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Volume XI, Issue 7
Hit and run driver kills woman in Dania Beach The Broward Sheriff’s Office is searching for a hit-and-run driver that killed a Hollywood woman Aug. 21, Friday morning in Dania Beach. Renae Maureen Lettiere, 50, was crossing the westbound lanes of Sheridan Street in the area of U.S. 1 about 5:39 a.m. when she was struck and killed, according to BSO spokeswoman Keyla Concepción. Lettiere was a McArthur High School graduate who for the past 10 years lived off and on at the Homeless Voice shelter in Hollywood, director Sean Cononie said. “She just left a couple of months ago,” he said. “She was a caring individual. She loved animals and worked at the Hollywood Animal Hospital for
(Continued on pg 5)
States where hate crimes/ violence occurred in 2008:
T
otal Number of States: 22 and Washington, DC Arizona—1 incident in 1 city (Tucson) resulting in 1 death Arkansas—1 incident in 1 city (North Little Rock) resulting in 1 death California—17 separate incidents in 10 cities (Bolinas, Costa Mesa, Hayward, Isla Vista, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Richmond, Riverside, Sacramento, San Pablo) resulting in 10 deaths and 12 non-lethal acts
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* David Bookbinder * Brian * Kevin * Joseph * Edith * Clarence * and Renee Green * Alice Johnson & Family * Lisa * Earnest Bowens & Family * Ed & Ruth * Rudy * Lisa * John McLean * Darren * Jan Cerrito * Rev. Patrick O’Shen * Angela Forrest & Family * Carlos * Adeel Jamal
MD to Become First State to Add Homelessness as Protected Class to Hate Crimes Law
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Dania Beach, FL Ft. Lauderdale, FL Key West, FL Manatee County, FL Miami, FL Panama City, FL Pompano Beach, FL St. Augustine, FL St. Petersburg, FL West Palm Beach, FL
Florida Attacks and Murders W est Palm Beach, Florida Two homeless men killed in two separate incidences in one week May 17: In West Palm Beach, Florida, there have been two different homeless men slain during the course of a week. One man, Rolando Longoria, 27, was riding his bicycle in a shopping plaza and was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting; eye witnesses report the shooter being male driving a black car. Police say that Longoria had a confrontation with the driver behind the Starfish Game Room located in the West Palm Plaza. Sheriff spokeswoman Teri Barbara said detectives believe there were witnesses in the area. Prior to the shooting, the Medical Examiner’s Office performed an autopsy on a homeless man; the report ruled the cause of death “homicide” due to a fatal gunshot wound. The victim, David Roland Ulmer, 41, was found by a woman at about 10:50 am. It is believed that the two incidents may be related. Panama City, Florida Teen Stabs man to Death August 2: Jose Gonzalez, 17, has been charged with 1st degree murder and faces a life in prison sentence. Gonzalez was convicted for stabbing Timothy Humphries, 49, to death one evening. He is said to have pulled Humphries off his bike when he was on his way to his cousin’s house. St. Petersburg, Florida Man attacks homeless couple sleeping at a campsite February 15: Jesus Escudero, 31, was
arrested in St. Petersburg, Florida for attacking a homeless couple at about 1 a.m. Detectives suspect Escudero of approaching the couple, who were sleeping at a campsite, and attacking the man, 48, with a brick. Escudero then struck the woman, 42, in the head. The male victim attempted to call 911, but when he came back to the campsite he learned that the female victim had been raped and that the attacker had fled. Deputy Jake Viano and his search dog found Escudero a half hour after arriving at the scene of the crime. Escudero was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated battery, one count of sexual battery, battery on a law enforcement officer, petty theft, and providing a false name to a police officer. He was also arrested on an outstanding warrant for failing to appear in court on a grand theft charge. The female victim was transported to a hospital, but the male victim refused treatment. According to Sgt. Jim Border, “there was no indication that the suspect and the victims were acquainted before the attack took place”. Pompano Beach, Florida Man Rapes Homeless Woman September 2: The Broward County Sheriff’s Office reported that Guy Cherubin, 31, was charged for armed sexual battery against a 48 year-old homeless woman on the night of September 2nd. At 5 a.m. that morning, BSO detectives said, Cherubin, “attacked and raped a homeless woman in Pompano Beach … he covered the 48 year-old woman’s face, forced her to the ground and placed a knife
In 2008 Florida had 21 separate incidents in 10 cities
Cathy’s Prayer List To add a name please call 954-410-6275, no menetary donations needed
(Continued on pg 6)
nnapolis, MD– The National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH), the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty (NLCHP), Health Care for the Homeless (HCH) and the Homeless Persons Representation Project (HPRP) are pleased to announce that Governor O’Malley of Maryland will sign SB 151 into law at 10:00 a.m. on May 7th. SB 151 will make Maryland the first state to add homeless people as a protected class to its hate crimes law. From 1999-2007, there have been 774 documented acts of violence committed against homeless individuals in the United States, 217 of which have resulted in deaths. In Maryland, documented attacks on homeless people date back at least to 1992, when a homeless Korean War veteran was killed in Annapolis after being soaked in urine, kicked down a ravine, and called a “worthless bum.” In 2001, a group of young men from South Baltimore began beating and robbing homeless people, a spree which resulted in three deaths. On Valentine’s Day in 2008, a homeless man was beaten to death while sleeping in an alley in Frederick. These incidents demonstrate the dangerous reality of life without housing and the increasing disregard for people experiencing homelessness. This law magnifies the importance of protecting our most vulnerable neighbors. Adding homeless individuals to Maryland’s hate crimes law sends a message that homeless individuals are not second-class citizens and deserve the same protections as historically targeted groups. -AP
Hate, violence, and death on main street usa 2008
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rimes of hate and violence have continued to plague the forgotten and most vulnerable members of our society: homeless people. Since 1999, the National Coalition for the Homeless has been tracking the cataclysm of violent crimes that have been committed against homeless persons. The National Coalition for the Homeless has for the tenth year published this report that documents the unfortunate trend of violence towards the homeless. People who are homeless are more vulnerable to attacks because they live outside in public spaces. Most of our communities do not have adequate, affordable housing or shelter space to meet the need, leaving many homeless people to live outside. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 41.8% of our homeless population is unsheltered.1 Undoubtedly, this percentage is higher as current economic issues have brought
Our Purpose: To Help the Homeless Learn How to Help Themselves
(Continued on pg 7)
The Voice of the Homeless
Page 2
Friends of the Homeless For just $15 a month you can keep a homeless family off the streets for a day Adam Staler Adriana Fernandez Adriana N. Quila† Adrienne and Mike Al & Barbara Liebmann Al and Annie Albert J. Hamilton Ph D Albert J. Taragowski Allen Yancy Amanda Reynolds Amber Rowan American Express Charitable Fund Amparo L. Korey Amy Curic Andre Johnson Andrea Brown Andrew N. Daly Ann M. Hamilton Ann-Marie White Anna Marye Levier Anthony Ralph Anthony Rhodes Antione Collins Armando Reyes Arnold Reemer Atkinson and Bartley Barbara Desanto Barbara Robinson Barbara Strong Baumann Family Beatriz C Perez Beth Farans Bill and Priscilla La Gasse Bob Hall Bobby Neal Bonita L Akinji Brad and Krystal Kelly Brian Herrmann & Aura Herrmann Bruce Wethersoon C.B. Crawford C.R. Gallagher Calvary Chapel of Doral Carl L Miller Carlo Harrison Carol Lockette Carol Murray Casandra Thomas Cathy and Kids Charles J. Youngman Charles K. Wilson Chris Sanchez Christine M Wilson Christine McAuliffe Clara Persand Clark Rogers Claudia K. Tapolow††† Collectron of Atlanta Comet Couriev† † Connie & Ginger Murphy Constance Lessoff Constance M Fast Corinne James Covenant of Goddess, Elibet Hanson Cynthia Tiano Crime Watch Dallan Michele King Dan Gilcert Danbareli Holdings Inc. Daniel Harrison Danny and George Darla King
