Homeless Voice; Eddie the Good Fighter by Homeless Voice

Eddie the Good Fighter I

met Eddie many years ago. It was 1997 and we were brand new at the time. We really were not even a real shelter at that time but soon became one due to the increasing demand for beds. Eddie was brought to us by the Hollywood Police Department. I was just 33 years old and Eddie must have been about 67 years of age. Now I am 44 and Eddie would be about 78 years of age. And yes, our Little Old Man Eddie was one of the originals of room number eight at the old shelter called Jo-Lynn on Lincoln Street. He was number 14 on a long list of people to come. Most of you who are familiar with me know that I used to feed the homeless when I was much

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younger in my late teens. I did not do so every day but a few times a month. Then in my early 20’s I began to feed them more often and in my late 20’s it was almost every night. That’s when I think I met Eddie for the first time but there were so many I really Lois Cross taking Eddie's O2 Saturation levels and can’t say for Sean Cononie checking his Blood Pressure sure. I can honsometimes got to me before I could estly say however for the last years of duck. This was Eddie’s fun time and his life he was here every day. on one occasion he acted as my back When I first officially met up. Eddie, he was a drinker but after I Around the year 2000 there explained the rules to him he finally was a fight at the shelter. One of the started to simmer down. It took a few guys got drunk and was trying to months of him spending his entire fight with every person trying to help Social Security check for him to realhim. He attacked one of ize I was serious about the ladies but I was able to him stopping his drinking. He never drank Rumor has it… keep him away from the again. I do not really he was a small elderly woman. As I did the drunken client threw a think it was me who time boxer few punches at me and I got him to stop. I think kept ducking to avoid getit was just as he beting hit. Our Old Man Eddie ran over came much older that he finally got to me and pushed me back while tired of getting drunk and dealing throwing a punch and knocking the with the problems associated with drunken client to the ground. I never him drinking away his check and beforgot that incident. Here is a man ing homeless because of it. who was in his late sixties trying to We never received the true story about Eddie. Rumor has it he assist me. As the years went was a retired Alabama State lease go to our web by it was apparent Trooper or State site and watch some Eddie Robertson Police Officer as video of Eddie’s last days was succumbing to Alzheimer’s and he well as a small time boxer. From and see the clients who was losing grip on his hitting power were helping him, see the reality but not the and speed of his pics as well. We are get- strong grip of his punches you would ting very interactive on hand. Time went on and Eddie bebelieve that he was for sure a boxer the web just like the big came easily agiWhen he one time in his guys do at the Sun and the tated. life. As a senior he Herald. One day we hope became confused he had the speed of a to turn the Homeless would put up his He was like teenager and the Voice into a full daily pa- dukes. an injured dog trystrength of a pro boxer. Many days per as well as turning The ing to bite the perwe would start off Homeless Voice TV web son giving aid to The more our conversations site into a cable news him. Eddie with these words show. We have played confused became the more out of my mouth, “Eddie you want to around with the name scared he became. go a few rounds.” Prevention Press in the The more scared he Eddie would then past and thought that became the more jump up off his maybe we could offer agitated he would After a while it smoking detail and more public education be. became a bit too would throw a few hard hits. Truth- than anyone else in our dangerous for some (Continued on page 5) fully his speed local community.

This letter was received while Eddie was sick May God continue to love, treasure and care for him in his kingdom, as he has on Earth. GOD BLESS YOU EDDIE!!!! These prayers are for Eddie, our friend. St. John of God (prayer for the sick, addicted, and dying) Holy Lord, Saint John of God overflowed with compassion and loved doing good for others. I ask him to intercede for the people who have been abandoned by society, those who work in hospitals and their patients, alcoholics and others who have addictions, and the dying. Lord God, send caring people to those who have fallen through the cracks of society, and give renewed energy to those who help.

Touch those who

need healing, deliver the addicted, and forgive the sins of the dying. Help me to respond with heartfelt generosity to opportunities of doing good for these people myself. Saint John of God, pray for me. Amen. I would also like to offer the following prayer to all of God's homeless! St. Alexius (prayer for the homeless people) Precious Lord, Saint Alexius ran away from home disguised as a beggar in order to pursue his vocation. Later, he returned as a beggar, keeping his true identity hidden, but his parents who were kind to the needy and invited him in. For seventeen years they let him live in a corner under their stairs, seeing him only as a homeless man.

There, he

prayed and taught the Faith to children. I ask him to intercede for the homeless.

Lead them to ministries

and organizations that will supply their needs and draw out the gifts they can offer. O Jesus, fill my heart with Your kindness toward them. Saint Alexius, pray for us. Amen. With much love and admiration for all of the wonderful things The Homeless Voice has done for our homeless brothers and sisters. Thank-you Teresa!

