Homeless Voice; It Could Happen to You

www.NorrisGaynor.com

It Could Happen To You

M

ost of us watched the trial of the murder of Mr. Norris Gaynor a man who lived on the streets almost three years ago. Most of us remember that day as if it was just a few weeks ago. This was the day that the city of Fort Lauderdale got put on the Homeless Hate Crimes map as one of the most dangerous cities for the homeless to live on the streets in the whole United States of America.

Why is this case so famous and why is Mr. Gaynor’s death not going to be forgotten?

That sad day became so famous because of many reasons.

Cathy’s Prayer List

Left to Right, Parents, Sam and Georgia Gaynor, sister Simone and Sean Cononie, founder of the Homeless Voice. Press Conference at the Homeless Voice's Hate Crimes Office in Hollywood, Florida it a very famous case is because that same night the so called “bat wielding teens,” as referred to in the press also went after two other homeless men that night hurting each where they sustained many injuries to the

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The first is because a real nice guy who was loved so much by his family got beaten to death with not only a rake handle, paint ball gun, other objects but most importantly a wooden bat or bats. Norris was sleeping on a park bench not hurting anyone and several teens came up to him and just beat him to death.

Norris never had a chance but if he would have he would have been able to handle his own, a former Vet who was trained in hand to hand combat.

The poor guy was just sleeping and never knew what hit him. But the boys who hit him knew what they were hitting him with but claimed in court that they were only out to mess with some bums but never wanted to kill one, for that was just an accident.

Another reason why his death won’t be forgotten and making

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Another Example: Go to www.HomelessVoice.tv/hollywood Read the Sun-Sentinel Story called “Taking Back the Streets”.

Fed Up With Crime In Their Hollywood Area, Wanted To Learn Gun Laws And Self-Defense, they claimed it was the homeless who were committing these crimes (again, letting our children think that the homeless are bad people).

Yet, when the city released the crime stats in that area; they discovered it was not the homeless who were committing these crimes. It was the people who lived in their own neighborhoods.

head and body. Three attacks in one town committed by the same group of kids all done on a single night.

They drove around all night messed up on drugs, pot and alcohol and were just playing around as if it was just ok to mess with the poor and already downtrodden men who were simply all minding their business.

Having some fun and messing with the bums is how it played out in court.

The third reason that proves they were not out to mess with some bums but to really cause some serious damage was the fact that one of the attacks was caught on video tape surveillance cameras. That tape set the record straight that these boys meant to do harm as they swung and hit and swung and hit the homeless man over and over with their (Continued on page 6)

Homeless mom does medical study for money Single mom sells herself to science to survive in SCV

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espite the uncomfortable August heat, 36-year-old Crystal has been wearing long sleeves lately.

Her arms are spotted with bruises and she doesn't want people to ask why.

Crystal, who asked that her last name be kept confidential, has been homeless in Santa Clarita since she lost her job in March.

To make ends meet, the single mom participated in a month long medical study that will pay $6,000.

She feels nauseous and dizzy at times, but she had to do it.

She needed the money for her and her son, she said.

For 28 days, she took an experimental drug being tested in treating uterine fibroids. She was admitted as an inpatient for a week when doctors conducted biopsies to track changes in her tissue.

11-year-old stays by her side.

"I've resorted to selling mySince March, the two have self to science. Better than selling bounced around to temporary homes. myself for sex," she said.

They stayed in motels in Canyon She can't afford to live in Country for two Santa Clarita, but the months. At times, she six-year resident can't has slept in her Jeep. bring herself to leave.

"I've resorted to She has had a few temThe schools here are selling myself porary jobs, but has yet top quality, and it's the to science. to find anything permasafest place to raise nent. her 11-year-old son, She's been searching she said. for an apartment in Santa Clarita to "Being a single mom, live in with her son, but the affordyou've got to be concerned," she able places are taken, she said. She said. has only been placed on waiting lists.