Darren Nolf David Thawley David V Torlone Dawn Monfries Dawn Sinka Deborah F. Immormino Deborah H Green Delores B Mordon Demetrius D Rodriguez Denis and Bertha Arenstein Diane Friedman Dolores R. Cerra Donna Marie Jesudowich Dorothy Griffith Family Dorothy Kay Garbutt Dorríe Terry Doug Boucher Family † Douglas Boucher Dr Mary Michaela Farren Dr. Burch B Stewart Elaine Snaith Elizabeth Hunsberger Elizabeth P. Sublett Elks Lodge # 2407 Eric Harrison Erica Fulton Erica Sanclair Escrow Account Essential Oil Healthline Eva & George Gorzkowski Evan V Jones Everglades Moon, Florida Auto Insurance Inc. Floyd and Luana Coats Fred T Verny†† JR†††† Fred S Kolm & Rena Duncan Gabrielle Ello G.R. and J.D. Falbey G.S. Lybrand George & Carmen Gulisano Giankarlo Squicemari Gladstone Beckford Gladys Gonzalez God Bless Florence Menard Gottlieb & Blair Family Grace Marth Graham R. Mitchell Guillermo D Galindo Hamlet Bent Hartford Property Connection, Inc. Heather A Salt & Terrence C Salt Holly J. Andrus Huarte and Vidaillet Hugo DeCarpintini Hurricane Prevention Inc Ignacio Huarte In Loving Memory of Florence & Nat Popkin In Loving Memory of Frances Klein In Loving Memory of Isabel Grimany In Loving Memory of Jose A. Estruch, Jr. In Loving Memory of Kris Soltan In Loving Memory of Martin E. Grey In Loving Memory of My Daughter Melissa Lurz In Loving Memory of Peter
New!!! Sign up online: www.homelessvoice.org/friend Sullivan In Loving Memory of Rex Lichtenberger In Loving Memory of Thomas Gasbarro In Memory of Steven Maderman In Memory of Martha Hughes In Memory of Bill Sledge In Memory of Billy Corwin In Memory of Brian Groleau In Memory of C.T.R. In Memory of Charles Horton In Memory of Chief George J. Hodges In Memory of Dan Holland In Memory of George Ericson In Memory of Gertrude Chong In Memory of Irene Grady Johnson In Memory of Martin Grey In Memory of Maxima† In Memory of Melba DeSanto In Memory of My Good Friend Pat Gibson In Memory of My Mother Pearl McCann In Memory of Scott Paul Cooper In Memory of Stanley Smolen In memory of Tony Adzia In memory of Wesley H. Woodall† In Memory of William F. Judge Intercontinental Management Consulting Group, Inc. Isabelle J. Henry Ivonne Fernandez J. Coffee Jack Scaparro Jr. Jackie Johnson Jacqueline M. McCarty Jacqueline McCarty James & K. Heather Molans James Black James D. Potter JR Jamie F. Flores Janet Campbell Jason Emrik Jason T Korose & Marie D Plett Javier Perez Jeffrey and Veronica Bujold Jennifer Hicky Jennifer S. Nickel Jenny Curic Jessica Padilla Jesus Diaz Jim Johnson Jim Lentz Jimmy Daniels Joan Futscher & Kids Joel Gardberg John & Joyce Moore John & Ruth Mautino John C. Burt John Criasia John Dinielli John Evans & Family John Gaeta Johnís Plumbing Service Jonathan Burger
Joseph Raymund Joseph Soares Joseph Yagbes Josh Searles Joyce Johnstone Juan and Antonieta Bofill Juan Galindo Judith Kelly Judith Temple Judith Vidal Judy B. Pascarella Juliet Iler Julio A. Izquierdo June Jones Justin Rowan K.J. Williams Karen B Povlock Kaveh Vassal Keith Yude Kellie Jones Kenneth Gesel Kenny Angela Kevin Britt Kevin ìKJî Jones Kevin Jones Kristian Perez Laura & Bill Fash Laura Flash Lavances Wright-Rolle Leah and Ray Leonard R Snyder Levon Aghasyam Ligia Vega Cleaning Services Lisa Cebrat Lisa Jackson Lord of the Harvest Ministries Lorraine A Coll Love, Teresa Luis Delacruz & Suzette M. Rodriguez M. Smith Madeline Butera Magan Narduzzi Marcia A Kessler Margaret D. Neverdousky Margaret Melendez Margie Jones & Friends Maria and James Mulligan Maria M. Riveiro Maria Nieto Marie Sutera Marilyn R. Smith Marilyn Vokish Mario Yuio Marjorie G. Rhines Mark E. Johnson † Mark Faber Mark Targett Marlene S Warner Marshal Bugin Martha Roman Marvin Shatze Mary Green Mary Sue Ellis Maryann Springer Maureen Barry Mauro Boraby Jr McAvoy Family Mel Blount Merav & Ezra Alexander Michael & Michale Rhett Michael R. Prokop, Jr. Mike Cross Mohammed Ziauddin
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Mona B Staub & Ruth C Grey Morris Grazi Mr. and Mrs. Bocanegra Mr. and Mrs. Carson Mrs. Jenkins Ms. Evelyn Salerno Ms. Marilyn Smith Mustafa Mehmet Gokoglu Mynona J Thompson Myriam Goris Nancy Keil Nancy Schuler Nancy T Ciaramitar Naomi Ross Nestor Martin Nichole Faber Nicole Lee Nelson Norman L Lieberman Norman Scott Oakland Park† Omnia and Rene Perez On Behalf of Matthew Lambert OTD Messenger, Inc Otto Garcia Pakita Price Paola C Mollica Patricia Lee Russ† Paula King Pauline E. Yonts Philip S. Lafresnaye & Janet Lafresnaye Phyllis R. Bebko Pioneer Middle School Youth PJ Carter Polly Zaldivar Proietto Family Rafa Advertising Corp Raine Dyer Rainer Hansen Raul Cardenas MD PA Raymund Joseph Real Breakthrough Solutions Regla J Ferrer Renato & Malika Vasconez Rhenals-Mei Family Rhonda K. Veerasawmy Richard & Margaret Martin Richard Friedman Richard Gomez Richard M. and Bettie B Buss Richard Rios Ricky Cambell Robert A Jenkins & Joanne T Jenkins Robert and Betty Short Robert and Ruth Baal Robert Comfort Robert Jesus Llanes Robert Sapia Robert T. Henshaw Roger and Veronica Valencillos Ronald & Cathy Walker Ronald Prescia Ronald Shafer Rosemary & Mark Zenobia Roxane Kesselhon Roy T. Bruno, Jr. Russell J. Ferguson Ruth Faison Ruth C Grey Sabrina Thorton, Former Ms. Ft. Lauderdale
S and Georgia Gaynor Saks Jewelry Designer Sally Lister Samual Manery Samuel R Halpern PA Sandra K Stevens Sandra L. Wilhelm Sarah R Currin Savoia Sweig Sebastian Parks Sergio Cobo Sheila Holder Sheldon Jones Sherline Cyriaque Shirley R Adzia Southern Financial Title Services Inc. Steve Dillan Steve Goolsby Surfin Seniors Inc Susan C Humeston Susan P Brady Tailored Advertising, Inc Tamara Southard Tara Hunter Temple Aron Hakodesh Temple Beautiful Thank you so much Sean & Lois for all your help. Thank You Winn Dixie The Baldwin Family The Baptista Family The Chilsons The Davis Family The Geise Family The Herrmann Family The Herrmann Family The Kunicki Family The Ladueís The Maione Family The Martinez Family The Matsuura Family The Monserrate Family† The Morabito Family The Nicaraguaís The Ramos Family The Rionís Family The Savir Family The Schneider Family The Strikowski family The Swartout’s†† The Verny & Stewart Families The Watsons Thomas A Kramer Thomas Rua Thye Rencurrellís Timothy and Barbara Wilson Timothy L. Whitelaw Timothy Lukehard Todd Palgon Tom Thumb Food Stores, Inc. Tressie W. Osborne Uylna Quadrino Vance Gunn Virginia H. Bailey Vjolls S Camili Wendy Bryan Wynona A Thompson Yorick and Bonita † Yvonne Fischer Zlata and Alfredo Jr Salazar
Volume XI, Issue 7
Page 3
Letter from the Editor:
Hey Mr. Mayor, Why Are You So Mean To Me? Each year the National Coalition For the Homeless publish two major reports. July 15th the meanest city report will be made public. This is the report that tells us advocates what city law makers are doing to the homeless. Basically what laws are they making that target the homeless? Laws such as no public lodging or no panhandling ordinances. Or get this one, no feeding the homeless and if you do it is time to get arrested. I’m sorry Mr. Priest you can’t do what God commands you to do and if you do you will end up having a new ministry, a “Jail Ministry”. Florida has been a state that has some of their cities listed in this report year after year. From ripping down the tents of homeless people to arresting college kids for feeding the homeless. Cities across the USA get listed in this report and some people who find out that certain cities are mean to the homeless they end up refusing to go there and spend their hard earned dollars. The report also embarrasses some of the local law makers to have their own city they are in control of having experts putting all kinds of data out there showing just how mean they really are to the homeless. Will they ever get a conscious? In the next issue of the Homeless Voice you will see the results of what cities are the mean ones and don’t be surprised if you see a city from this great state. The sad part about being a mean city is that research shows that when cities are mean to the homeless and pass laws that target the homeless, usually attacks on the homeless are increased by housed individuals. This is one of the reasons why Florida has more attacks to the homeless than any other state in past years. The second report they publish is based on how many homeless are attacked each year and how many homeless people are killed by housed individuals. This report will be out in the next coming weeks. Steps are being made to pass laws that if you attack a homeless person simply because they are homeless then you will be facing a longer prison term under the hate crimes laws. -Mark Targett
Publisher (middle) Sean Cononie meeting with Rain Wilson and his wife discussing poverty in America and the continued world hunger problems and the efforts the Homeless Voice is making in Haiti. Rain Wilson got many stars support from hit tv shows such as Heroes, My Name is Earl, Reno 911, and most of the cast from the award winning show The Office.
