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Volume XII, Issue 5

Former street vendor Billy Robb reads the EKG results

Ten tips for smart back-to-school shopping GreatSchools Staff Start your back-to-school shopping with a game plan. Even if your child’s teacher hasn’t provided a list of school supplies, you can’t go wrong by sticking with the basics and taking advantage of back-toschool sales (many states offer “tax-free days” during this season). Here’s how: Make a list and get your child involved.

Use the recommended or required supplies from your child’s school or teacher as a starting point. If you don’t have a list yet, check with parents at your school who have older kids. They might have good advice about what is required in your child’s grade. Or check our recommendations for elementary, middle, and high school. Sit down with your child and go over your list together. You’ll be teaching her how to get organized, a skill that applies to more than shopping.

Separate wants from needs.

(Continued on pg 5)

Life’s a beach for some homeless in Hawaii

Cosac expands EKG Written by Sean A. Cononie for medical testing and their follow up here are several different kinds of care. When it comes to the homeless patients. One, who has every posmany of them are not only mentally ill, sible medical test many do not have the there is and won’t we see a person who is in desperate need means to follow up hesitate to go to the of medical services but will not go to the on their care because doctors. Then there of life on the streets. hospital no matter what is the person who In some cases, some does not want to go to of them are just a little slow, not all of the doctor because they just don’t want us our perfect are we? to know the results. Then there is the Many homeless use emergency rooms patient who just does not understand for treatment and as we all know you the whole medical process and the need do not get great follow up care unless

T

it is absolutely an emergency meaning that there is a good chance if that person leaves they may get very sick or die. Then of course there are those no matter what, they do not want to go to an emergency room for several reasons. Sometimes here at the shelter we see a person who is in desperate need of medical services but will not go to the hospital no matter what. When this happens you need to figure out a way to get them seen and seen fast.

Then there are those who can’t get in

(Continued on pg 7)

Alexandra Pelosi tells untold story of homelessness in ‘Motel Kids of Orange County’ on HBO

* Dvora * Ed Giampietro * Kristian Perez * Tommy & Joe * Geralyn * Little Ryan * Earnest Bowens & Family * Ed & Ruth * Rudy * Lisa * John McLean * Darren * Jan Cerrito * Rev. Patrick O’Shen * Angela Forrest & Family * Angelo * Maria Dragon * Blanch Lake * Dave Nerau * Megan

of those people don’t make enough money to put a roof over their head. Home“Homeless: The Motel Kids of Orange less isn’t what you thought it would be.

County,” Monday night at 9 on HBO Homeless is changing. It’s not the drugMost folks don’t think they see homeaddicted, mentally less people. challenged hobo askThey do, every day, Homeless is changing... ing for change. It’s a says Alexandra Peit’s a 6-year-old girl living 6-year-old girl living losi, whose latest film, in a hotel. in a hotel.”

“Homeless: The MoIt’s those younger homeless people she tel Kids of Orange County,” airs Monday focuses on in the film. Pelosi went to Ornight at 9 on HBO. ange County, Calif., an area known for “When you go to Wal-Mart, McDonald’s or Disneyland,” Pelosi says, “a lot high dollar homes and a lifestyle glorified

BY Richard Huff

By MARK NIESSE

E

very morning, Tony Williams wakes to the sound of waves crashing on Hawaii’s famed Waikiki beaches and has a spectacular view of the Pacific. But he’s not paying a cent for his priceless vista.

Williams is among the growing number of homeless on Oahu taking advantage of inviting beaches and support services in the islands, where they never have to worry about freezing.

But homeless encampments on the beach could damage tourism, officials fear, and they are currently weighing several proposals that they say would help the homeless, while also moving them from public view.

The proposals include offering plane tickets to the mainland, creating a home-

(Continued on pg 6)

SHARON CLEANING DUSTING, MOPPING, VACUUMING, BATHROOMS, BEDROOMS, KITCHENS, CLOSETS, AND MORE!

(Continued on pg 4)

How many paychecks are you away from becoming homeless?