The Voice of the Homeless

Page 2

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The Targett Family Patrick Helings John Bendor In Loving Memory of Uncle Joe & Nana Shannon Brooks Lisa Cebrat Pakita Price The Watsons 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

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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

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In Memory of C.T.R. Thank you so much, Sean & Lois, for all your help. –Joan Futscher & Kids McAvoy Family The Geise Family Mrs. Jenkins 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 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 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 Deborah H Green In Loving Memory of Giankarlo Squicemari In Loving Memory of My Daughter Melissa Lurz In Loving Memory of Charles J. Youngman In Loving Memory of Martin E. Grey Sabrina Thorton, Former Ms. Ft. Lauderdale

Beth Farans, Saks Jewelry Designer Margaret D. Neverdousky Sandra L. Wilhelm The Schneider Family John Dinielli Dorothy Kay Garbutt In Memory of Bill Sledge The Ramos Family In Memory of Gertrude Chong In Memmory of Steven Maderman Roy T. Bruno, Jr. In Memory of George Ericson Albert J. Hamilton Ph D Laura & Bill Fash David V Torlone Rainer Hansen Juan Galindo John Evans & Family Constance Lessoff Maria Nieto Margaret Melendez Raymund Joseph James and K. Heather Molans Ronald Prescia Sheila Holder Janet Campbell Rosemary and Mark Zenobia Andrew N. Daly Susan C Humeston YOUR NAME HERE YOUR NAME HERE YOUR NAME HERE YOUR NAME HERE YOUR NAME HERE YOUR NAME HERE YOUR NAME HERE YOUR NAME HERE YOUR NAME HERE YOUR NAME HERE YOUR NAME HERE YOUR NAME HERE YOUR NAME HERE YOUR NAME HERE YOUR NAME HERE YOUR NAME HERE

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Volume X, Issue 7

HOMELESS VOICE LE TT ER S TO TH E E DITO R SEN D T O:

P.O. BOX 29 2-577

I hope you have all had a safe and healthy summer. Maybe you were lucky to have some fun too! This has been my first issue of the paper, and I hope it receives you well. Remember, for additional information on any article or ad you see in the paper you can go to our website or call us. -Sara

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The Voice of the Homeless

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HOMELESS VOICE

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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

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BOOK SMART

ith school starting up soon and the high cost of everything else, here are some ways to cut down on back to school shopping. When shopping for a backpack, choose a brand with a lifetime warranty like Jansport. It may be a little more expensive than a generic brand but you’ll never have to buy another one again. Broken clips, holes, even frayed straps- send it to the company and they’ll send you back a new one. Pack a lunch! Buy a reusable lunch bag and stock up on the PB&J. This will put less garbage in our landfills, healthier food in our bodies, and more money in our pockets! Unless it’s the best sale, don’t buy clothes ahead of time! With unpredictable weather and fashion trends, buying too many clothes in advance just isn’t

smart. Get what you absolutely NEED, if the budget allows, pick out one special extra item. If the budget is too tight but your child MUST have ituse it as an incentive, maybe if the first big school test is a 90% or higher they can get it, (if they even still want it.) Savvy back to school shopping requires scouring the circulars, checking for special offers online, and really only getting what is needed. You can check with your child’s teacher during the first week of school to find out exactly what they need rather than buying a bunch of “stuff” beforehand. -homelessnewswire

Homeless Till Green Farm For Shelter

Runner gets homeless on right track

t 5 a.m. on any given day, Anne Mahlum could be found running the dark streets of Philadelphia -- with homeless men cheering her on as she passed their shelter. But one morning last spring, she stopped in her tracks. "Why am I running past these guys?" recalls Mahlum, 27. "I'm moving my life forward every day -- and these guys are standing in the same spot." Instead of continuing to pass them by, the veteran marathoner sprang into action so they could join her. She contacted the shelter, got donations of running gear, and in July 2007 the "Back On My Feet" running club hit the streets. The first day, Mahlum led nine shelter residents in a mile-long run. Today, Back on My Feet has teams in three Philadelphia shelters, including 54 homeless members and more than 250 volunteers. The group has logged more than 5,000 miles. (Continued on page 9)

Farm Grows 25,000 To 30,000 In Produce Each Year

t seems like an unlikely spot for farming, but Boston Harbor's Long Island farm -- the city's only certified organic farm -- is producing another bumper crop. NewsCenter 5's David Brown reported that the 2 ½-acre farm produces 25,000 to 30,000 pounds of produce each year. The farmers are homeless men and women growing food that will end up at the city's largest homeless shelter. "What we're trying to do is help people become more self-sufficient -- help them earn their dignity back so that they can go on to be able to pay rent, pay mortgages and end homelessness,"

said John Christian of Boston Health Homeless Services. Since it started 12 years ago, the program has grown each year. Run by the nonprofit Friends of Boston's Homeless and the city, the produce feeds more than 850 homeless people the shelter serves every day, saving the city thousands in food costs. "You are taking something from a seed to a kitchen that then feeds other people," said Mariann Bucina, of Friends of Boston's Homeless. "It's very rewarding. It's therapeutic, and it's also just really practical." "It provides me with a chance to do something not only constructive, but something that kind of quiets the voices in my head," said Peter Rothschild, who works on the farm. The participants learn all aspects of food production - from soil prep to planting techniques, pest control and

harvesting. They learn life lessons about the cycle of the seasons, patience in waiting and watching for the fields to take shape and pride in the produce they harvest. About 20 percent of the produce makes its way to farmers' markets, and some of it ends up at restaurants. TheBostonChannel.com

Advantage Communications, Inc. is a proud supporter of The Cosac Foundation "Excellence in Radio"