Attention Readers: The bad Economy has Hit us as well... and we need you more than ever! We need your help, and we need it bad. Emergency Funding, this month and for the next few months we are asking for as many supporters to please send in their checks of $25.00 to: COSAC HOMELESS ASSISTANCE CENTER P.O. Box 292-577
or make your donation online
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Need flyers passed out? or other temporary labor? Call 954-924-3571 Why call a day labor company and spend large amounts of money?
Call our contractor refferal line. Call us and we will get you the person to do the job for much less!
The Voice of the Homeless
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National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week
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ach year, one week before Thanksgiving, National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness cosponsor National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. During this week, a number of schools, communities and cities take part in a nationwide effort to bring greater awareness to the problems of hunger and homelessness. If your community has already joined this effort, this guide can serve as an evaluator for past efforts and possibly offer fresh ideas for the future. If this is your first time participating, this guide will explain how your community can get involved! Why? Organizing events will not seem very substantial if you do not stop to ask: Why is National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week so important? Participating in National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week not only brings greater awareness to your community, but also helps to promote the national endeavor to end hunger and homelessness. The plight of those without a home can be both lonely and difficult. Addressing their struggles by organizing and participating in this week may bring greater solidarity and understanding, as well as promote future involvement. Events, such as “One Night Without a Home,” help people realize the difficulties that homeless persons daily face. Talk about these issues with your coordinators and discuss what impact such an event might have on your community. It is imperative to dispel myths that label homelessness as someone else’s problem or claim that an end to homelessness is impossible. When? November 15-21, 2009. Early planning is important. Begin recruiting interested people, outlining and planning events, and contacting organizations that might be interested in helping and/or participating. The
more time you spend on organizing now, the better the week will go in November. Remember that the week does not have to be full of events. Especially if you are just starting out, it might be better to choose one or two events, which will be dynamic and focused. The solution to hunger and homelessness will not happen in one week, but a dedicated and timely effort in planning your week will contribute greatly to the endeavor. How? First things first: you need a team. Putting together a dedicated and enthusiastic team is important for a successful week. You may already know many people who would like to join the effort. Don’t be afraid to ask those whom you think would not be interested - you may be surprised. Look within community organizations that you are involved with. Even if you are not active in a particular group, you can look around for groups that may already be active in hunger and homelessness. It is important to talk to people about your ideas both to promote interest and to get feedback. Discuss some of the events that you plan to do and be open to changes and new ideas. It is important to know the community you will be working with and to try to adapt the events accordingly. After forming a team, it is important to decide on the logistics as soon as possible. Here is a sample check list of some, but not all, questions which need answers: •How many and which events should we plan for? •When should the events take place? •How many people should coordinate each event?
•Who should handle publicity? •What is the best meeting time (preferably weekly) for everyone? •What community organizations would help us by co-sponsoring the week? •Who knows how to organize things in the community well? Suggested Activities Suggested Activities Below is a list of suggested events for National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. Please feel free to develop new activities for your unique community. If your idea is a great success, please let us know so that we can share your event with other communities! •Organize a “One Night Without a Home” awareness sleep out in front of city hall or on a nearby college campus. (See the detailed description included later in this packet). •Organize Oxfam America’s Fast for a World Harvest in your community to take place during Awareness Week. (See the detailed description included later in this packet). •Designate one day for community members to skip a meal. Instead of purchasing lunch that day, they can donate the money that they would have spent to hungry people in your community. •Host educational forums on hunger and homelessness. Invite speakers, such as homeless persons to share their experiences, service providers and community speakers. Show videos and distribute fact sheets or other informational material (refer to the National Coalition for the Homeless’ website: www.nationalhomeless.org). •Organize a movie night and show one of
At least 1.35 million children are homeless during the year
the movies listed above in the Education section. Have a local business or group donate popcorn. •Organize a book reading and discussion group. See listed books in the Education section above. Arrange to go into an elementary school and read one of the children’s books and have the teacher facilitate an age-appropriate discussion. •Register homeless and low-income people to vote. •Have a booth where people can write to their Congressional representatives about the importance of programs for homeless persons. (See Bread for the World Offering of Letters description included in this packet). •Organize a drive to collect non-perishable items such as certain foods, hygiene products, clothing, blankets, books, and toys. Involve the community organizations in a competition to see which group can collect the most donations. •Organize a potluck dinner in which community members bring in a dish for themselves and three other persons. Invite homeless persons as guests in order to encourage community interaction. Remember to choose a neutral site for the dinner — a convenient place with no religious affiliation. •Sponsor a bake sale. Donate collected money to a local shelter. •Sponsor a benefit concert with local musicians. Donate collected money to a local shelter. •Arrange a walk or a run. Have each participant collect sponsorship money; set a minimum, such as $20 per participant. Donate collected money to a local shelter. Encourage local businesses to donate food and drinks. Encourage local bands to provide entertainment. •Arrange a Community Service Day where people can volunteer at different local organizations and learn about their activities. Suggested contacts: food pantries, home(Continued on pg 9)
Are the poor always with us?