She refuses to pull her son Her belongings are in storout of Fair Oaks Elementary School, age and her cat and dog are staying where he is in sixth grade. with her friends in the Antelope Val"I've always been a huge ley. stickler about education," she said. "I Earlier this summer, she have a right to live where I want to frequented the local food bank, but live." food on the shelves has been sparse She also has an 18-year-old (Continued on page 4) son who is now out on his own. Her

The Voice of the Homeless

Page 2

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Jessica Padilla Sheldon Jones Carlo Harrison Jason Emrik Dan Gilcert Amber Rowan Jackie Johnson Ricky Cambell Todd Palgon The Morabito Family Todd Palgon Holly J. Andrus 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 C.R. Gallagher Jonathan Burger 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 Adriana Fernandez Andrea Brown The Kunicki Family Danny and George OTD Messenger, Inc M. Smith

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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 Everglades Moon, Covenant of Goddess, Elibet Hanson Judy B. Pascarella John Gaeta Michael R. Prokop, Jr. Surfin’ Seniors Inc Jackie M. McCarty In Memory of Charles Horton In Memory of William F. Judge In Loving Memory of Florence & Nat Popkin Tailored Advertising, Inc Claudia K. Tapolow Margie Jones In memory of Wesley H. Woodall Maria M. Riveiro Gottlieb & Blair Family Pioneer Middle School Youth Crime Watch Rhenals-Mei Family The Strikowski family Margie Jones & Friends Ronald Prescia In Memory of Brian Groleau Laura Flash Jacqueline M. McCarty

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The Herrmann Family The Monserrate Family Madeline Butera Jennifer S. Nickel Marilyn R. Smith David Thawley On Behalf of Matthew Lambert Mustafa Mehmet Gokoglu

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In Memory of Scott Paul Cooper Robert and Ruth Baal

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In Memory of Melba DeSanto In Memory of My Mother Pearl McCann, Love Teresa Barbara Desanto

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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 & 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

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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 & K. Heather Molans Ronald Prescia Sheila Holder Janet Campbell Rosemary & Mark Zenobia Andrew N. Daly Susan C Humeston Denis and Bertha Arenstein Steve Goolsby Baumann Family The Matsuura Family Susan Brady Carol Murray Phyllis R. Bebko George & Carmen Gulisano Dawn Monfries Intercontinental Management Consulting Group, Inc. Connie & Ginger Murphy 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 9

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

P.O. BOX 29 2-577 Dear Supporters, I just wanted to thank you personally for taking care of the Gaynor family while they stayed in South Florida for the trial of their son's murder.

Your direct donations helped house them in one of our Condo Units, pay for food as well as taking them out a few times when they were here.

Your donations also helped provide airfare as well. I know the Gaynor's appreciated it a whole lot. They asked us to thank everyone involved during this trying time.

Sean Cononie

DAVIE , FLO RIDA 33 329

Go to Hate Without a Home student documentary www.HateWithoutAHome.com

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HOMELESS VOICE

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Homeless mom does medical study for money arts degree.

She dropped out when she lost her job and housing because "I remember back when I "everything was too unstable, too donated to the food banks," she said. chaotic," she said.

She never thought she She has experience caring would ever actually need their serfor the elderly and gets paid for asvices. sisting an 85-year-old woman 40 Crystal was desperate for miles away in Littlerock. Crystal and money this summer, so she signed her son stay up for a medical study at the in Beverly Hills to test When people find out she's w o m a n ' s the experimental uterhouse a couine fibroid medication. homeless, the first thing "They took people assume is that she is ple days a week.

100 vials of blood out a drug user They also of me, those vamstay at Cryspires," she said. tal's mother's place in the San Fer"Before, I didn't care about shots, but nando Valley. She lives in a senior now I feel like a human pincushion." housing complex, so Crystal tells the A week after finishing the manager she's there to help her study, she's still recovering. But for mom. $6,000, it was worth it, she said.

Every day, she goes to the For three years, she was a Jo Anne Darcy Library in Canyon live-in housekeeper and caretaker for Country to search for jobs and aparta family in Canyon Country. When ments online. the family encountered money trouShe knows she's not the bles, she lost her job, and Crystal only one. She's noticed another and her son had to move out. woman living in her car near the Until March, she was atlibrary. She uses the library every tending College of the Canyons day, too. where she was one math class away It would be easy to blame from graduating with an associate of (Continued from page 1)

recently.

the economy for her troubles, which she does a little. But she also blames herself.

"I married at 18. I was in love," she said. "One mistake, and you pay for it. Really bad."

She came to the city with her two sons six years ago from Palmdale to start a "new chapter," she said.

Crystal had married at the age of 18 to a man who she said used drugs and "didn't contribute anything."

The father hasn't helped her out with child support, she said.

"It's my punishment," she said. "He says, ‘Well, you're the one who wanted to be on your own.'"

She moved to a small apartment in Newhall for three years and then in Canyon Country for another three.

Now she's just doing her best to be a good mom, she said.