Page 5

Volume X, Issue 7

HOMELESS VOICE

Eddie the Good Fighter (Continued from page 1)

because I am dead against nursing homes and too many times our eldof the staff. He started to lose coners are put in these establishments trol of his bodily functions and reout of selfish reasons. I could underquired us to constantly change and stand it if the person becomes too bathe him. much of a physical or financial burWe did as much as we den for the family and they could not could and we did it because he was devote the time needed to spend with family and family should not place their loved one. There are times their family members in a nursing when one must work to support their home. At first we moved him out of family and can’t take off work to his bedroom and placed him in the handle the needs of their loved one hallway by the front desk so staff and that is when a nursing home is could keep an eye on him 24 hours a appropriate in my own opinion. day. This also meant he knew his surroundings as well as seeing his Also when the task becomes so difficult you would be doing the person long time friends for years. He more harm if you did not put them in could go for a walk outside on our a nursing home. For us we had to property for a few minutes and put him in the nursing home based sometimes the entire day and enjoy on him getting his cigarettes that worse if we did he would never not. We handled give up. Eddie Eddie even had it and continued even had himself a little lady, her himself a little lady to do so right up until the last five name was Conmonths. It got to nie and you the point where Eddie would not know what they made the perfect only throw more punches at those pair. Have you ever heard the exhelping him but also would start pression that there is always somehitting clients who would stop at his one perfect in the world no matter spot and say hi to him. That isn’t a who you are that will enjoy your good thing to do here with so many friendship? Well Connie was that mental health consumers who may perfect person for him. She was not realize Eddie was older than much younger than Eddie, however them and stronger and also frail at she also was suffering from Early times. Sometimes he would get hit Dementia which meant they had a back by clients who would automaticute and cool little relationship. cally strike back out of nature. As his condition worsened Eddie also loved his silverwe made the decision that our Eddie ware and would have quite a collecfinally needed to go to a nursing tion in his pockets. We tried over home. We placed him in one locally and over to give him plastic silverso we would be able to stop by and ware but somehow he would find say hi as much as we could. The new metal forks and butter decision was a hard one to make

knives. Lois was the only one who was able to convince him that it needed to be washed and he would give them to her when she asked for it with baby talk. Many times he would not give Lois the silverware. Thirty seconds later she would ask again or just put her hand out and he would give it to her with a loving smile on his cute little face. It was all about distraction with Eddie, you know the same manner that we give to our infants. One week after placing him at the nursing home we received a call that they could not handle him and his aggressiveness. I traveled up to the nursing home where I was approached by their staff asking me to sign a form giving them permission to restrain him. I could not bring myself to allow that. I did not want his hands restrained. I remembered what it felt like for me when I went crazy with bacterial meningitis and a 106.5 fever. I was off the chain due to the fever and was fighting anyone and everyone which is normal for someone that has a brain infection and high fever. To say no more or no less, I did not like my hands tied up. I thought it was mean and cruel but they had no choice because I was ripping the tubes out of my mouth as well as the five IV’s that I needed quickly or I would have died. Eddie was not in the same condition so he did not need to have his hands tied. He just needed to have nurses that would understand his frustrations and that would position themselves at a safe distance for their own level of protection. They then showed me a less “tied up” way with a lap restraint. This kept him in the wheel chair but his hands were free and if he really wanted to he could still get out but it took a little work to do so. He finally felt secure with this method and never touched it again so he basically allowed himself to stay partially restrained. He was there for a few months. A few weeks ago they called me and said he needed to go to the hospital. He was at the hospital for a few days and then the call came from the doctor. He said Eddie did not have too much time to live and that I should bring in hospice. Eddies kidneys were failing and he could not get the fluid out of his lungs. I told the doctors that we do not let our friends and family die at a hospice center. He was kind of shocked and asked where hospice would be and I informed him it would be in my office next to my self and Lois’s desk. In less than 18 hours our office was set up for his final resting place while here on earth. Our office went from desk to desk, filing cabinet to filing cabinet and then hospital bed to oxygen with medical equipment and a spot for the 24 hour nurse that hospice sent over. Over the next few days Cosac Hospice was up and running with 24 hours visiting and care by his friends. For this has not been the only time we have done this and we were kind of use to the procedure. We are very different when it comes to the others shelters, we consider ourselves family members. I still think we are about the only shelter here in the USA that does health care

Having Eddie here meant he could get more prayers than ever. surrogate forms on our clients. It is up to them, if they want us to make decisions for them when they can’t or if they are on good terms with their family that is also an option. This really helps out this way we know how long they want to be kept alive on machines or what type of service they want as their life ends. This will also limit their suffering if they are in pain. It also helps us keep them alive when the doctors make the wrong decisions. So far to this day, the two that we did not let die by taking off life support are doing just fine years later. When he was here in his hospice setting even the drug addicts came by and helped him by holding his hands and giving him the swab of water that is so often used for dying patients. I used the term drug addicts so that the next time you see one and don’t feel good being around them know this. They are addicted to drugs because drugs are addictive. It is a hard life to live being a drug addict but even they have friends, loved ones and they surely have warm compassionate feelings. It was kind of cool to watch Eddie rustling with his pillow and then to see one of these so called drug addicts try to make him feel better. Having Eddie here meant Eddie could get more prayers than ever. I am not talking about healing services but little love messages to him and Jesus as well. At times Eddie had a long line of homeless clients waiting to say their goodbyes thus giving myself and Lois a little break at times. I wished all those people out there in the world that look at homeless people as bums and worthless could have been a little bug on the wall. I wish they could have seen and heard how great these so called bums and worthless homeless people were treating this dying man who not only worked hard at his job but worked around here at times watching the parking lot even at his older ages. In his mind Eddie was the Chief of Security and he carried a badge in his wallet to prove it. The funny thing was he actually made a difference. If there was a stranger in the parking lot he would call the roving Security Officer to check it out. He carried his little badge for years and I have no idea where he got it or if he really was a retired Alabama trooper and perhaps did security part time in his retiring years. The final day came and Eddie threw me one last punch and also one last hug and a whimpering kiss to my cheek. Man it felt great, this meant Eddie knew we did not disregard him and he was with us, his family. I have to tell you all the moving around the office and the inconvenience really paid off with that kiss. He held my hands on his own accord. As we changed him he was a little miserable so the nurse (Continued on page 6)