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ven though Jesus may have said, need for help is growing. There are more “The poor are always with you,” than 10,000 families earning less than from the perspective of the poor, always $35,000 a year, and there is not enough is a discouragingly long time. affordable housing. There are chronically Family and friends were able to help homeless households. They struggle with me when I had few choices. I also later healthy decisions because of their low inhad loans and tax breaks that made livcome. ing more affordable and The Homeless Adprovided greater access visory Board has to a “normal” life: a proposed supportive Poverty defined as mortgage for a home, a housing solutions for loan for a car and insurinequality will always the chronically homeance for medical care. less because it is the be with us Poverty, at its core, is humanitarian and most not financial. Those in successful solution for poverty lack a healthy using the community’s support network and, most often, good resources. options. The poor are shamed for making In addition to the individuals living in bad decisions, even though poverty itself the hidden corners of our community are leads to poor decision-making. Often the the thousands of people who cannot afford choice is between two equally bad opthe plentiful supply of rental units availtions. The shame that accompanies povable. Thirty percent of income is considerty creates fear. ered a reasonable proportion to spend on For those not experiencing a life of povhousing. In 2009, fair market rent for a erty, self-protective fear and anger can two-bedroom apartment in Sioux Falls is spill over into shunning the poor and can $673. Many households do not earn the lead to self-righteous blame against them approximately $25,000 a year needed to for being poor. live in those homes. Sometimes, political leaders have courPoverty defined as inequality will alage enough to act on behalf of powerless ways be with us. Poverty defined as a people, even as those who fear change lack of good options can be addressed if try to sabotage their leadership. With the the goodwill of people can overcome the courage and strength of our community malice of fear that intimidates the politileaders and the many agencies and indical will. viduals who have provided the bootstraps - Peter Holland is director of clinical where none have ever existed, there is hope that people can pull themselves out pastoral education at Avera Health. of poverty. However, in our own community, the
States where hate crimes/violence occurred in 2008:
(Continued from pg 1)
Colorado—2 separate incidents in 2 cities (Colorado Springs, Lakewood) resulting in 2 non-lethal acts Delaware—1 incident in 1 city (Wilmington) resulting in 1 nonlethal Florida—21 separate incidents in 10 cities (Dania Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Key West, Manatee County, Miami, Panama City, Pompano Beach, St. Augustine, St. Petersburg, West Palm Beach) resulting in 3 deaths and 27 non-lethal acts Georgia—1 incident in 1 city (Athens) resulting in 1 non-lethal act Hawaii—1 incident in 1 city (Honolulu) resulting in 1 non-lethal act Illinois—3 separate incidents in 3 cities (Elgin, Peoria, Rockford) resulting in 4 non-lethal acts Indiana—2 separate incidents in 2 cities (Indianapolis, Southbend) resulting in 2 non-lethal act Louisiana—1 incident in 1 city (Monroe) resulting in 1 non-lethal act Maryland—4 separate incidents in 4 cities (Annapolis, Cumberland, Frederick, Glen Burnie) resulting in 2 deaths and 2 non-lethal acts Massachusetts—3 separate inci-
dents in 3 cities (Boston, Cambridge, Waltham) resulting in 1 death and 3 non-lethal acts Michigan—2 separate incidents in 1 city (Pontiac) resulting in 2 deaths Missouri—2 separate incidents in 2 cities (Kansas City, St. Louis) resulting in 1 death and 1 nonlethal act New York—5 separate incidents in 1 city (New York) resulting in 2 deaths and 5 non-lethal acts North Carolina—1 incident in 1 city (Jacksonville) resulting in 1 death Ohio—5 separate incidents in 3 cities (Akron, Cleveland, Columbus) resulting in 1 death and 4 nonlethal acts Oregon—5 separate incidents in 1 city (Portland) resulting in 5 nonlethal acts Pennsylvania—2 separate incidents in 2 cities (East Stroudsburg, Scranton) resulting in 3 non-lethal acts Tennessee—2 separate incidents in 2 cities (Bartlett, Nashville) resulting in 3 non-lethal acts Texas—1 incident in 1 city (San Antonio) resulting in 1 death Washington, DC—3 separate incidents resulting in 1 death and 2 nonlethal acts -NCH
Emergency Funding: please send in your checks of $25.00 to COSAC HOMELESS ASSISTANCE CENTER, INC, P.O. Box 292-577 Davie Florida, 33329
Volume XI, Issue 7
Page 5
You Will Be Missed By Me and By Many Others I knew her for almost 15 years, as a friend, as a Director of our shelter, as someone who cared about her and at the same time someone you would get mad at, at times. I knew her even longer because of the school we shared although at different times we could share some stories. I remember all the arguments we had in my office. Sometimes the arguments were so loud I finally realized that there was someone louder than me in this place. To those who did not know Renae, Renae got away with a lot more stuff than others, not because I knew her a long time, although that did help her sometimes. It was because no matter how much trouble she got into there was just something about her. As if this was a real life movie like, “Something about Mary.” Renae would have her ups and downs but no matter what Renae had her dreams like anyone else but those dreams always dealt with helping those little creatures who were sick and injured known as our pets. Even if it was not a pet and just a bird that was injured Renae was there lending a helping hand. Some of us would tell her that she needed to take care of herself before she could help pets but in reality we all know that when you have a love for pets and you want to care for them sometimes you worry more about them than yourselves. Renae had a chance to work with pets at the Hollywood Animal Hospital in her younger years and she had dreams of going back there one day. But she would slip and fall and have to start over again at her recovery process. In August, just this last month Renae was hit by a hit and run driver as she was crossing the street in Dania on her way to
the hospital for her frequent severe migraine headaches she had which kept her from employment. When we all heard the news it really brought tears to some of our eyes. For me, I did not get so upset at first, it was a day later as I thought back on all the times when she was in my office and we were talking about rules and her following them. The conversations were always intense but there was many cries, and many hugs that existed between the two of us, again, “Something about Renae.” We had her funeral service at the COSAC’s Homeless Voice, Homeless Center, where her friends, and some family members as well as many of the friends here at the shelter came to give their last respects. We learned a lot that night, the last few months of her life was pretty good for her. For, she was not homeless any longer and she was living with her husband to be Mr. Charlie Robinson. Charlie was a former client of our shelter who also got his life together after he got his disability benefits in place. Renae, even when she was slipping she was a Christian. It was no shelter anymore for her because she got it right, she started her recovery process and it was going uphill as she reached for the next step, she now is reaching for His hand to take her to Heaven, I am sure He, Jesus, her Lord and Savior has His hand out and He did not hit her with the cross for her mistakes but rather He said, “Renae, this Blood, my Blood I shed for you, This Bloods for you.” I love you Renae, Love Sean
Hit and run driver kills woman in Dania Beach (Continued from pg 1)
a couple of years during the late 1980s.” Cononie said there was a funeral held for Lettiere at 8:30 a.m. Sunday at the Hollywood shelter, 1203 N. Federal Hwy. Cononie said he tried unsuccessfully to look for Lettiere’s relatives in the hopes that they would attend. Investigators say the car they are looking for is a dark-colored, four-door Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 with right, front-end damage to its spoiler, bumper and headlight area. Anyone with information should contact Broward Crime Stoppers at 954493-8477. -David Smiley
For video coverage go to www.homelessvoice.org/story/renae-lettiere
A musical tribute to Renae
Sean saying a few words
Ramona saying a few words
Lettieres’ fiance Mr. Charlie Robinson, (middle)
The Voice of the Homeless
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Volume XI, Issue 7
Page 7
Florida Attacks and Murders
SUMMARY OF HATE CRIMES AND VIOLENCE DATA IN 2008:
(Continued from pg 1)
against her side, threatening to kill her if does.” Sticht has also been arrested for she didn’t have sex with him.” Cherubin trespassing with a dangerous weapon in was involved in a similar attack a few 1999, but the charge was reduced to misdays earlier at which time he kicked and demeanor trespassing. Several large orgaraped a 39 year-old Boca Raton homeless nizations, including the NAACP, ACLU, woman, leaving her with several broken and Public Defender Howard Finklestein ribs. He is being held without bond in the have created a coalition to try and get Broward County Sheriff’s Office. the Ft. Lauderdale police to protect the Manatee County, Florida homeless population better. President of Homeless Man Hurt in Robbery the Broward NAACP, Marsha Ellison, January 20: Joshua Joe Smith, 28, was says “surely, another homeless person drunk and malicious on Sunday the 20th doesn’t have to die before the police do when after trying to steal a car from D&L something.” The court date has been set Auto Sales in Manatee, Florida, he tried for April 17th robbing a nearKey West, by homeless Florida man who was Two Home...surely, another sleeping. Acless Men Ascording to the homeless person doesn’t saulted OutSheriff’s report, side Fast Food have to die before the “the intoxicated Restaurant suspect was April 27: Two police do found in the teenagers atsomething... process of robtacked two bing a homeless homeless men man who had outside a Wenbeen sleeping on the back porch”. dy’s fast food restaurant in Key West, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida Florida at 1:20 a.m. One of the teenagers Homeless Man Brutally Attacked had a dark Mohawk, and is known on the February 25: February saw a sharp street as “Lucky.” The other teen has not increase in homeless attacks in South been identified, but is thin with tattoos on Florida. The latest attack was on Leander his head and neck. The two teens started Williams, 68, which left him bleeding on arguing with the homeless men