Although she has struggled for a while as a single mom, she never considered herself to be lowincome.

"I've never thought of myself as low-income. I always had a roof over my head," she said. "I

grew up with money, but I couldn't take it when I left."

When people find out she's homeless, the first thing people assume is that she is a drug user, she said.

"You're constantly having to explain yourself," she said.

She said she's "anti-drug" and with the exception of participating in the medical trial, she even avoids taking medications.

"There's a stigma. They're very closed-minded here," she said.

"I call this place ‘Status Clarita.' It's all about what you wear, what you drive and who you know."

School Is Back, The Things We Must Observe …. Or Find Out…..

I

learned some valuable things in school and even today I sometimes think I am the same age as I was in High School. I still keep in touch with some of my old friends as well as some of my teachers. It is a good feeling to be able to do that. In school our children can have lots of feelings, some mixed up, some good, some sad and some can be dangerous.

Sometimes we say these words “Not my child.” We have seen lately that the age of kids hunting and killing the homeless were as young as 10 years old.

Now my friends that is real sad, how in the heck can a child that young be so cruel or be such a bad seed that they can kill someone?

This is not a story about kids killing the homeless because we have

covered that one many times, this is more of a warning story about how important it is to keep an eye on our kids and not only watch them but to ask them questions frequently. This is one of the most important parenting skills I can think of. You can learn a lot of what is happening in your child’s life by simply asking questions. Questions like how was school today, did anyone say anything to you that you did not like, did anyone pick on you or make fun of you, and finally did anyone get hurt today? There are lots more questions, and reading up on your new job as a parent may make a big impact on your family.

Parenting skills can really make a difference.

Another good way to

make sure your kids are hanging out with good kids is to invite your kid’s friends over to pool parties or just to allow them to hang around your house. This is a good way to really see who your child teams up with. Don’t be afraid to want to meet their parents as well. Remember the fruit does not fall far from the tree, besides you being a good parent may be able to show some good examples to kids who may not have parents who are truly concerned for them. So don’t be shy, teach your good morals by setting a good example for others.

-Sean Cononie

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Page 5

Volume X, Issue 9

HOMELESS VOICE The Gaynor Family asked…

Sean Cononie to read the below letter in court on the sentence of Mr. Ammons.

Mr. Ammons was the states witness in the prosecution of the Murder of Norris Gaynor. He was there at the attacks but did not participate to the extent of the others who also got convicted.

He pleaded out his case and received 15 years. The Gaynor's were there for the whole trial, however they could not be there for this part, they will be back when they sentence Thomas Daugherty and Brian Hooks.

Sam and Georgia Gaynor

Visit us at: www.HomelessVoice.tv This entire site started after the tragic murder of Norris Gaynor.

He is in our thoughts and prayers as we strive to make sure our youth do not keep making the same mistakes.

Norris will be honored as he continues to help us to educate the public, he and his loving family are in our prayers.

www.NorrisGaynor.com

am Sam Gaynor, I’m nearly 78 years old, and my wife and I have buried too many of our children. The others were babies who made it to full term but did not survive more than a few hours after birth, or my son Jerome who died at age six of liver cancer.

William Ammons wasn’t responsible for those deaths. Today we can discuss the child for whose death he is responsible. Norris was 45 when he was murdered, but no less my baby boy. We were so full of love for Norris and his sister, that even after our trials with childbirth we found them and they found us – through adoption.

Norris was first a human being. Since it is the expectation in our society that all human beings have certain inalienable rights, my family foolishly expected that as a human being, Norris had the right to exist.

William Ammons took that right away from Norris and bludgeoned our foolish notion that people would allow other human beings to simply exist.

Our son was a talented artist who could draw things that would jump off the pages.

He had a close relationship with his sister and brother, and even at a distance considered himself their protector.

He tried to stay with us a few times, but when the walls closed in on him he left again. He loved us and told us so, and he looked forward to what was always a “next time” – the next time he would see us or call us, the next time he would get together with us. We too looked forward to the “next time”. We won’t get a ‘next time’.

But most importantly, Norris won’t get a ‘next time’. That was taken from him.

While we acknowledge that Mr. Ammons’ testimony played a key role in the conviction of his friends, we can’t forget that one of the reasons for that key role is because it was Mr. Ammons – he alone – who was the oldest in the group of predators that night. Mr. Ammons was the provider of the drugs and alcohol and the vehicle that took the predators out that night.

He, instead of providing senior counsel to the people who killed my son, instead contributed to their predatory behavior and even acted as a predator himself.