The Voice of the Homeless

Page 6

HOMELESS VOICE

Eddie the Good Fighter to take you to His place up in Heaven.” Even allowed us to give him our COSAC church his meds liquid morminister Patrick came phine and liquid Atiby and offered prayers van. This seemed to for Eddie. He actually calm him down a little. sat for a few hours the Lois that day decided night to put some great Chris- “Eddie threw me before and just tian music one last punch smiled under his pillow and it and also one last at Eddie played over hug” and and over. held his One hand for a good few of the days we thought hours. You could tell Eddie was actually by Patrick’s eyes how getting a little stronger much love he had for and we felt he would be Eddie. It was all over around for at least a few more weeks but his face and eyes. He’s a young and new minthat day seemed perfect ister here at our Church in Gods plan. Lois was and he makes hospital talking to him about calls for anyone who letting go and go see may be sick. So if you Jesus and his friends. or your family member My last words to him is sick call on him to as I always say to my get some good old people when they are prayers from a great about to die was for guy who loves Jesus them to talk to Jesus all with all of his heart. through it. I told him After I said my last few “Eddie honey talk to words I went out on my Jesus, tell Him you love Him and ask Him balcony to smoke a (Continued from page 5)

Eddies Silverware Campaign

The homeless Shelter is in desperate need of utensils, glass wear and most importantly plastic cups. These items can be dropped off anytime or sent to 1203 North Federal Highway. For more information call 954-924-3571.

cigarette and within minutes the nurse came out and said Eddie just died. We thought she was wrong because he had so much strength still left. I ran a quick ECG or as some say an EKG as well as an oxygen level and our Eddie was a “Flat Line.” He had just died. I guess Jesus decided to take him right then and there because of the atmosphere. I am sure Jesus said to Eddie a job well done my son it is time to come home. Eddie, We love you! Written by Sean Cononie and Lois’s heart was very near.

Carol Massed, remember her our little "Dancing Queen. " Nine years ago the doctors gave her just a few months to live and look at her now talking to her old pal Eddie telling him, " I love you Eddie, I love you."

To Our Eddie from Me at the Front Desk, Your Friend Richard

hen you think of a fighter you think of names like Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Rocky Marciano and others. It is true they were all great fighters or punchers if you will but here at the shelter we had an even stronger fighter. Eddie Robertson who recently passed away at the age of 78 for years bravely fought health issues and ME, YOU AND THE GUY NEXT DOOR head on. Faced with Alz- Ramona giving Eddie a little water on the sponge heimer’s and internal probwhile Peggy was giving him comfort. lems Eddie made it through each day with an energy that most men in willed describes Eddie to a tee. At 78 he their 20’s would like to have. Eddie was was truly an inspiration to us all. Whena boxer in his younger years and unknow- ever we felt drained or tired we would ingly due to his illness he proved that too take a good look at Eddie and say to ourmany times. Eddie would box for fun and selves, “if this man can display this kind when he got a little upset. Even after he of energy and courage at his age than we got upset he would then later cry and give certainly should be able to.” He was our a hug because that was the real Eddie “second wind” so to speak. As all the Robertson. For 12 years Sean & Lois great fighters do, even on his death bed took care of Eddie. They treated him as during his last hours Eddie was able to an older brother never giving him any- muster up the strength to speak and hold thing less than the best care and respect our hands. He even got to throw a punch he deserved. Physically strong and strong at Sean and then smiled and hugged Sean. He will be deeply missed as we often stop to look at his pictures that hang throughout our building. We all wish we would have had the chance to know him in his better years. We all feel his strength here every day. Richard Carlish

Page 7

Volume X, Issue 7

HOMELESS VOICE

Gods Pharmacy

t's been said that God first separated the salt water from the fresh, made dry land, planted a garden, made animals and fish... all before making a human. He made and provided what we'd need before we were born. These are best & most powerful when eaten raw. We're such slow learners... God left us a great clue as to what foods help what part of our body! A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye... and YES, science now shows carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes. A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart has four chambers and is red. All of the research shows tomatoes are loaded

with lycopine and are indeed pure heart and blood food. Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food. A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds on the nut are just like the neo-cortex. We now know walnuts help develop more than three dozen neurontransmitters for brain function. Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kid-

GO GREEN We are pleased to introduce the COSAC Waste Management and Recycling Services. Please bring your aluminum cans, car batteries, ink toner, copper and air conditioners to the COSAC Quarters. We will turn your junk into cash to help the homeless. For more information call 954-924-3571. Thank You For Being A Friend! My Computer People, Inc (954) 563-1601 Repairs • Upgrades • Service Networking • Printer Repair

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neys. Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and many more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, thus making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs o f the body. Avocadoes, Eggplant and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats one avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight, and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? It takes exactly nine (9) months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them). Figs are full of seeds and

hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the mobility of male sperm and increase the numbers of Sperm as well to overcome male sterility. Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics. Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries. Oranges, Grapefruits, and other Citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts. Onions look like the body's cells. Today's research shows onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes. A working companion, Garlic, also helps eliminate waste materials and dangerous free radicals from the body.