as they walked out of the restaurant, and one of the streets with severe head injuries. Sean the teens pulled out a knife. The two vicCononie, of the Homeless Voice, and tims were found walking down the street Michael Stoops, of the National Coaliinjured. tion for the Homeless, say that homeless St. Augustine, Florida people who are still on the streets should Three Homeless Men Beaten by seek shelter and stay in well lit areas until Teens there is more information about the freAugust 25: Three homeless men were quent attacks. attacked by a group of teenagers underFt. Lauderdale, Florida neath a railroad bridge at approximately Homeless Men Violently Harassed 11:15 p.m. Two of the men, Andrew with Chainsaw on Numerous Occasion Christianson, 43, and Andrew Robert, 53, April 5: Stephen Sticht, 49, of Ft. Lauwere hospitalized and were placed in critderdale Florida has been ordered by Broical condition. Robert and Christianson ward Circiut Judge Julio Gonzalez, Jr. to suffered serious head injuries after endurstay away from five homeless men and to ing many blows with a board, a shopping surrender all weapons to authorities. The cart and rolled-up fencing. The third man, homeless men have complained to the Michael McMeans, 31, only suffered mipolice department on several occasions nor injuries and was able to get back to a that Sticht chases them with chainsaws, nearby restaurant and receive help. pistols, and the homeless men believe Police arrested 17 year-olds Jonate he has put up “Wanted” posters of the Anderson and Reginald Anderson and men around town with captions reading charged them with aggravated battery “crack head, prostitute, and self-serving and attempted robbery. Both teenagers type.” Sticht defends his actions, saying were brought to the state Department of that the homeless men are consistently Juvenile Justice. Police questioned two around his property and that he has tried other teenagers, a 16-year-old male and to get them to leave the area. He says that a 17 year-old female who have not been the men are lying and making up their charged with the crimes accusations. “It’s a witch hunt. These Key West, Florida guys are crack heads. All these allegaHomeless man stabbed by two men tions are fabrications. Its like they came September 28: A homeless man was up with this grandiose story and now I stabbed while riding his bicycle in what am made out to be the bad guy.” The five may have been an attempted robbery. Afhomeless men claimed that Sticht walked ter the attackers knocked down the vicaround the area where they slept at night tim, the victim struck back and hit one with a spotlight, brandishing a knife and of his assailants in the face. At this point, firing a gun. The men believe that Sticht one of the assailants pulled out a knife put up the Wanted Posters because they and stabbed the victim in the stomach. saw him taking their photographs. While The victim was able to ride his bike to the several of the homeless men have crimihospital and recovered from surgery sucnal records, one of the men says “We cessfully. His attackers are still at large. might have colorful pasts or addictions, (Continued on pg 9) but we do have rights, same as [Sticht]
Ten year history of the violence towards the homeless Total number of violent acts over 10 years: 880 Total number of deaths over 10 years: 244 Total number of non-lethal attacks over 10 years: 636 Total number of cities where crimes occurred over 10 years: 263 Total number of states where crimes occurred over 10 years: 46 Age range of the accused/convicted: 10 to 75 years of age Age range of the victims: 4 months to 74 years of age Gender of victims: male: 547 female: 80
5 7
4
2 3 22
4
2
5
1 DE
2
4 MD 3 Washington D.C.
2 1 3
1 1
1 1
1
1
30
Year
Homicides Classified as Hate Crimes (FBI Data) Fatal Attacks on Homeless Individuals (NCH Data)
1999
17 (9 racially, 2 religiously, 3 sexual orientation, 3 ethnically motivated)
48
2000
19 (10 racially, 1 religiously, 2 sexual orientation, 6 ethnically motivated)
42
2001 2002 2003
11 (4 racially, 1 religiously, 4 sexual orientation, 2 ethnically motivated) 10 (4 racially, 1 sexual orientation, 5 ethnically motivated) 14 (5 racially, 6 sexual orientation, 2 ethnically, 1 anti-disability motivated)
17 13 7
2004 2005
5 (3 racially, 1 religiously, 1 sexual orientation) 6 (3 racially, 3 ethnically motivated)
25 13
2006
3 (3 racial- 2 anti-white, 1 anti-black)
20
2007
9 (5 sexual orientation, 1 anti-black, 1 anti-multi-ethnicity, 2 anti-hispanic)
25
2008
(FBI data unavailable at this time)
27
10 Year Total
94
237
Attacks on Homeless need to be Classified as Hate Crimes
F
rom the above chart you can surely see that the hate towards the homeless is much greater than all of the other groups that are a protected class of people/groups who are covered under hate crimes laws. The question remains, if the homeless are killed much more than all the other federally protected groups combined by federal hate crimes laws, why are the homeless left out? Could it be that even our elected officials who are bound by oath to protect and serve each of us equally, just don’t really care that the homeless are picked on and killed just because they are homeless? Could it be that America has hardened our hearts? Could it be that we just don’t care about our veterans are singled out because they are homeless? Let me point it out again so you fully understand just how unfair it is. You see there are groups of people that are protected under the federal hate crimes laws. Groups such as races, religious brands, sexual orientation, and ethni-
cord and have been at odds for years therefore cally motivated. If an attacker goes after one many of the homeless do not report attacks of these groups based on their status the crime because more severe. For example, if the KKK that occur to them. Then we need to add in the factor that many attacks a Jewish person based on the simple fact homeless individuals go to the hospital emerthat the victim was attacked merely because he gency rooms and sometimes the staff there was Jewish, the penalties become stiff for it is tries to shuffle them out by just offering the a hate crime. Now if you look at this chart you see that all those protected classes of people homeless a blanket and a dinner and make the health care issue seem like they are minute isunder hate crimes law protection only had a tosues because many tal of 94 deaths over of the ER worka nine to ten year period. Now take the ‘some of the homeless people feel ers are burnt out on some of the frequent same time period but homeless individua complete ten years that getting beat up is just als who make refuge there were a total of 237 homeless people out of their ER’s. “life on the streets”’ Another major reawho were killed. To make the matson why homeless individuals do not ters worse, on atcall the police when they are attacked is betacks that are not lethal we have to assume like all crimes there is an underreporting factor. cause many homeless individuals have minor Many crimes go underreported in the housed warrants for their arrest for not showing up to court for their crimes of drinking a beer in a population for many reasons. However, for the homeless population we know that the police public place or sleeping in a park. The homeless have a hard time to make it to court so and the homeless do not have a good track re-
many warrants are issued for their arrest. In some instances it is estimated that when a homeless person checks in to a shelter about 40 percent of them have open charges for such little crimes and because they go from city to city the homeless sometimes forget where they got a ticket for court and they have no address to receive a court date. When this happens warrants are issued and they know they have a warrant and they would rather the assailant go un-arrested then them to get arrested as soon as the police arrive on scene. Also we can’t forget than many homeless individuals suffer from mental illness and when they are attacked they simply wipe the blood off and continue to wander from place to place in their confused state. One of the other reasons why some homeless people do not call the police is because some of the homeless people feel that getting beat up is just “ life on the streets.” -HV Staff
Emergency Funding: please send in your checks of $25.00 to COSAC HOMELESS ASSISTANCE CENTER, INC, P.O. Box 292-577 Davie Florida, 33329
# of Violent Acts in 2008: 106 # of Lethal Attacks: 27 # of Non-Lethal Attacks: 79 Breakdown of Non-Lethal Attacks: # of Rapes/Sexual Assaults: 9 # Setting on Fire: 3 # of Beatings/Assault: 54 # of Shootings: 8 # of Incidents involving Police Harassment/Brutality: 5 Hate, violence, and death on main street usa 2008
(Continued from pg 1)
about high unemployment (9.5%)2 and foreclosure rates (up 18% from January 2008)3. Without proper action to deal with the crisis of homelessness as a whole, our homeless neighbors will continue to be vulnerable to brutal attacks. Some cities and states have taken action to address the hate and violence faced by our homeless neighbors. This report highlights: positive steps being taken around the country to combat the growing trend of attacking the homeless, recommendations for advocates, policy makers, and members of the public to help end the violence faced by homeless persons. While some cities and states have taken positive steps, there are still many parts of the United States that continue to dehumanize homeless persons by creating and enforcing laws that criminalize their homeless status. These laws contain restrictions on sitting, sleeping, storing property, or asking for money in public spaces. Laws that criminalize the homeless encourage the belief that homeless persons are not human, are unworthy of respect, and attacks against the homeless will go unnoticed. Samples of headlines from the report showcase the violence and horror of the crimes endured by the homeless: • 16 Year-old Boy Beats Homeless Man to Death with Baseball Bat • Homeless Veteran Killed in Middle of Marketplace During the Day • Homeless Man Robbed and Set on Fire • Homeless Men Violently Harassed with Chainsaw on Numerous Occasion • Homeless Man Beaten with Nail Studded Board • Twin Brothers Terrorize Homeless Community Over the past ten years, hundreds of homeless people have been attacked and killed. While this report provides alarming numbers, the fact remains that countless attacks go undocumented each year. Homeless individuals are treated so poorly by society that their attacks are often forgotten or unreported. Knowing some cases are missing, the attacks that are accounted for over the past ten years are still shocking:
Prosecutor Peter Holden shows how Norris Gaynor was beaten while sleeping on a park bench. Gaynor later died from these injuries. This incident was among a string of highly publicized FL attacks in 2006.