While someone else may have been busy wielding the bats and rake, Mr. Ammons took the time to shoot my son with paintballs. It was he, who instead of counseling his predator friends to treat my son, Mr. Perez and Mr. Pierre with compassion, could find only the admonishment to get rid of the bats.

We respectfully seek the Court’s just and fair ruling. The family loved him very much.

Respectfully submitted, Sam Gaynor HUCS, USN (Ret.)

V O T E

I

N

ov.4, 2008 Our right and responsibility to vote for our next president! If you are eligible remember to: * Make sure you Register to Vote * Update your Address and other registration Information * Find your Election Day polling place * Request your Absentee Ballot in time for the General Election You can go to www.usa.gov and download a voter registration app if you aren’t already registered.

Or http://election.dos.state.fl.us/ for more information.

The Voice of the Homeless

Page 6

HOMELESS VOICE

It Could Happen To You who are the experts and who I report to as one of the National Advocates wooden bats. That tape also set the on this issue was already keeping record straight for the whole world, data on these attacks the fight bethat the homeless are hunted and came a little easier. Last month in killed by teens as if they were not September, with the trial being held even human. This was really the in Fort Lauderdale, we put up the first time that an actual attack was Gaynor family in one of our Condos. caught on tape that showed just how vicious these attacks are to the Sam, “Dad Gaynor” and Georgia homeless. The attacks were so bru- “Mom Gaynor” and Simone, Norris’s sister was going to have a comtal they were played over and over fortable stay no matter what. Each on TV all around the world. Almost and every time we met with them for every night national news had their dinner or during the trial again I saw own version of the story and many and felt some of the of us were busy with pain that these boys the press as well as caused this very loving getting the message “With all the family. out to other homeless pain they have In a press conference at individuals that the felt over the our Hate Crimes office attackers were not in loss of Norris I located next door to our custody and to stay am quite sure shelter I realized even together and to seek that they also more that there was no shelter. We were out have felt other way to feel the same for many hours in pains of pain as this family who teams, the more we did tried over and over to the more the press got wanting to help Norris get off the involved and the story know how these streets.

When Mom got even more attenvicious acts can Gaynor said, a parent tion. We advocates continue” wants their first child to had to push the issue go to the moon and that that we have a very these kids took that serious problem in the away from her, tears began to deworld when kids can do these types velop in my eyes but not near as of harm to the homeless. It was non much as mom had.

Dad Gaynor stop for a few days and we were was holding moms hand as they both very busy, very tired and very upset spoke on the theme that no matter each and every time we saw that what their child was beaten and tape.

No matter how upset we taken away and that they wanted others to know that Norris had a were as advocates we could not feel family who loved him. Not only the same pain as the Gaynor family. their son who was loved, but others It was not until I met Simone, Norris’s sister on a Dr. Phil episode that sons and daughters whom might be homeless are loved just as much and I could partially feel how upset she nobody has the right to treat them was and just how much she loved not as humans just because someone her brother with all of her heart. decided to live on the streets. The When I heard her speak I knew I had more they talked the more we could to fight even harder to get laws feel the pain but no matter what we passed making these attacks a Hate would never feel the same pain as Crime. During that episode of Dr. they did all we could do was to react Phil she gave a very heart felt speech to their pain and try harder and on just how important Norris was to harder so others wont have to go her and her family and these kids had no right to take him away from through what they have experienced.

With all the pain they have them. After we got done with the felt over the loss of Norris I am quite show I gave her a big hug and you sure that they also have felt other know I could actually feel her trembling and all I could say to her was pains of wanting to know how these vicious acts can continue to others something like this, not word for and when are these teens going to word, but the theme was the same. I stop attacking the homeless? Not said, I now know others will now learn what these attacks mean to the only do they ask themselves this, many of us who are trying to create families of the victims and just change are asking the same quesmaybe some kid would now change tions. Not only are we trying to edutheir feelings about the homeless. cate the teens and parents of teens It was a very hard fight for but we have to continue to wonder local advocates but thanks to our why Congress has not made laws friends in Washington at the Nathat make it a hate crime to attack a tional Coalition for the Homeless (Continued from page 1)

Things the press did not see but we got this pic by a miracle, Mr. and Mrs. Gaynor, Simone and Sean all holding hands as tears came from the eyes of the people who loved Norris.