The Voice of the Homeless

Page 8

HOMELESS VOICE

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We want your old fruit!!! If you have a tree and the fruit is on the ground or your tree needs picking call us at 954-924-3571 x1277 Or simply bring it to our shelter at 1203 N. US1, Hollywood, Fl 33020 Advantage Communications, Inc. is a proud supporter of The Cosac Foundation "Excellence in Radio"

Page 9

Volume X, Issue 7

HOMELESS VOICE

We Still Need Your Help!!!

i to all you who have supported the Homeless Voice over the years! The time has once again come for us to expand to fit the needs of the economy as well as to handle the current budget problems facing our agency over the lack of funds. It seems the economy is also hurting some of our supporters and we pray that you make it as well in these trying times. There is a building not too far away that we need so badly for our handicapped people in wheel chairs and ones who are in their retirement years and can’t make it on their SS checks. They can’t go upstairs at the shelter unless they can make it down the fire escape. We figure we sell about 100,000 papers a month. If we could get each donator to send in their special ten dollar check this month we can buy the building next door. I know times are tough but try to raise the ten or get as many people as you can to send in their ten dollar donation. You can make a little copy of this request and hand it around at work. Of course if someone can’t afford to send in their $10.00 donation they can send whatever. We will also take your prayers so we make our current budget. Let me tell you it is tough but we are

holding on and readjusting our budgets like any good business will do in these trying times. We are crushing our food cans so we have less of a dumpster expense and it is working. We are saving some big bucks on garbage as well as recycling our aluminum soda cans therefore saving space in our dumpster and making some cash that would normally go down the drain. Also don’t forget next month we will be opening up the newest COSAC Halfway House in the community and boy will it look nice. It will have two way video communications so we can monitor the property from our desk top as well as talking back to the clients in case of an emergency.

•

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

It is a complete sober house and if someone makes a mistake and drinks they have to move out and come back to the main property where there is plenty of staff to see what is happening 24 hours a day as well as getting them the help they need with our long list of therapists and in house groups and meetings. So if you can afford to help in these trying times please send in your check for the next property to help the homeless in our community. This will only be for about 25 people with special needs with more medical coverage. We will use one for hospice as well around the clock. This will not be for people who are right from the streets but who can’t afford to live on their checks. We will provide food by having our kitchen bring them three meals a

Runner gets homeless on right track 10 years as she's dealt with her father's alcoRequirements for shelter residents to join holism. Running has are simple -- they must live in an affiliated facility been her therapy, she and be clean and sober for 30 days. Members resays. ceive new shoes and running clothes, and teams "I'm learning run together three times a week between 5:30 and more about my life 6 a.m. through all of this." The runners are diverse -- doctors, janiBack On My tors, students and shelter residents -- but such disFeet also has a job tinctions aren't apparent. training program for a "All you can tell is who's the fastest," partner. Three memsays Mahlum. "You can't tell who's homeless and bers are taking classes, learning computer and inwho's not." terview skills, while three others have found jobs. For Mahlum and others, Back On My Mike Solomon, an original member, is Feet is more than a running club. one of the group's success stories. A former crack "We're a community of support, love, user who spent his youth in and out of trouble on respect," she says. the streets of Runners greet each other with hugs and words of encourage"Anne is helping people see Wilmington, Delaware, Soloment. While members say they've the hero in themselves" mon is emlost weight, quit smoking and have ployed, in school more energy, Mahlum believes and training to run a marathon in his hometown. they're also learning He considers Back on My Feet part of his support important life skills group. such as discipline and "Anne is helping people see the hero in goal-setting that can themselves," says Solomon. help them get on the Mahlum aims to have Back On My Feet road to selfin 10 local shelters by the end of the year and exsufficiency. pand beyond Philadelphia in 2009. She believes "Running really is a metaphor for life," she her approach could be part of a solution to homelessness. says. "There is always "Do we need homes? Yes. We need jobs? another mile. You just have to take it one step Yes," she says. "But imagine if you didn't have anybody in your life who said, 'I'm really proud of at a time." you.' Back On My Feet does just that." That's something CNN.com Mahlum herself has learned over the past

(Continued from page 4)

day. Send in those checks to: COSAC Homeless Assistance Center P.O. Box 292-577 Davie Florida 33329 HELP PAY OFF OUR MORTGAGE We need just 17,400 people to send in a check for $20.00, Or 6,960 people to send in a check for $50.00, Or 3,480 people to send in a check for $100.00, Or 348 people to send in a check for $1,000, Or Just one wonderful person or business to send a check for the entire $348,000; We will name the shelter after you or whomever you choose 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

COSAC

Custom Photo ID Cards Order at www.homelessvoice.org Get yours today!