• 880 acts of violence have been committed against homeless individuals • The attacks have happened in 46 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, DC • 244 homeless individuals lost their lives in the brutal attacks The victims of these attacks have faced injustices greater than the scars and pain they endure; they have had to cope with humiliation, tattered self-esteem, and battered respect for themselves as humans. In 2008, violent acts against the homeless leave much room for improvement: • 106 homeless persons were victims of violent attacks • 27 of those 106 persons were killed as a result of those attacks The perpetrators of these attacks have shown an overwhelming trend to be young men and teen aged boys. Over the past ten years, the majority of attacks against the homeless have been committed by teenage boys and youth as young as ten years old. In 2008: • 43% of attacks against homeless people were committed by teens aged 13-19 • 73% of the accused/convicted attackers were ages 25 and younger Some of the accused/convicted have been quoted as saying: “It was just a vagrant”, “it was fun”, or they did it because they “could”. The motives to all attacks are not all clear, but it is obvious that many attacks were committed because the victim was homeless or because the homeless
(Continued on pg 9)
The Voice of the Homeless
Page 8
CITIES WHERE HATE CRIMES/VIOLENCE OCCURRED IN 2008: Total Cities: 55 Akron, Ohio —1 incident resulting in 1 non-lethal act Annapolis, Maryland —1 incident resulting in 1 non-lethal act Athens, Georgia —1 incident resulting in 1 non-lethal act Bartlett, Tennessee —1 incident resulting in 2 non-lethal acts Bolinas, California —1 incident resulting in 1 non-lethal act Boston, Massachusetts —1 incident resulting in 1 death Cambridge, Massachusetts —1 incident resulting in 2 non-lethal acts Cleveland, Ohio —3 separate incidents resulting in 1 death and 2 non-lethal acts Colorado Springs, Colorado —1 incident resulting in 1 non-lethal act Columbus, Ohio —1 incident resulting in 1 non-lethal act Costa Mesa, California —1 incident resulting in 1 non-lethal act Cumberland, Maryland
—1 incident resulting in 1 non-lethal act Dania Beach, Florida —1 incident resulting in 1 non-lethal act East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania —1 incident resulting in 1 nonlethal act Elgin, Illinois —1 incident resulting in 1 nonlethal act Fort Lauderdale, Florida —3 separate incidents resulting in 7 non-lethal acts Frederick, Maryland —1 incident resulting in 1 death Glen Burnie, Maryland —1 incident resulting in 1 death Hayward, California —5 separate incidents resulting in 5 non-lethal acts Honolulu, Hawaii —1 incident resulting in 1 non-lethal act Indianapolis, Indiana —1 incident resulting in 1 non-lethal act Isla Vista, California —1 incident resulting in 1 death
Jacksonville, North Carolina —1 incident resulting in 1 death Kansas City, Missouri —1 incident resulting in 1 non-lethal act Key West, Florida —2 separate incidents resulting in 3 non-lethal acts Lakewood, Colorado —1 incident resulting in 1 nonlethal act Long Beach, California —1 incident resulting in 5 deaths Los Angeles, California —2 separate incidents resulting in 1 death and 1 non-lethal act Manatee County, Florida —1 incident resulting in 1 non-lethal act Miami, Florida —2 separate incidents resulting in 2 non-lethal acts Monroe, Louisiana —1 incident resulting in 1 non-lethal act Nashville, Tennessee —1 incident resulting in 1 non-lethal act
New York, New York —5 separate incidents resulting in 2 deaths and 5 non-lethal acts North Little Rock, Arkansas —1 incident resulting in 1 death Panama City, Florida —3 separate incidents resulting in 1 death and 2 non-lethal acts Peoria, Illinois —1 incident resulting in 1 non-lethal act Pompano Beach, Florida —4 separate incidents resulting in 4 non-lethal acts Pontiac, Michigan —2 separate incidents resulting in 2 deaths Portland, Oregon —5 separate incidents resulting in 5 non-lethal acts Richmond, California —3 separate incidents resulting in 2 deaths and 1 non-lethal act Riverside, California —1 incident resulting in 1 non-lethal act Rockford, Illinois —1 incident resulting in 2 non-lethal acts Sacramento, California —1 incident resulting in 2 non-lethal acts San Antonio, Texas —1 incident resulting in 1 death
(Continued on pg 10)
Hate, violence, and death on main street usa 2008 (Continued from pg 7)
are more vulnerable than housed individuals. In addition, the perpetrators’ characteristics, motive, and weaponry are very similar to perpetrators who commit hate crimes against all other hate crime victim groups. Whether or not the crime was committed out of bias or hatred for the homeless, the fact remains that our homeless neighbors fall victim to an alarming number of attacks each year. These brutal attacks happened all across the United States; some states accumulated far more attacks than others: • Florida had the most attacks committed- 30 • California also had a high number of attacks- 22 Sean Cononie, a National Advocate and an expert on attacks to the homeless, stated, “When you look at the number of homeless individuals in California compared to Florida it is actually a horrifying picture for Florida. Considering California has way more homeless than Florida by tens of thousands of people, you kind of have to ask, “Why Florida?” Cononie, added, “Florida seems to elect politicians that make laws that target homeless people and to open up a homeless shelter in Florida it takes an act of God.” He pointed out it was a five year fight for his shelter to be allowed to stay open in which a judge gave him a verdict to stay open when city officials tried to close his shelter down. Many Florida cities try to make laws that stop good Americans from feeding the poor and homeless people in public areas. Cononie strongly suggested that when kids hear a leader of a community say it is against the law to feed the homeless then we need to face the fact
that kids will eventually feel that the homeless are really not human or they are at the bottom of the list of living creatures such as roaches and the need to rid them from our community is simply Ok, after all, who is really going to care if the Mayor says don’t feed them. With this growing problem becoming more and more apparent in communities around the country, some states, cities, and advocacy groups are doing something positive to address the issue. Here are a few things that are being done to combat the violence : • California passed a law in 2004 mandating police officer training on hate crimes against homeless persons, particularly those with disabilities. • Maine passed a law in 2006 that allows judges to take into consideration a victim’s homeless status when considering sentencing for the offender. This was the first state to give homeless people any protection under hate crimes laws. • A statewide public education project in Florida to educate people about homelessness was initiated in 2007 by the National Coalition for the Homeless in conjunction with AmeriCorps*VISTA Volunteers. This project has now expanded to Georgia and South Carolina. • The Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust has created a curriculum/video about homelessness that is shown in schools throughout the county to give young people a greater understanding of homelessness. • Puerto Rico, in 2007, passed a law to create a council that would address the discrimination of homeless individuals and strive to restore basic human rights
and needs to the homeless population. also introduced in this session of Con• Alaska added homeless status to a law gress in the U.S. House of Representacreating more protection for vulnerable tive Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX). The bill populations seeks to provide support to victims of Seattle amended the city’s malicious hahate crimes, including housing assistance rassment statute to criminalize particular for homeless individuals. acts, including malicious and intentional • Bills to add homeless persons as a proinjury or threats against a person, or detected class to state hate crime statutes are struction of or damage to the person’s currently being considered in California, property, because of the perception that Florida, and South Carolina. the person is homeless Even though the trend of violence • Los Angeles passed a resolution requiragainst homeless persons has risen over ing homelessness awareness to be taught the past decade, there are steps that we at the high school level, trainings for pocan take to put an end to this terrible lice officers dealing with possible hate trend. Advocates, service providers, policrimes against the homeless, and tracking cymakers, and members of the public can of hate crimes committed against hometake a stand by: less individuals. • Supporting bills, such as H.R. 3419 • Maryland became the first state to nonand H.R. 262. discretionally add homeless persons to the • Supporting state legislative efforts to existing hate crime law. add homeless persons • Cleveland, OH passed as a protected class to ...Florida cities an ordinance dictating state hate crime statutes. that repercussions for try to make laws • Initiating police train“intimidating” or harassings to help law enforcethat stop good ing a homeless person ment officers better undue to their status would Americans from derstand homelessness be more severe. feeding the poor in general and how to • Washington, DC City prevent and manage hate and homeless... crime against homeless Council approved a bill adding homeless people persons. to its hate crimes law. It • Engaging in public was signed into law by the Mayor on Aueducation initiatives in schools to educate gust 6, 2009. In addition, several legislayoung people about homelessness and to tive initiatives are currently underway to humanize homeless neighbors. address this growing problem. • Advocating against city measures that • A bill (H.R. 3419) was introduced on criminalize homelessness and for more July 30, 2009 in this session of Congress constructive approaches to homelessin the U.S. House of Representatives by ness. U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice John• Advocating for more affordable housson (D-TX) and 13 other co-sponsors ing and permanent supportive housing to which seeks to amend the Hate Crimes bring an end to homelessness for those Statistics Act to include crimes against homeless members of our communities. the homeless. -NCH • A bill, David Ray Ritcheson Hate Crimes Prevention Act (H.R. 262) was