Sean Cononie going over press conference points of interest at the Condo where the Gaynor's stayed for the trial. Mom Gaynor sits in the back offering her own points of interest.

homeless person simply because they are homeless. Florida is considered the most dangerous state in the United States of America where more homeless are attacked than any other state, yet, laws are having a

hard time passing the process to make it a Hate Crimes to attack a homeless person simply because they are homeless.

Go to see the Homeless (Continued on page 7)

Page 7

Volume X, Issue 9

HOMELESS VOICE

It Could Happen To You (Continued from page 6)

we just may be able to decrease the numbers. Not only will it open the eyes of teens who may be the future http://homelessvoice.tv/videos.php?id=9 subjects but it will help other teens The way it works is simple, when they hear that some of their there are several classes of people classmates go “bum bashing” they who are protected under the federal can advocate and let the other kids hate crimes laws and experts believe know that “this behavior is wrong that if the homeless and greatly punishable are added to the list of because of maximum protected classes it sentences in hate crimes “Here we go will deter future atlaws.” again now our tacks making the Go to: kids read the number of incidents www.NorrisGaynor.com story in the much less. Other deto see how much grief news paper and terrent efforts such as and pain the Gaynor’s they have just public education and still have because some discovered that Crime Watch for the teens took their loved Homeless are being the homeless one away. established as well to It is very sad, upsetting, are so bad that decrease the numbers. and unexplainable when we should not Another method to we know that according feed them” stop these attacks is to to reports and data that simply have more the homeless are killed beds for the ones who more than all the other live on the streets but do wish to get groups combined that are protected off and seek shelter. Experts believe under federal hate crimes statutes yet if we have several measures out in the homeless still remain an unprothe streets we will see a major detected class. cline in the attacks. We not only How can so much hate enhave to go in the schools to educate ter a teens head to cause them to but we have to get churches and parwant to do these attacks? Are our ents to talk about anti hate programs. kids learning from us adults, elected We have to sneak in the home and officials, churches, parents, judges land on the dinner table and jump and law makers that the homeless out of the salad bowl and tell our are worthless and not even human? kids that the homeless should never Therefore if they are worthless and be messed with. When this is done not even human what does it matter we will not only be saving the vicif they are killed? tims and the victim’s families but we Let’s look at some of the will also be saving the families who facts. When shelters try to open up are also torn apart when their teen in a city, residents of the local commurders a homeless person. We have munity show up to city hall with to some way let the future generatheir children and say some really tions “our teens” hear and see the mean statements in a loud scared pain that other teens have caused so voice. many families when their son or The parents in front of their daughter was killed because they kids make statements to elected offiwere homeless. If other teens see the cials that the homeless are going to actual effects of what was done to a hurt, molest, or kill their children. loving family because of a murder Then some elected official agrees that should never have taken place and says not only are they dangerous but they are filthy and have diseases and are going to lower property valSome other elected official will Eddie’s Silverware ues. try to pass a law that says they have to be put in a shelter that is like a jail Campaign where they don’t even want them walking to the store. Even mayors say these people need to be put away in a place where we the public should not have to ever see them.

They don’t want that type of person walking down the public streets.

Then some compassionate church leader will say that we should help Voice staff testify in front of the State of Florida law makers at:

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.

Simone (the sister of Norris Gaynor), and Sean Cononie, at the Homeless Hate Crimes Office where all the press conferences took place. Sean and Simone have done several appearances together to discuss how these attacks hurt the families, including a Doctor Phil Episode.

The media frenzy followed by the verdict, where the press gathered to interview family and Sean Cononie at the Homeless Voice Headquarters Hate Crimes Office located close to the main shelter. them but to do it far away from the churches or schools where our kids play because they know better because they deal with the homeless and they are mentally ill and can harm a child. In most communities it takes an act of God to open up a shelter.

Meanwhile the young ten year old sits in the audience and hears all his or her role models saying all these things that make the homeless look like they are not human. They will hear their parent’s call them names and threaten them with weapons or say to the homeless if I see you by my house or my kid I will kill you.

Don’t feed the Birds We have seen these signs

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!

posted up in lots of cities and some cities even make laws saying you can’t feed the ducks or birds. It starts with a thought to try to limit the number of birds that show up to be fed. We all have heard when we grew up not to feed the stay cats or dogs because they would show up daily. The same goes for our homeless, great city leaders, parents, business leaders and even our churches say the same thing about the homeless, if we feed them they will come back. So what do they do, they make laws that says you can’t feed the homeless in a park. And yes, there have been several arrests for people feeding the homeless.