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The Voice of the Homeless

Page 2

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Mail check to: COSAC Foundation P.O. Box 292-577 Davie, FL 33329

1st Continental Mortgage Adam Staler Addias Eugene Adriana Fernandez Adriana N. Quila† Adrienne and Mike Al & Barbara Liebmann Al and Annie Albert J. Hamilton Ph D Albert J. Taragowski Alfred C. Scuderi Jr. Alice Ford and Melvin MawHinney Allen Yancy Amanda Reynolds Amber Rowan American Express

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Daughter Melissa Lurz In Memory of Mertedes De Pinto In Loving Memory of Peter 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 Wesley H. Woodall† In Memory of William F. Judge Intercontinental Management Consulting Group, Inc. Isabelle J. Henry Ivonne Fernandez J. Coffee Jackie Johnson Jacqueline M. McCarty Jacqueline McCarty James & K. Heather Molans James Black James D. Potter JR Jamie F. Flores Janet Campbell Janho Group, Inc DBA

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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 Dena Harrison 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 Eduardo Hernandez Elaine Snaith Elizabeth Hunsberger Elizabeth Marsh 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. Ferguson Family Floyd and Luana Coats Freddy Alvarado Fred S Kolm & Rena Duncan Fred T Verny†† JR†††† Gabrielle Ello Gail Boyke G.R. and J.D. Falbey G.S. Lybrand George & Carmen Gulisano Giankarlo Squicemari Gladstone Beckford Gladys Gonzalez Glenda Sainsbury God Bless Florence Menard Gordon Whitehead Gottlieb & Blair Family Grace Marth Graham R. Mitchell Guillermo D Galindo Gustavo Cabezas 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 Christina A. Tegerides In Loving Memory of Florence & Nat Popkin In Loving Memory of

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Please include on memo what name should appear in paper.

Joseph Soares Joseph Yagbes Josh Searles Joyce Abrams Lybrand & G.S Lybrand Joyce Johnstone Juan and Antonieta Bofill Juan Galindo Judith Kelly Judith Temple Judith Vidal Judy B. Pascarella Juliet Iler Julio A. Izquierdo Julio Fernandez June Jones Justin Rowan K.J. Williams Karen and Kari Kellerman 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 Linda Evans Lisa Cebrat Lisa Jackson Lisbeth Araujo Lord of the Harvest

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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 Grad 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 Papadopoulos Family Trust Patricia and Shurland George Patricia Lee Russ† Paula King Philip Oviasogie Purification Oviasogie Philip S. Lafresnaye & Janet Lafresnaye Phyllis R. Bebko Pioneer Middle School Youth Pinto PJ Carter Polly Zaldivar Proietto Family Rafa Advertising Corp Raine Dyer Rainer Hansen Ramonita Rodriguez Lopez Raul Cardenas MD PA Raymund Joseph Real Breakthrough Solutions Regla J Ferrer Renato & Malika Vasconez Rhenals-Mei Family Richard & Margaret Martin Richard E. Rehrer & Doris Rehrer 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 Robert W. Sitton Roger and Veronica Valencillos Ronald & Cathy Walker Ronald Prescia Ronald Shafer Rosemary & Mark Zenobia Roxane Kesselhon Roxanne S. Cobuzio R.N. Roy T. Bruno, Jr. Rufino and Germania Garcia Russell J. Ferguson Ruth Faison Ruth C Grey S. & Georgia Gaynor Sabrina Thorton, Former Ms. Ft. Lauderdale Saks Jewelry Designer Sally Lister Salvador Melendez &

Wilma J. Melendez Samual Manery Samuel R Halpern PA Sandra K Stevens Sandra L. Wilhelm Sarah R Currin Savoia Sweig Scott Aguiar Sebastian Parks Sergio Cobo Sheila Holder Sheldon Jones Sherline Cyriaque Shirley Ullman Southern Financial Title Services Inc. Steinhardt Family Steve Dillan Steve Goolsby Surfiní Seniors Inc Susan Chisefsky Susan C Humeston Susan Pasqualino Susan P Brady Suzanne Matsurra Suzette M. Rodriguez 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 Triana M. Resto & Frank Gomez Una Gota De Vida, Inc Uylna Quadrino Vance Gunn Victoria J. Arasim Virginia H. Bailey Wendy Bryan Wynona A Thompson Yorick and Bonita † Yvonne Fischer Zlata and Alfredo Jr Salazar

In Loving Memory of Angela J. Fante “Mimi” June 4, 1917 June 12, 2010

Volume XII, Issue 5

Page 3

Our Homeless Voice readers: THANK YOU AGAIN LORD FOR SUCH A WEAK FLU!