Emergency Funding: please send in your checks of $25.00 to COSAC HOMELESS ASSISTANCE CENTER, INC, P.O. Box 292-577 Davie Florida, 33329
Volume XI, Issue 7
Page 9
National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week (Continued from pg 4)
less shelters, and soup kitchens. •Think Globally, Act Locally- Washington, D.C. isn’t the only place that lobbying is possible! Gather a group of students and homeless/formerly homeless individuals and visit your city hall, county commission, state legislature and/or a local office of your Congressional representative or Senator. Focus on educating your audience on homelessness issues and what ideas you have to better the situation. Lobbying doesn’t have to have a negative connotation, think about what you are doing as merely an educational, hopeful conversation. All of these ideas leave plenty of room for ingenuity. Take one of these ideas and change it as you see fit, or combine components of multiple ideas, such as: •Organize a carnival: charge a couple of dollars for admission and/or collect canned foods as admission. Have local businesses donate food, drinks, and other goods or services. Charge very little for each, and donate all proceeds from the event to a local shelter. Have homeless or formerly homeless people attend and speak briefly. Have local bands perform. Have a booth to write letters to Congressional representatives.
On any given day 200,000 children are homeless A truly successful Awareness Week will inspire people to become further involved with the issues of hunger and homelessness. At the end of this packet is a list of advocacy groups with whom people could work to continue their involvement. These organizations, along with other, local, ideas of how people can become more involved with this issue on a more regular basis, should be advertised throughout your Awareness Week events.
Florida Attacks and Murders
(Continued from pg 6)
Pompano Beach, Florida bruises”. Reflecting on the devastating Homeless Veteran Robbed and Beatevents the homeless veteran had said, “I en constantly look over my back now, when October 2: Richard Denise, 64, parapleI got back from Vietnam, I never thought gic was found pleading for help after reI’d have to look behind my back again.” ceiving a beating with a board and havMiami, Florida ing $94 and his wheelchair stolen from Two Homeless Men Shot with a BB him. His attacker, a man known to the the Gun owner of a local medical supplies comJune 11: John Rains, 51, and Willie pany. Thomas, 48, two homeless men living in Pompano Beach, Florida Miami, Florida, were shot early on June Homeless Man Harassed by Teens 11th. Thomas was sleeping underneath Oct/Nov: Timothy Creswell, 46, was Interstate 95 when he was shot with a BB awakened one night by 3 teenagers kickgun, and Rains was riding by on his bike ing him. He attempted to flag down a when he felt the shot and he saw a silver passing BSO deputy, but was unable to pickup truck drive by. Thomas and Rains gain the deputy’s attention. He was picked were taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital up by an ambulance and transported to a and were released. hospital where he was treated for a broPanama City, Florida ken leg Homeless Man Arrested and Beaten St. Petersburg, Florida by Police Officers for Simply ‘Looking Homeless Vietnam Veteran is Brutally Homeless’ Attacked August 3: A homeless man, John Paul December 21: A disabled homeless Kimbro, 37, was falsely arrested by Vietnam Veteran was beaten alongside Panama City Beach Police officers on his homeless son after attending the secthe night of August 3rd. The officers apond annual Homeless Persons’ Memorial proached Kimbro because he looked like Day vigil. William ‘a transient’ and then Shumate, a menasked him to show “I constantly look tor to his homeless his ID. Kimbro was over my back now, peers in St. Peterswithin his legal rights burg, was sleeping when I got back from when he refused to at city hall after the do so, yet the offiVietnam, I never night’s memorial. An cers arrested him and thought I’d have to estimated nine teentook him back to their look behind my back headquarters. Video agers demanded that Shumate turn over surveillance tapes again.” his son’s bike as well show that the officers as his own. Shumate placed Kimbro into a refused. Subsequently the teenage group headlock, slammed him into a wall and started beating him on the spot. Shumate punched him violently. When Kimbro was was struck in the face and was unable taken to the county jail, he was pepperto recover. Homeless Peoples Network sprayed for refusing to cooperate again. reported, “By the end of the encounter, Sgt. Jimmy Warr was suspended for 5 days in which the teens called the two men and then resigned for his involvement (Shumate and his son) ‘homeless scum,’ in the incident. Two other officers are Shumate had suffered a minor concuscurrently under investigation. sion, broken nose, black eye, damaged -NCH ear drum and numerous scratches and
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Lets light a homeless person on fire, hey are we a terrorist ? March 23: Bartlett, tenfilled bottle in a panic, but one of the nessee. Two homeless homeless men said Eggleston threw it men were the victims of at his friend, 37-year-oldJohn Martin, an attack on Easter Sunbefore running away. day in Bartlett, TennesMartin sstained second- and thirdsee. Brenner Holloman, degree burns on his head, neck, shoulders, hands and left leg. The second Zachary Parrish one of the victims, was unhurt from the attack but witnessed homeless man was not injured. everything. The attackers, adult males “The victim said ‘I’m on fire’ and ages 19-22, used molotov cocktails, a started rolling on the ground,” said homemade concoction that consists of state prosecutor Betsy Carnesale, a bottle filled with gasoline and set on adding that any of the five defenfire. Holloman claimed the flames only dants could have stopped the attack made the attackers laugh harder, and or called for help. “There’s no pain “they thought it was funny all right, like a burn. How can a human be so they absolutely did.” cruel to another person? The men Holloman now says he said they heard laughing after he was can hardly recognize his set on fire.”Parrish pleaded guilty to friend, Jeffery Martin, 37. attempted aggravated arson and ag“It made me ill, he reports. gravated assault. Eggleston pleaded “I just saw him yesterday, guilty to attempted aggravated arson. his head ballooned out to there…his scalp was Two other defendants -- Andrew John Eggleston taken off, his right hand Hicks and Wesley Ray, both 20 -is completely bandaged up…” Martin pleaded guilty to facilitation to comreports that it mit attempted “was the worst aggravated There’s no pain like a burn. pain I’ve ever arson. been in, in my Hicks, the life.” Martin How can a human be so group’s getsustained secaway driver ond and third who waited cruel to another person? degree burns in his truck, to his head, was senneck, ears, tenced to shoulders and three years’ probation. hands. Police found the attackers to be Ray, who got out of the truck, but did 20 year-old Michael Grace, 19 year-old not follow Parrish and Eggleston, was Andrew Colin Hicks, 22 year-old John placed on diversion, which means his Tyler Eggleston, 19 year-old Wesley conviction can be erased with three Ray, and 19 year-old Zach Addison years of good behavior. Parrish. All five have been charged Skahan ordered both men to serve with attempted Aggravated Arson, and 50 hours of community service at a Parrish was charged with the additional attempted Second Degree Murder, as homeless shelter. police suspect he threw the flaming botThe case against a fifth defendant, tle at the victims. Eggleston and Grace Michael Grace, 21, is still pending. pleaded not guilty to the charges and -- Lawrence Buser waived their preliminary hearing.