Here we go again now our kids read the story in the newspaper and they have just discovered that the homeless are so bad that we should not feed them, just like the animals. Well the kids says to themselves a man needs food to live but it is against the law to feed this homeless man down the street so if every(Continued on page 11)

The Voice of the Homeless

Page 8

HOMELESS VOICE

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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 9

HOMELESS VOICE

We Still Need Your Help!!!

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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

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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

clients in case of an emergency. 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

Community Voice Mail

T

16 years by helping over 41,000 people annually he Coalition to End Homelessness has reclaim their lives. Ms. Ginny a former Seattle taken another huge step in the fight to End homeless woman said it best… “Since I got Homelessness with the introduction of CommuCVM everything changed. Everything became nity Voice Mail. Launched in July 2008 to serve possible. I was able to find work and find a people in crisis and transition in the greater Ft. home. It gave me a new start on life.”

Lauderdale area Community Voice Mail is a With 44 sites nationally and growing free, reliable, voice mail service. The mail boxes CVM is an incredible allow the user to have a tool for empowering private phone number that the homeless throughconnects to a voice mail Homeless, domestic violence out the country. Now service which allows them victims, veterans, the we are very excited to receive confidential unemployed, foster youth, about providing this messages 24 hours a day. program to the resiCommunity Voice Mail and disaster victims now dents of Ft. Lauderpartners with thousands of have free private numbers dale. agencies across the U.S. and voice mail from your Being homeless ento serve the homeless, support! tails so many disaddomestic violence vicvantages -- and for tims, veterans, the unemyears this community ployed, foster youth, and has responded with shelters, meals and counseldisaster victims. To qualify for the service appliing. These efforts are essential and compassioncants must only have a need to communicate and ate. The homeless men and women need one be low-income, homeless, in crisis or in transition. Eligibility is determined by each agency more piece of the puzzle to get them connected managing an allocated block of numbers and - a phone number to give somebody for a call back. It has hurt their self esteem and often applicants can only get numbers from a particimeant missed opportunities in the past -- now pating agency. they have that phone number!

The Coalition to End Homelessness is This program has the potential to exconfronting the homelessness situation at every tend to the entire South Florida region with supturn. In this era of instant communications, havport of our great community. For agency particiing a phone number, something most of us take pation and or financial support please contact for granted, can be the key to survival and selfGerald Peterkin, Program Director for CVM.at sufficiency for people in crisis or transition. This the following contact information. innovative program will empower the homeless residents and improve their ability to conduct the gpeterkin@help4homeless.org Phone: 954-7924000 business of their lives.

Community Voice Mail is a National Program that has proven effectiveness for over

kitchen bring them three meals a 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 16,808 people to send in a check for $20.00, Or 6,723 people to send in a check for $50.00, Or 3,362 people to send in a check for $100.00, Or 337 people to send in a check for $1,000, Or Just one wonderful person or business to send a check for the entire $336,150; 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 Things We Need…

Iraq War Veteran Homeless Prevention

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s a homeless advocate, and as the founder of the American Veterans of the Iraq War National Homeless Coalition, I ask that the United States Congress please do not allow what happened to the veterans of the Vietnam War to happen to the soldiers returning from Iraq. There is no excuse for us not to learn from the Vietnam Vets. We are able to send astronauts to space, we can deliver bombs with a three-foot margin of error, we can take pictures from cell phones and send them anywhere in the world, and GPS has become a normal household word and yet we can't figure out what is the best way to treat our Veterans in a way they will gain self-sufficiency, benefits quickly, affordable housing, and the programs they need to recover. My question is, have the reentry programs changed since the Vietnam War? Have we come up with better ways to bring the Veterans back home to live a life as a civilian?

The American Veterans of the Iraq War National Homeless Coalition is recommending that their be a national task force today, not tomorrow, to be three steps ahead so we can look to prevent cases of homelessness among Iraq Vets. Congress must have us advocates ready to deliver reports not so we could become a talking society that merely talks but one that reacts, preventing our veterans from becoming homeless in the first place. ‘Actions speak louder than words.’ I urge you to speak to your fellow Members of Congress and appoint a committee of advocates, veterans of other wars, doctors, caseworkers, providers and people who specialize in post traumatic stress disorder.

Together as a team and learning from our mistakes in the past we can develop a plan that would prevent veterans from becoming homeless. Having a plan that prevents is the right and moral thing to do, and much less expensive in the long run than waiting for a Veteran to become a chronic homeless person. Research indicates that the longer a person is homeless the harder it is to bring them to self-sufficiency than if we react to it quicker and offer better prevention services.