The Voice of the Homeless

Page 10

HOMELESS VOICE Soaring gas prices mean financial hardship

acqueline Gonzales and her husband, David, a machine operator, can't imagine how they could cut a dime more out of a budget that allows them just $15 every two weeks for their big splurge: takeout from McDonald's. Saddled with payments on a gas-guzzling truck and SUV and facing escalating food and gasoline costs, the Poway couple expect they'll be left with few options to economize should gasoline prices continue their rapid ascent. For now, their $925 monthly rent is reasonable, but any increase could be financially debilitating. “We probably wouldn't lose our housing, but we'd probably lose our vehicles,” said Jacqueline, 25, a stay-at-home mother of two young children. “I'd probably have to get a job working nights, which really would hurt because family time is very important to us. It does scare me.” Determined to pay off debt while also struggling to make ends meet on a monthly income of $2,100, the Gonzales's are among a growing number of households

trapped in the financial vise of rising costs, most notably fuel. Forecasts that prices at the pump could spike as high as $7 or $8 a gallon in the next few years are leading some experts to predict financial calamity for the lowestincome households. In extreme cases, some could even face homelessness, financial counselors fear, as surging oil prices snowball into higher costs for everything from utilities to a carton of milk. Less calamitous but still worrisome is the economic fallout facing middle-income families, many of them unaccustomed to adhering to strict budgets after the high -flying times of stock-market and housing bubbles. Undoubtedly, sacrifices will be made, from cutting cable and phone bills to forgoing vacations and dinners out, as households look for ways to adapt to higher fuel costs, economists say. What were once seen as household necessities – think cell phones, lattes and 80 television channels – soon will be regarded as

In the Kitchen with Donna Homemade Corn Dogs 8 Hot Dogs (any size or kind) 1 Package of Skewers sticks (used for kabobs) ½ cup of Flour Box of Corn Bread mix 4 cups of oil 1. Prepare corn bread mix according to the directions and cut the liquid by ¼ and put aside. 2. Push a skewer into each hot dog and roll in flour to help corn bread mix stick. 3. Heat oil 4. Roll floured hot dogs in corn bread mix and cover evenly. Place in oil and turn using stick to

lightly brown all the sides. Tips: Use a spoon to cover hot dog by starting at the top and rolling. Make sure your oil is hot and bubbly by dropping a little bit of corn bread into it . Place on paper towel to drain off any extra oil. You can season your corn bread with Cayenne pepper for a spicy dog or mustard for different flavor. This is an inexpensive meal and a family favorite. ** If you do not have skewers use tooth picks and 2 inch hot dog pieces.

Homeless Shelter Wish List • Clothing • Coffee Cups • Canned Foods • Diapers & Wipes • Medical Supplies • Personal Hygiene Items 1203 N. US1 Hollywood, FL 33020 24/7

luxuries, even among a generation of bankruptcy filings. It will literally destroy lives. And you'll see some consumers who believe it's their who are homeless, because right birthright to have it all. now they are Frugalliving from ity already has to taken hold, as Prices at the pump could spike as paycheck restaurants rehigh as $7 or $8 a gallon in the paycheck.” Ordinarily, port a slownext few years... Navarro recdown in busiommends that ness and conpeople spend no more than 40 persumers head to secondhand stores cent of their income on housing; 25 for clothing bargains. percent on groceries and household Jacqueline Gonzales never supplies; 20 percent on their vehigoes to the grocery store now withcles, including gas; 10 percent for out a calculator and a food budget, savings; and 5 percent for miscellaand her husband recently started neous expenses. But with gas prices carpooling with a co-worker. rising rapidly, those figures are no Not everyone is willing to longer realistic, he said. forsake the good life, financial ad“If your income is not govisers agree. ing to go up to match this, something “We still have people who is going to have to change, like cuts feel that this is their lifestyle and that in groceries or medicine,” said their lifestyle can't change, that 'all it Navarro, who spends much of his takes is one more credit card and time counseling struggling homethen I'll be OK,'” said Manuel owners facing foreclosure. “And you Navarro, a Chula Vista-based countalk to people about savings, and selor with Consumer Credit Counthey say, 'What savings?' ” seling Service of San Diego. “If gas Incomes in San Diego prices go to $7 a gallon, there are County have not kept pace in recent people who are not going to make it. They'll go broke. years with inflation, and worse, the (Continued on page 11) “You'll see increases in

Homeless imposters could adversely influence the public opinion

legitimate concern for real homeless individuals could be what damage could be done by fake homeless beggars. In the city of Miami, panhandling is illegal, but the homeless have resorted to handing out brochures and other items to seek a tip. This is just another form of it. However, with the poor economic circumstances for this country, there is more possibility that people will start posing as homeless to earn cash. There have been reports on Internet forums that people have posted earnings up to $500 per day in certain places around the country. Perhaps, if this becomes an issue, it could cause a real community imbalance. The typical fake homeless beggar will get poor looking clothing, and stand outside long enough to get their needed cash for the day. Then, they take public transportation to the suburbs, and go home to their families. The phony homeless actor will probably return to the same spot, and collect more. However, a real homeless person should be found at night, early in the mornings, and in bad weather. This is a good indication that the person is legitimately homeless. If this is not the case, they could be us-

COSAC'S CHURCH Come to the Church that is a Church of Service and Charity Learn of Jesus and learn how to put Gods' words into action.