W

vendors. None of the money that is made in e are doing a massive monththe streets goes to any staff member or for an ly partner campaign. It is so administrative cost such as insurance, emvitally important for us to secure as ployee benefits, or payroll taxes. Money that many monthly members as we can. is used to pay for staff or for other administraAs you know the streets are getting tive cost comes from us creating income on harder for us to do. However, it is our low income but affordable housing for not as bad as we thought it would poor people. Also administrative costs also be. Some cities have made it against come from the money the hospitals pay us to the law to sell the paper in their city house complex cases for their homeless populimits and some of the cities that we lation. When we house one of their clients it thought we would be in court with saves them and tax payers hundreds of thoudid not change the law. So with some sands of taxes that we would all have to pay. bad news we got some good news.

So when we buy a new file cabinet in the ofHaving monthly supporters helps fice or a lap top the money comes from themus keep our budget in control bemoney the staff receives, not from those buckcause we have a greater understandets in the streets or when the checks come in ing of what is coming our way as far from our monthly partners. as donations. There is another good We are asking for all our supporters to try reason for the monthly supporters, it to get as many people as they can to come is because of me. I must admit I am and visit us at the shelter to see where all the really tired. It has still been seven money goes. We are asking for our supportdays a week almost 18 to 20 hours a ers to also send in a check per month so we day nonstop for too, too many years. have a better understanding of what we can I need a break. It is just nonstop day do to make us bigger and after day and better so we can continue It is not so much the size there is so much help those who are more we have of the donation but the to forgotten about. Every to do to make number of people who amount helps. us even bigger Last month we sold than we are now donate to us. over 125,000 newsso we can help papers and cards in the streets.

That meant with the so many new faces of homethat over 125,000 people put in money in to less people coming our way daily. those buckets.

If we would have just half that These are the “first timers.” These amount sent in at $2.00 per month that would are the people that for the first time mean that I would know that we can expect to in their life became homeless due to receive about $125,000 in checks per month. loss of job or loss of home due to a This means we can expand and keep on growforeclosure. ing so this place is here when I am dead and It is so important to help these peoburied. This place needs to be here for the ple and to never say we don’t have many years to come. Not only we can expand, a bed for you. If we have to turn a but I will get some well deserved rest. Come “first timer” away there is a chance by and visit me and visit this place. I am here that person may become a long term usually 27 days a month 24 hours a day unless homeless person. So we must keep I am trying to lose some weight by walking on buying more property while it is outside or at the YMCA. I have been living cheap. This will allow us to almost here a very long time and I do want to get double our bed space. We are still in home more and more considering I only live a the process of remodeling the main few miles from the shelter. complex as well. With all this we have to raise more funds and try to COSAC HOMELESS get some idea of what we expect to ASSISTANCE CENTER get in donations in the future. HavP.O. Box 292 Davie, FL 33329 ing monthly partners really helps out more than what most people think. It is not so much the size of the donaHelping tion but the number of people who + = More donate to us.

People!

The money that is given to the vendors goes directly to the operational 1203 N. Federal Highway cost of the shelter and the homeless Hollywood, FL 33020 themselves, the vendors who sell the paper as their job. Exactly like the Setup networks of people to help out!

Sun-Sentinel and the Herald Street

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.

Members of the Florida based band Creed with Homeless Voice Staff Mark and Sara Targett

Homeless Voice Newspaper Staff Publisher

Editor in Chief

Executive Editor

Mark Targett

Sara Targett

Sean Cononie

Assistant Editor Lois Cross

Photos Christopher Bombery

Contributing Editors

Margo Poulson Jamie Kisner www.HomelessVoice.org/contact

COSAC’S CHURCH Come to the church that is a Church of Service and Charity Learn of Jesus & How to put God‛s words into action.