Many of us advocates have already begun the process; the first step is getting Congress to realize that something must be done now, today, and without delay. Any of us would be available to help the US Congress if they needed anyone to testify about ways to improve services now. Presently, almost every community in America is short regular homeless beds. We will not have the number of beds needed to assist the number of possible Iraq Vets and this is a major reason why we need to start now making a system that works. As a team, we all can learn from our mistakes and make it better for the future Vets of America.

Sincerely, Sean Anthony Cononie, Founder P.S. If you want to lobby your member of Congress or Senate and let them know that supporting our troops means to also support them when they get back go to www.homelessvoice.tv/vets.

On that site there will be a map of the USA and you can click on the map and get the fax number, address, or email to your representative. You will also be able to copy a letter of support and insert it in the text part of the email to them as well.

So you have a few options, you can print out the letter and send by fax or snail mail, or over the Internet by copy and pasting it in the email text part of the form you fill out over the Internet.

Have the Re-entry Programs Changed Since the Vietnam War? www.HomelessVoice.tv/vets

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.

Sunday 2pm to 2:45pm 1203 N. Federal Highway Hollywood Florida 33020 954-924-3571 x316

•

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

As you all know times are tough and we need more help than ever. Some people have gotten together in their complexes or neighborhoods and have done a food drive. We had a small group of condos with only 16 units and they raised almost a weeks worth of breakfast. All they did was put up signs on each door of the condos saying when you go to the grocery store this week and for the next 8 weeks buy some extra items and we will help feed the poor and homeless!

Please email us at weneedyou@homelessvoice.org Or call 954-924-3571

Things we need so bad: Thin Set Surge Protectors Dishes Microwaves Bedspreads TV’s Coffee Garbage Bags Sugar Rice Spaghetti Home Depot Gift Cards Publix Gift Cards or Frozen Meats Butter Spaghetti Sauce Barbecue Sauce Ice Tea Mix Frozen Orange Juice Milk Pancake Mix Pancake Syrup

Thank-You!!!

A Mothers Request

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s the mother of a young preteen, I awaited the recent verdict in the trial in the teenage beating death of a homeless man with interest. What would their twelve peers say to those teens?

Would their verdict have any impact on societal consciousness or acceptance of others from a perceived lower social stratum? I hoped so, both for society’s and individual’s sakes.

I began teaching my own children acceptance of others in the media, movies, internet, television, games and advertising and community service almost from birth with their first lessons will not harden him to the extent I feel these teens had been hardin sharing. At the age of nine I ened. I pray his father began taking has guided him my daughter through the media Seanna to nursminefield that could ing homes to only have contributed visit and bring to the lack of empathy cheer to the allowed those lonely and less “I feel these teens that three young boys to fortunate residents. Our holi- had been hardened” take a life needlessly with no provocation days always and just for the fun of included some it. time set aside to All of us, as parents collect and and citizens need to bring food and take responsibility for or goods to the teaching our children common needy. sense and tolerance.

These lessons seem to -Ramona Montayne have served her well in her life as she has grown into a beautiful, giving young woman whose work has often involved community outreach.

My son, however went to Visit Us at live with his father at a young www.NorrisGaynor.com age. I worry over that and for him and pray the epic amount of increasingly violent content found

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

Page 11

Volume X, Issue 9

HOMELESS VOICE

Sean Cononie and the Gaynor family patiently answering questions for the media.