ing this as a “new sympathy career” to steal opportunity from those who could really need the help more. In conclusion, if you give to the homeless on the streets, try to let it be someone you often see on your route to work. Remember, the real homeless should be seen in the same area repeatedly because transportation options are limited. Therefore, you should not see them at the beach one day and the next in the suburbs. It is highly unlikely the habit of a beggars location changed. Hopefully, the economy will turn around and imposters will give up the begging gig. In the meantime, these imposters should investigate blogging options, like Triond.com or Helium.com to start writing careers without a boss. This can be done at home or at the public library. Homeless have been reported to make money blogging and doing business online too. The fake ones that beg give homeless a bad reputation, and then nobody wants to give. Jesus Christ and other religions call for all to help the poor, but too many people abuse it. This needs to change, but for now, look to help those you are sure could use a helping hand. By Jamie M. Kisner

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• Free Weddings Free Memorial Services Alternatives to Abortion • Healing Services

Sunday 2pm to 2:45pm 1203 N. Federal Highway Hollywood Florida 33020 954-924-3571 x316 Advantage Communications, Inc. is a proud supporter of The Cosac Foundation "Excellence in Radio"

Page 11

Volume X, Issue 7

HOMELESS VOICE Soaring gas prices mean financial hardship JOHN GASTALDO / UnionTribune Already on a tight budget, the Gonzales family of Poway struggled with the cost of fueling two vehicles, so David Gonzales, center, started carpooling with a co-worker. He joined his wife, Jacqueline (right), and one of their daughters, Sarah, in saying grace before a dinner of eggs and waffles. (Continued from page 10)

average annual wage for workers last year – $45,210 – was nearly 6 percent below the 1972 peak when adjusted for inflation, according to the San Diego Association of Governments. Complicating matters for cash-strapped consumers is a shortage of savings to shield them from a worsening economy or unexpected emergency. In 1980, Americans were putting away 10 percent of their income for savings. Last year, the savings rate was 0.6 percent, according to the Bureau of Economic Research. A recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center highlights the growing financial distress experienced by America's middle class, especially in high-cost areas such as San Diego. According to the nationwide poll, nearly one-quarter of middle-class residents of high-cost communities said they have just enough money for basic expenses. A sizable number also foresee troubled times ahead. About 27 percent said it is likely they will have difficulty paying their bills in the coming year, the survey found. “Some people are already going into debt month by month, and now if their expenses were to increase substantially and they're paying twice as much for their gas, something will have to give,” said economist Dean Baker, co-director of the Center for Economic Policy and Research in Washington, D.C. “People will give up discretionary spending, and there's evidence they're already doing that. They'll be looking to take on additional jobs. And in some cases, they may move from a two-bedroom place in a nice area to a not-so-nice area. So that's a big decline in living conditions, and it's a step before you're homeless.” Enrique Rodriguez's livelihood depends on his being able to drive. His means of transportation is a 10-year-old van that has logged 276,000 miles. Rodriguez, a mobile locksmith who lives in Chula Vista, frets that if gas prices rise much higher and business gets much

slower, he'll soon be sleeping in his van. Each week he is spending roughly $350 to fill his tank as he travels around the county for locksmith jobs that earn him roughly $3,000 a month. Out of that comes $600 a month for a shared rental and $750 in child support. Rather than buying groceries, Rodriguez subsists on fast food – mainly burritos, sandwiches, hot dogs and hamburgers. “It hurts me every time I go to the gas station – $50, $80, $100 a day,” said the divorced father of four. “I used to go see my mom or do other personal errands, but now I don't because gasoline is killing me. I'm struggling real, real bad. I feel like all my money's going to gas. “If gas keeps going up, I don't know what I'll do. Maybe I'll have to sleep in my van.” Jeanne Renner's financial consulting business is devoted to households that have found themselves financially adrift in a sea of burgeoning debt, higher prices and stagnant wages. Renner worries about how they will be able to cope in a world of radically higher gasoline prices. In the meantime, she is shepherding clients through financially trying times by stripping them of their credit cards and putting them on budgets that include only nominal spending for entertainment. “I have people who come to me right now and say, 'We're headed back to the hills to live off the land,'” Renner said. “People are learning to do without the things we believe are necessities.” If fuel costs eventually were to hit $7 or $8 a gallon, middleincome families would have to nix the guitar and piano lessons for their children, cancel cable TV, transfer their children out of private school and make fewer trips to the veterinarian, Renner said. “They may even have to have their pets euthanized if they cannot pay for major vet bills,” she said. As expenses mount, debtinclined consumers may no longer find a lifeline in credit cards to support their conspicuous consumption

Old House Telephones? We Need Them! Send To: 1203 N. Federal highway Hollywood, Fl 33020