Update to the above story:
Two get 8 years in attack on homeless man in Bartlett
This Attack Proves It Is Ok to Hurt or Kill A Vagrant
Others get light sentence for firebombing Two men went to prison and two others went home Tuesday in the aftermath of a firebombing attack last year on a homeless man in Bartlett. After a nearly three-hour hearing in Criminal Court Tuesday, Judge Paula Skahan denied probation for Zachary Parrish, 20, and John Tyler Eggleston, 23, and ordered them to begin serving eight-year prison sentences.Both men carried Molotov cocktails -- gasolinefilled beer bottles with homemade wicks -- in the early-morning hours of March 23 last year as they approached the campsite of two homeless men in a wooded area near the 8300 block of Stage Road. They said the plan was to set fire to the men’s tent in retaliation for one of the homeless men accosting a member of their group a month earlier at the nearby Lowe’s store. “One of them grabbed me and I hit him with the bottle,” Parrish testified. “He caught on fire. All I could see was flames. I feel horrible. I can’t stop thinking about it.” Eggleston said he dropped his gas-
February 14: Frederick, Maryland. William Sigler, 49, a repeat offender of assault, drug possession, reckless endangerment, sexual assault, and battery, was found guilty of the fatal attack of Samuel Webster Hood Jr., 57, a homeless man living in Frederick. Police were called to respond to an unconscious Hood with his skull cracked open from the attack. Authorities report evidence of strangulation and severe trauma to the head and neck from repeated assault. A witness reportedly saw Sigler standing over Hood shouting to call 911, but said Sigler left before authorities arrived. Evidence found at the scene showed blood marks on the wall of the alley as well as on a windowsill. Police were led to Sigler’s apartment, where a search produced blood spattered sneakers, blue jeans, and a hat. In December, pleading guilty to seconddegree murder, Sigler was sentenced by County Circuit Court Judge G. Edward Dwyer Jr. to 30 to 50 years in the Maryland Division of Corrections. The Frederick News-Post reported, “It was the maximum sentence Dwyer could hand down.” After trial, there remains to be no motive for the crime. When Sigler was told that the victim was Sammy Hood, he said, “Oh him, he’s just a beggar, a vagrant.” -HV Staff
The Voice of the Homeless
Page 10
CITIES WHERE HATE CRIMES/ VIOLENCE OCCURRED IN 2008: (Continued from pg 8)
San Pablo, California —1 incident resulting in 1 death Scranton, Pennsylvania —1 incident resulting in 2 non-lethal acts South Bend, Indiana —1 incident resulting in 1 non-lethal act St. Augustine, Florida —1 incident resulting in 3 non-lethal acts St. Louis, Missouri —1 incident resulting in 1 death St. Petersburg, Florida —2 separate incidents resulting in 4 non-lethal acts Tucson, Arizona —1 incident resulting in 1 death Waltham, Massachusetts —1 incident resulting in 1 non-lethal act Washington, District of Columbia —3 separate incidents resulting in 1 death and 2 non-lethal acts West Palm Beach, Florida —2 incidents resulting in 2 deaths Wilmington, Delaware —1 incident resulting in 1 non-lethal act -NCH
Street paper is good news for Nashville’s homeless Hawking a monthly newspaper written by Nashville’s homeless and formerly homeless may seem to offer an unlikely path to stability, especially at a time when media companies across the U.S. are suffering. But for Jerry Andreasen, and his wife, Karren, both 65, selling copies of The Contributor at $1 a copy has helped them move from a tent by the river to renting a $100-a-week room in a North Nashville house. A carpenter and handyman, Jerry Andreasen had lost everything after he had a heart attack. “You don’t start out with no mansion,” he said, as he walked around the couple’s shared room jammed with newly acquired tools, many donated. “This here tickles us to death.” The couple is part of a national movement Some Homeless Voice vendors outside the Hollywood shelter. that is changing the discussion about street people by making them micro-businessmen said. public housing youth, and a review of the Toand putting a personal face on poverty. They decided to buy a tent and now sleep mato Art Festival in East Nashville. There’s Andy Freeze, executive director of the North in an isolated, wooded area so they can save even a locally written “Hoboscope” column American Street Newspaper Association, said for an apartment. that offers amateur astrology readings. circulation is rising among the papers. There Tuesday afternoon, office worker Chantay Tom Turner, president and CEO of the are about 25 street newspapers in 10 cities in Shye threw her arms around vendor Debbie Nashville Downtown Partnership, a businessthe U.S. and Canada. Overstreet outside the Arcade and gave her oriented group that wants to keep aggressive In its first two months of publication in 2007, $3. She said she worries when she doesn’t panhandlers and drunks away from the area, Nashville’s Contributor sold about 600 copsee Overstreet selling the paper. said he appreciates what The Contributor is ies. By August of this year, 4,500 had been “Some of them are some good people,” doing for the homeless population. distributed, and sales Shye said, grinning at Overstreet. “I don’t “If you have a group have been brisk enough know how it feels to be homeless. I don’t of courteous people “This is like the first that the 6,000-copy want to know. I help people when I can.” trying to better their opportunity the run of its September Overstreet, 49, smiling but with a serious position, I think it’s homeless have had for an issue could sell out. look in her eyes, called out as people passed: good for them and Nashville’s paper this “September edition is out. Want to buy a pagood for the comincome that’s really summer won an award per to help the homeless and formerly homemunity,” Turner said. worked out.” for a piece by Michael less?” “For a lot of people, “Pontiac” Cooke about “I’m almost at the same level,” one middlequality of life can making the transition from a tent city to a subage man said with a nod as he passed. start with a job. Anything that provides a part sidized apartment. “Have a blessed day,” she said. of the solution is a step in the right direcTaking positive steps Overstreet, looking like somebody’s big tion.” Vendors must sign a code of conduct that resister with blond ponytail and clean white ‘Like my own business’ quires sobriety while working, respect toward tennis shoes, said she was disabled in a car Leaving Downtown Presbyterian Church all, staying off private property and wearing wreck. When her husband divorced her and last week, Tony Angello looked like a tourist, an identification badge. didn’t pay alimony, she lost everything. with sunglasses perched atop his bald head, The articles and photographs give a window She has managed to get into federally subtidy jeans and a bright Hawaiian shirt. But the into the lives of some of the sellers and others sidized housing, but needs money from pastack of newspapers under his arm told a diflike them. per sales for basic things such as toiletries, ferent story. He and his wife, Quita Thornton, Pieces in recent Contributor issues looked at telephone service and washing clothes. were on their way to sell The Contributor. personal stories of addiction and redemption, “This is like my own business,” she said. Until two weeks ago, the couple were spendthe difficulty of trying to get by on minimum “This is like the first opportunity the homeing $40 to $50 a night on motel rooms. wage, why some people hate the homeless, less have had for an income that’s really “It was important we make those (newspaurban gardens, a bicycle repair workshop for worked out.” - By ANNE PAINE per) sales or we slept in the street,” Angello
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Volume XI, Issue 7
Page 11
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