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Sunday 8:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Call 954-924-3571 1203 N. Federal Highway Hollywood, FL 33020 954-924-3571 x316 * Free Weddings * Free Memorial Services * Alternatives to Abortion * Healing Services

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

Page 4

7 Secrets to a Happy Retirement

(Continued from pg 1)

By Sydney Lagier

Some folks transition seamlessly into a happy retirement and get right to the business of enjoying their new lives. But other people have a tougher time entering the retirement years. Some of these folks may wonder whether they are really cut out for retirement at all. Here are seven traits happy retirees share.

Good health. Enjoying good health is the single most important factor impacting retiree happiness, according to a 2009 Watson Wyatt analysis.

Retirees in poor health are nearly 50 percent less likely to report being 70 who choose brain-stimulating hobbies happy, trumping all other factors inover TV watching are two and a half times cluding money and age. less likely to suffer the effects of Alzheimer’s A significant other. The same disease, according to Richard Stim and Ralph study found that married or cohabitWarner’s book Retire Happy: What You Can ing couples are more likely than sinDo Now to Guarantee a Great Retirement. gles to be happy in retirement. The Not only will shunning TV make you happier, news gets even better for couples it will make you healthier. Good health will enjoying retirement together. Retirin turn make you happier -- a not-so-vicious ees whose partners are also retired cycle. report being happier than those with They aren’t addicted to achievement. The a working partner, according to remore you are defined by your job, the harder search conducted earlier this year at it will be to adjust to life without it. Accordthe University of ing to Robert DelamonGreenwich.

Enjoying good health is tagne’s book The Retiring A social netMind: How to Make the work. The Green- the single most important Transition wich study also factor impacting retiree Psychological to Retirement, achievefound that havhappiness ment addicts have the most ing friends was difficulty transitioning to far more imporretirement. tant to retirement bliss than having Enough money. Of course you’ll need kids. Those who have strong social enough money to support your chosen lifenetworks are 30 percent happier style in retirement. But beyond that, more with their lives than those without money will not make you happier. The Wata strong network of friends. Having son Wyatt survey found that the absolute kids or grandkids had no impact on a amount of money you have for retirement is retiree’s level of contentment. less important than how your retirement inThey are not addicted to televicome compares to your income before retiresion. After you retire you will have ment. If you have enough to continue your lots of time to fill. If you want to be pre-retirement lifestyle, you have enough. happy in retirement, don’t fill that If you don’t have the traits necessary for a time with endless hours of televihappy retirement, don’t despair. There’s good sion. Heavy TV viewers report lower news for you, too. Consider a retirement that satisfaction with their lives, accordincludes a little work. Researchers at the Uniing to a 2005 study published by the versity of Maryland found that retirees who Institute for Empirical Research in go back to work either full or part-time are Economics in Zurich. The same rehealthier. The benefits don’t depend on how sults were found again in 2008 by remany hours you work. Even temporary work searchers at the University of Maryhas the same positive impact on health. If you land. In that study, a direct negative can’t find a paying job, don’t worry. A growcorrelation was found between the ing body of research shows that retirees who amount of TV watching and happivolunteer reap the same benefits of health, ness levels: unhappy people watched happiness, and longevity. And since a happy more TV and happy people watched retirement is a healthy retirement, you’ll be less. set up to enjoy both.

Intellectual curiosity. Adults over

With school starting earlier, is summer lost?

hate the Georgia school schedule,” said Chris Murphy of southeast Atlanta, whose two Two of the most beautiful words in daughters go back to school Aug. 9. “It’s hot the English language must be “sumoutside! I’m just glad I’m not a teacher.” mer vacation,” a phrase with a promA native of Binghamton, N.Y., Murphy spent ise as open and infinite as an August his childhood summers canoeing and fishing. sky.