Things We Need....... • Toilet Paper We are in desperate need of toilet pa• Ketchup per. Sometimes people do not like to donate • Ham slices money and would rather donate products. We • Ground beef spend anywhere from $1500 to $2500 a month • Eggs on this product. It changes at different times of • Milk the year. We need this product donated as well • Juice as many other products. What some people have • Pancake syrup done is set up food donation programs at the • Sugar office or where they live. One lady last year • Coffee made a little flyer and passed it out in her com• Spaghetti munity asking her neighbors to buy a little extra when they went to the store and then bring it to • Spaghetti sauce her house once a week. Her little flyer said, • Veggies “When you buy that TP buy some for • Fruit in cans the homeless and bring it to me.” It was so nice • Salt and pepper to see her show up weekly with a truck full of • Tuna fish supplies. She would bring her kids who were • Oatmeal 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

because of increasingly tighter credit earning roughly $80,000 a year, standards. sought the help of a consumer credit Yet some academics specucounseling agency to manage their late that even as energy prices inch debt. Counselors are increasingly upward, “me generation” consumers, seeing more and more consumers be they baby boomers or millennials, saddled with credit-card debt. Franco, who commutes will resist Depression-era survival from her home in Tijuana to her job tactics, still choosing to spend beas a claims representative for the yond their means. state Employment Development “I don't think behavior will Department in Chula Vista, said she change that much, because living had considered carpooling with a cobeyond one's means has never stopped the American public from worker because of the high cost of gas, but her continuing to colleague opted do so,” said You'll see some who are out. On Amir, an assistant pro- homeless, because right now Franco said she become fessor of mar- they are living from paycheck has more frugal in keting at the to paycheck... her clothing University of purchases, and California San she and her husband have put off Diego's Rady School of Managebuying a new car, but change comes ment. “People adapt to a certain slowly. level of consumption, and changing If gas prices climb signifithat is really very hard.” cantly, “I don't think I'd be in a situaMaria Franco acknowltion where I'd have to cut a lot of edges that her family fell into that things,” Franco said. “Obviously, we dangerous trap after her husband, all have to adjust, but I'll probably Juan, lost his well-paying job as a still get Starbucks.” physician in Tijuana. They failed to By Lori Weisberg rein in their lifestyle, continuing to UNION-TRIBUNE send both sons to private school, STAFF WRITER regularly eating out and indulging in designer purchases, racking up nearly $40,000 in credit-card debt, Franco said. She and her husband, who is practicing medicine again and

Please go to www.menactra.com for important information on side effects or check with your child's doctor.

Patient Information Menactra® Meningococcal (Groups A, C, Y and W-135) Polysaccharide Diphtheria Toxoid Conjugate Vaccine What is in this leaflet? This leaflet provides information and answers common questions consumers may have about MENACTRA vaccine. It is not intended to take the place of talking with your health-care professional. Rather, it is meant to inform you so that together you can make the best possible choices concerning your health. Vaccines, like all other medications, have risks and benefits. Together with your health-care professional, you should consider this as well as other important information concerning MENACTRA vaccine. What is MENACTRA vaccine and what does it do? MENACTRA vaccine is given to protect persons 2 through 55 years of age against meningococcal disease. It allows the body to produce enough antibodies to provide a defense against the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease. As with any vaccine, vaccination with MENACTRA vaccine may not protect all of the people who get the vaccine. Meningococcal disease is a serious illness that is caused by bacteria. These bacteria may cause meningitis, an infection of the brain and spinal cord coverings. They also can cause septicemia, a very serious blood infection. Although meningococcal disease is rare (about 1400 to 2800 cases are reported each year), onset and progression of the disease can be very rapid. Approximately 10% of cases of meningococcal disease are fatal despite medical treatment, and 11% to 19% of those who survive have permanent disabilities, such as limb amputation, hearing loss, and brain damage. Who should receive MENACTRA vaccine? MENACTRA vaccine is intended for persons 2 through 55 years of age. Who should not receive MENACTRA vaccine? Any person who has a known hypersensitivity (severe allergic reaction) to any ingredient of the vaccine, including latex, which is used in the vial stopper, or to any person who has had a life-threatening reaction after getting a vaccine containing similar components • Any person who has been previously diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) Children younger than 2 years of age or adults older than 55 years of age When should extra care be used? The health-care professional should make sure the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks when recommending MENACTRA vaccine for: Women who are pregnant or nursing Women who are pregnant or become aware that they were pregnant when they received MENACTRA vaccine should contact their health-care professional or Sanofi Pasteur Inc. at 1-800-822-2463. How is MENACTRA vaccine administered? A single dose of MENACTRA vaccine is injected into the muscle of the upper arm (preferably) of persons 2 through 55 years of age. It should be noted that clinical studies have been conducted to show that MENACTRA vaccine is safe when given at the same time as Td (tetanus and diphtheria) and typhoid vaccines. You should tell your health-care professional if you or your child: Has been previously diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) or any brain disorder Is pregnant or nursing This information should not take the place of talking with your health-care professional about MENACTRA vaccine. What are possible side effects of MENACTRA vaccine? While side effects from vaccine administration are always possible, people receiving MENACTRA vaccine may not experience any side effects at all. The most common local side effects with MENACTRA vaccine include pain, tenderness, redness, hardness, and swelling at the site of injection. Systemic side effects include headache, fatigue, weakness, body aches, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. These side effects usually clear up within a few days. If events continue or become severe, tell your doctor. There is a potential for an increased chance of Guillain-Barré syndrome following vaccination. Other adverse events are possible. Please consult with your health-care professional. What ingredients are present in MENACTRA vaccine? MENACTRA vaccine contains noninfectious meningococcal A, C, Y, and W-135 polysaccharides that are attached to a diphtheria toxoid protein carrier. Sodium chloride and sodium phosphate salts are also present in each dose. For more information about MENACTRA vaccine, talk to your doctor or health-care professional. You may also visit www.MENACTRA.com.