It Could Happen To You have. Again we are setting the example and the kids are learning it is one says not to feed them they must OK to bash in their heads. not be worth anything and in the We will never know what back of their head they think they are not even human so it is ok to pick at turned them in to their evil selves that day, but all we can do is to make them, mess with them, or have some sure adults stop putting a label on the fun bum bashing, after all who is poor. NO matter what they were going to care they are just worthless individuals that do nothing but hurt thinking that day it is not an excuse for their behavior because you just our community. can’t put the law in your hands no We teach our kids not to matter who you think is bad or use drugs or drink because it lowers good. To this day I will never underour own defenses, our own fears, stand why kids would do and our own morals and “From all this such acts and the only some kids are exposed to what can we thing I can think it is, HIV when they get all hope that will because we make the messed up because in the happen? “ homeless sound so bad heat of the moment no safe that these kids don’t think sex procedure was done. the homeless are human. Animals Next it is a life of HIV or an unget treated better than some of our wanted pregnancy. We know that homeless. using substances leads to bad deciOur Law Makers set the sions; decisions the same kid would example that it is ok to have so much not even think about while sober. hate for the homeless and yes, you We know that use of drugs increases teens can’t beat up a black person or the chance for unprotected sex. So if a Christian because that would be a we added drugs, alcohol, and marihate crime. However, you can as juana to the picture as the boys who much as you want attack and kill a attacked and killed Mr. Gaynor homeless person based on hate bestated that they were all messed up, cause they are not protected under and then what can we expect. Was Federal Hate Crimes statues. I know there a possibility that if these kids that sounds utterly ridiculous but were not all messed up that they wait a minute and read more. might have just thrown water balStatement of Prof. Brian loons at the men they attacked inLevin In Support of HR 2216 and stead of beating one innocent man to 2217 Center for the Study of Hate & death with a baseball bat? The litExtremism California State Univertlest little brain washing that they sity-San Bernardino Congressional learned from us adults who made Briefing Rayburn Bldg. Washington, horrible statements about the homeDC July 10, 2007 less being bad, molesters and a waste From a purely criminologiof mankind all just became amplified cal perspective, physical attacks and now there is the possibility that against the homeless in this country these kids really thought in the back are indistinguishable from other hate of their heads that killing one would crimes-with one major exception. be no big deal and that some might While offender characteristics, moeven consider it a public service to tive, deterrence, injury and weaprid our town of the bums. Did the onry are basically analogous, prevadrugs make them cross the line?

The Research has shown that lence differs significantly. homeless face a rate of victimization when communities make laws that that far exceeds that of traditionally target the homeless these attacks go covered groups. The more reliable up in that geographic location. The statistics arising from homicide data more laws like, the homeless can’t and victimization studies indicate sleep on a bus bench, or be fed or can’t pan handle the more attacks we that the homeless are among the na(Continued from page 7)

Old House Telephones?

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

Sam, Simone, and Sean

tion’s most criminally vulnerable population. My Center has found that between 1999 and 2005 there were 82 homicides classified as hate crimes by the FBI. During that same period, the National Coalition for the Homeless reported 169 deaths that were a result of homeless-directed violence. This is more than twice the number of hate crimes reported against currently protected groups— and does not even take into account the fact that the homeless population is relatively small compared to other groups covered in hate crime legislation. When you consider this fact the numbers are even more staggering.

For instance, one study of homeless females in Los Angeles found that they experience as much crime in one year as domiciled women do, over their entire lifetime.

The above was said in front of Congress.

After reading the above statement can we now say that congress has left us all with a feeling that the homeless are not worth protecting? Facts and figures don’t lie but from these facts one could say that they definitely help with discrimination. How could congress not make it law when you can plainly see that the homeless are murdered over two times more than ALL the protected classes combined?

From all this what can we hope that will happen? Parents this is the time that you need to talk to your kids no matter how good they are and just remind them that the homeless are people who have served in our wars and some of them are vets and heroes... We need to tell them that the homeless are people like you and me, they are just in a series of bad luck and that they are for sure human and there are family members who love them very much.

This is the time you go to our web site and see the pain that was caused

to this very loving family when these boys took their son from them over a senseless coward less act.

We should also tell them when they hear their friends are “bum bashing” to report it to you, the parents, so you can call the school or police so you can help stop these attacks and also save the lives of some mislead brainwashed teen who thinks it is ok to murder a homeless person.

This is what I hope will happen to not only help the homeless, but to help the teens. When we make laws that deter these attacks we would hope that the kids see how serious it is to hurt a homeless person. Please contact your member of congress and also your state rep on the state level and tell them that you support hate crimes laws for the homeless. Hopefully there will be something called Gaynor Law which will make the homeless a protected class of people under the federal hate crimes statue and with that law comes deterrence so kids will know just how serious it is to attack the homeless and to also counter attack the myth that the homeless are not worth anything. They will think that the homeless are very valuable if they are protected by these laws.

And the result we would hope for is this.

Each time one of these attacks are about to happen but are suddenly stopped because the teen remembers about hate crimes they can look to the sky and say “Thank You Norris” for letting me know and that I can't hunt and kill the homeless. And for the ones who continue to do these vicious attacks the families of the victims will be able to look up as well and say “thank you Norris for giving our family justice because now we can put bad guys away a little longer where they won’t be able to hurt as many people.”

-Sean Cononie

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.