School didn’t start until after Labor Day. But in this age of dwindling horiMany schools in the Northeast and West zons, summer, along with everything Coast still hew to that calendar, which makes else, seems to be shrinking. it “unfathomable” to Murphy that so many Over the past two decades, many Georgians spend one of the hottest Georgia schools have beshorter summers months inside the classroom. gun opening their doors and vacation weeks earlier in August, despite scattered through the Most Georgia schools operate on a 180-day calendar; many of those efforts by some legislaschool year starting earlier also get out earlier. tors and parents to reSome, including Cobb schools, have adopted verse the trend. So while the weather a “balanced” calendar, with shorter summers may suggest it’s time for a lazy day and vacation weeks scattered through the in the hammock, the school calendar school year. says it’s almost time to shine those Cobb school board members voted for a balshoes. anced calendar last fall, trimming two weeks Some folks, tired of children underoff summer vacation and enraging a vocal foot, are singing hallelujah. Others group of parents.

(Teacher furloughs have are steamed.

Bo Emerson and Helena Oliviero

“As an unreconstructed Yankee, I

Alexandra Pelosi tells untold story of homelessness in ‘Motel Kids of Orange County’ on HBO

(Continued on pg 10)

on Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Orange County,” to see how the other half lives.

There she spent a summer with kids living in motels within walking distance of Disneyland.

“I was surprised and how unapologetic and sincere they were,” she says. “They weren’t bitter; they weren’t unhappy.”

Yet, the stuff that comes out of the mouths Eventually, her kids had a meltof the kids is likely to make viewers feel both down and her husband headed to emotions, and more. Kids talk about having Northern California to visit her parlice, about bedbugs and violence. They go to ents. Her mother is House Speaker a special one-room school for kids like them.

Nancy Pelosi.

At one point, Pelosi asks the kids what their “They knew there was something future holds. different about the kids,” she says.

The answers are heartbreaking.

“They would say, ‘Mommy, how “I think this happens come the all across America,” Homeless isn’t what you thought it kids don’t she says. “This movie a v e would be. Homeless is changing. hshoes?’” could have been made in any other place in Families America. You don’t see it on TV. You don’t cramped into small rooms and a lifesee the working poor on TV. It’s not sexy. It style that would make most cringe doesn’t sell. They like to see ‘The O.C.’ and is a tough sell for TV. Pelosi has no the ‘Real Housewives.’” illusions about the ratings pull of Ironically, Pelosi recalls a day during the shows like “Homeless: The Motel filming when one of the families was watchKids of Orange County.” That’s not ing a marathon of “Royal Pains,” a series set why she makes the films, she says. in the Hamptons.

“I sincerely care about the people “The kids, they’re resilient,” Pelosi says.

I make movies about,” she says. “I Homelessness “is what they know. They don’t know people would rather watch know what it’s like to live in the Hamptons.”

‘The Real Housewives of Orange Pelosi and her husband live in New York and County’ than the homeless kids of have two children, who stayed with her part Orange County. But this is what I of the time in the homeless hotel. Most nights care about.” during the filming they ate at soup kitchens like those she was shooting.

College Students Hide Hunger, Homelessness

By Gloria Hillard

For many college students and their families, rising tuition costs and a tough economy are presenting new challenges as college bills come in.

This has led to a little-known but growing population of financially stressed students, who are facing hunger and sometimes even homelessness.

UCLA has created an Economic Crisis Response Team to try to identify financially strapped students and help keep them in school.

‘Some Sense Of Being Clean’ Diego Sepulveda, a 22-year-old political science major who transferred to UCLA from a community college last fall, is the first in his family to attend college.

“That’s why it’s so surreal for me to be here, and that’s why my parents are so proud,” he a job, homes being lost. says.

