they mean the world to me. I was
labor. You can find them a little cheaper if
smile on someone’s face every day. . So dur-
wire as well as our video broadcast of the
also doing major research on global warming
you buy directly off of the grower of the
ing this time of September to the end of Janu-
hate crimes that exist in America on the home-
and every report I read scared me. In fact it
seeds. You can come see me and I will give
ary make plans to help us raise this money
less by young teenagers. We have become
shocked me to the understanding that we here
you the seeds if you can’t afford to buy them
and allow me to also get a well deserved rest,
the United States local leading agency that
at Cosac must do all we can do to help stop
from us. I say that because people may want
with a short little rest I can keep my mind
deals with all the hate crimes committed
and help lobby governmental leaders on the
to plant ten to twenty trees on their property
going and going just like that Battery Bunny on
against the homeless. We in turn then take the
Greens Situation, that is...if we want to have a
and for someone living on Social Security they
the TV commercials.
data and news stories and distribute the infor-
nice earth left.
Global warming is being
may not be able to donate the six dollars to
Go to your churches, your neighbors on your
mation around the United States so other
blamed for all the disasters in the world espe-
get their seeds. If you want to plant them and
street, your friends, plan a dinner party with a
advocates can educate parents as well as
cially all the major storms that leave many
don’t have the extra funds we will give them
cover charge, plan a car wash or even make
lobbying their states trying to get laws passed
people homeless and create many more poor
to you for free.
some calls to your friends and be a part of
making it hate crimes which carries stiffer
people. Some experts are predicting major
I also need your help so we can continue to
penalties when a person attacks, hurts or kills
events in the future because of all the pollution
pay off this mortgage. We only got a little
$100.00 we are debt free and we can con-
a homeless person simply because they target
and global warming that is being done and
bit more to do.
I am asking you to make
tinue to run the shelter less expensive and of
the homeless.
these major events meant to me that my three
September to January 31st the best months
course expand to fit the needs of the commu-
history.
I have always been a
Again, if each of you raised only
As most of you know I am always behind in
most precious gifts from God would be majorly
possible to help us pay off the busiest shelter
nity. You may want to come by and check on
my paper work so Mark and I and Lois try to
effected in the future and I in no way, shape
in the community. We are giving you permis-
your investment in the community and actually
get as much done as we can away from the
or form am going to allow that to happen to
sion to go out and raise money for us. If you
see where your money goes.
shelter. We can’t seem to get it done while
these little ones. So now we are off to doing
figure we need, let’s say about another
sure that you send in the funds in a check and
working inside the shelter hour by hour be-
more than planting trees.
When I was
$400,000 to pay off the mortgage. So if we
make the check payable to the Cosac Home-
cause we are so busy handling the needs of
younger I purchased some ranches in the de-
got only 4000 of you readers to raise at least
less Assistance Center, Inc.
the shelter.
Mark has been instrumental in
sert, they were only $240.00 an acre and
$100.00 each it would all be over with, debt
From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you
putting me in a few places at the same time
now these ranches are going to be a little
free and this means more free time for me to
for all the support you have given to the peo-
by having the ability to always be in constant
Amazon Jungle so they too can help reverse
create agencies that do all kinds of good stuff
ple we serve. You really have made a differ-
to make the world a better place. I also want
ence and you too have put many smiles on
Shopping Smart with Donna
each of you to create your own agency and
people’s faces including kids.
WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU
make changes to make it better for everyone,
I
have been a single Mom for a long time and have to make the dollar stretch far beyond it’s ability. Being responsible for feeding my three boys and myself is a task that I still endure and used to be such a burden that I decided to take control over it and not let it control me. I have learned to be creative, fun and let the children know that just because it is tough it can still taste good, be healthy and fun. Always try to eat your meals together without the TV and I hope these recipes bless you and watch for more tips and recipes and remember when going shopping it is their job to tempt you into buying more than you intended, so take a deep breath, say a little prayer, use a list and be of good courage! Donna Jean
Corny Banana 3 Ripe Bananas 2 Cups of Plain Corn Flakes ½ cup of melted Butter or Margarine Teaspoon of Cinnamon Peel and Cut Bananas in half and then in half again long ways. Melt butter with Cinnamon. Crush Corn flakes into crumbs Roll Bananas in butter and then in Corn Flakes and place on cookie sheet and bake for 10 to 15 minutes at 325 and serve when cooled. Tips: For a little extra touch serve with a scoop of Ice Cream for a great dessert.
Please make
Love, Sean
take a cause and a dream and run with it. Money is not needed in every case. Today’s date we have at least 16 agencies now and
Help! Car Repairs WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU Do you own a car that may be costing you lots of money on repairs? Can the cost of your car repairs keep you from driving your car to work and can that problem lead you to unemployment? Here at the Homeless Voice we believe that it is vitally important to buy extended car warrantees to protect your assets and to keep your repair cost to nothing once you pay your cost of the warrantee. Buy the same warrantee as we buy for our vans and help keep your repairs cost down to zero dollars and in most cases it does not matter how old or how many miles you have on your car. By us buying these warrantees we were able to keep our vans “in- service” longer and keep repair costs to zero dollars. We invested the money the supporters donated to us therefore having a nice fleet of shelter vehicles costing us way less to maintain. We use to keep them long periods and pay the repair costs but now we cost control the repairs by pre paying keeping our cost down to zero dollars. From bumper to bumper to only major repairs you pick the plan you want. Call "CRS”, "Cosac Referral Service" at 954-924-3571 and ask for extension 350 and we will direct you to a well known company where you can call them. For every warrantee that is purchased the warrantee company will donate $50.00 to the Homeless!