Antonio Sandoval, head of UCLA’s Sepulveda comes from a blue-collar, workCommunity Programs Office, says ing-class family and has always had a job — he doesn’t have the exact number of sometimes holding down two to help pay for students experiencing the day-to-day his education. hardship of food and shelter because “You’re always thinking, ‘How am I going they often keep it hidden. to pay for next quarter? How am I going to get “It’s very affluent here, it’s Westthrough the rest of the days here at UCLA?’ “ wood, Bel Air, Beverly Hills,” Sanhe says. doval says. “StuHis full-time Subway job “I would shower, and it dents who come wasn’t quite cutting it, and to UCLA want to then he lost that job. That’s would give me at least some fit the norm here, when he turned to the camsense of being clean,” so they’re not pus library and friends. going to tell you “I would sit at these tables and basically try they’re homeless, or they’re not goto do my work,” he says. ing to tell you they’re hungry.

Nearby sofas offered a few hours of sleep.

Just down the hall from Sandoval’s Sepulveda would rotate — a night at the lioffice is an unmarked door. Inside is brary, the next two nights on friends’ couches. a converted utility closet filled with His other part-time home was the Student Acfood. There’s a refrigerator stocked tivities Center, where there’s a pool, a locker with fruit cups, yogurt, juices and room and showers. milk. Next to the fridge is a pantry.

“I would shower, and it would give me at “It has a lot of soups and main least some sense of being clean,” he says. meals you can cook like macaroni ‘God Bless You All’ and cheese,” explains Abdallah The university first started hearing stories Jadallah, a 22-year-old engineering like Sepulveda’s in the fall of 2008 — a stustudent. dent who lost a job, or a family that used to be Jadallah says he got the idea for the middle class and now their parents don’t have

(Continued on pg 10)

Volume XII, Issue 5

Page 5

Ten tips for smart back-to-school shopping (Continued from pg 1)

Most school supplies don’t go out for supplies as you do your other errands. of style, and your child will happily Buy basics in bulk. use the unsharpened pencils his older You know you’ll need paper, pencils, glue sister didn’t use. But as any parent sticks and notebooks. Dollar stores, warehouse with last year’s superhero notebook stores and even eBay are sources for buying knows, beware the power of trends. these and other basics in bulk. You and a group Rather than getting into an argument of other parents might be able to negotiate a with your older child about whether group discount from an office supply store. a backpack with headphones is esThen set up a supply shelf or storage containsential because “everybody is getting er in your home that you can use all year long. one,” try setting a budget for supYou’ll be able to avoid late-night shopping plies. It will help your child set pritrips to buy notebook paper when you run out. orities, learn how to manage money, And you’ll know where to find unused noteand start saving his allowance for the books and pencils when it comes time to shop items your budget won’t allow. for back-to-school supplies next year.

A note from the teacher: You’ll be If you set up this storage area near the place doing your child’s teacher a favor if your child will do homework, you’ll be modyou stick eling good organito supplies try setting a budget for supplies. It will zational skills and without have what he help your child set priorities, learn how he’ll gimmicks. needs nearby.

P e n c i l to manage money, and start saving his Nikki Salvatico, sharpenP e n n s y l v a n i a ’s allowance for special items ers that 2005 Teacher of the light up are distractions in class, says Year and a GreatSchools consultant, advises Jane Ann Robertson, Arizona’s 2004 parents to send to school only what is needed.

Teacher of the Year and a GreatIf you buy four dozen pencils, send in three at Schools consultant. “Keep supplies a time. This will help your child manage her to the necessary and useful versus supplies and help the teacher who has scant fancy and fun.” storage space in the classroom.

Take inventory.

Get your kids into the recycling habit.

Sort through last year’s supplies to Now that environmentally friendly living see what is left over or can be reused. is a hot topic, it’s easier than it used to be to (Having trouble finding last year’s convince trend-savvy kids that reusing an item stuff? Resolve to set up a place to is cooler than buying a new one. Help them keep your school supplies together add pizzazz to last year’s plain notebook with this year.) stickers or photos. Set up a scrap paper bin so Start early and look for bargains that paper with writing on just one side can be throughout the summer. reused. Check out garage sales, which can be a The best bargains are often availsource of good-quality used items. able at back-to-school sales. Keeping Watch for promotions. your supply list in your car or purse Some discount office supply stores offer free or on your PDA will help you shop shipping on online orders. Local health depart-

ments in some areas offer free basic school supplies to parents who bring their children in for immunizations. Hang on to flyers and ads that advertise supplies at a particular price. If the store where you’re shopping charges more, ask the sales clerks to match its competitor.

Some stores that don’t offer price matching will still do it.

Figure out when quality counts.

Leaky pens will cost you more in ruined clothes than some more expensive varieties. In the event that a strap or zipper breaks, a backpack with a warranty might be a good investment, even if it costs more.

“When buying crayons, colored pencils, markers and water color paints, I would definitely stick to a name brand,” says Robertson.

“Name brands seem to last longer.”

Not every costly item will last as long as you’d like. Take calculators, for example. Math teachers advise that you not purchase one with more functions than your child will use so that she learns and uses those functions. But as she advances in math, your middle school or high school student will likely need to replace her scientific calculator with a graphing one, and (Continued on pg 8)

7 Jobs to Skip College For

By Susan Johnston

Ask most high school guidance counselors, and they’ll tell you a college degree is your key to a wellpaying job. But that’s not always the case. While lawyers, doctors, and many other professionals still require degrees, Al Lee, director of quantitative analysis at Payscale.com, helped us pinpoint several jobs that don’t.

But before you ditch your plans to attend a four-year college, note that these jobs do require specialized knowledge, obtained through either a vocational training program or an on-the-job education. (And many people in these occupations do have college degrees, so one certainly can’t hurt.)

There’s no high-paying job that doesn’t require a high-level skill,” says Lee. “You can learn it on the job, but you’re going to have to learn it.”

With the rising cost of college tuition, pursuing one of these career paths may make sense.

1. Freelance Photographer: $47,800 median salary Lee says that non-degree jobs tend to fall into one of two categories: technical or entrepreneurial. Being a freelance photographer requires a high degree of business savvy in addition to photography skills. Depending on the type of work you do, you might take product shots, family

portraits, corporate head shots, wedding pictures, or other images, and then touch up the pictures digitally and send them to clients for review.

2. Private Detective or Investigator: $50,600 median salary This is another career that requires a lot of personal initiative. Private detectives or investigators might testify at hearings, analyze data, search databases, or question suspects.

Knowledge of psychology and the law, critical-thinking skills, and the ability to listen and read body language are also useful.

3. Elevator Mechanic: $61,500 median salary “When [elevators] break, people are miserable,” Lee points out. He adds that the job often requires travel and working at odd hours (for instance, so you can fix an elevator before an office building opens)--which may pay more. Successful elevator mechanics generally have a knack for understanding complex mechanical systems, assembling and disassembling elevator parts, and following safety standards.

4. Nuclear Power Reactor Operator: $79,100 median salary Since nuclear power reactor operators work with highly sensitive equipment, they need an understanding of physics and engineering, as well as active learning and troubleshooting skills. The higher pay correlates to the highly specialized skill set required.

5. Personal Trainer: $37,500 median salary Knowledge of nutrition, anatomy, and first aid are helpful, so many personal trainers have a college degree or specialized certifica-

tion. Since an independent personal trainer’s income is tied to the number of clients he or she trains, time-management skills, physical stamina, and customer service skills are assets in this field.

6. Director of Security: $62,400 median salary Someone might start out as assistant to the director of security and work their way up.

Tasks might include analyzing security data, investigating security breaches, and supervising others. Lee says jobs like this are “not a bad track for someone who is more physical or manual, where it’s about on-the-job training and less about formal programs.”

7. Air Traffic Controller: $60,200 Although the job doesn’t require a college degree, the FAA screens prospective air traffic controllers with a pre-employment test and other requirements, so it’s a competitive field.

The job might entail monitoring aircraft, issuing take-off and landing instructions, and directing ground traffic.

Haiti’s homeless on the move again as hurricanes loom

Agence France-Presse PORT-AU-PRINCE – Julie, her face a grimace of anguish, waits with her five children for a ride to their next shelter, to where more than 1,000 homeless Haitians have been ordered to go as hurricane season ramps up.

They are packed and anxious and bound for Corail, a camp 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the capital on oven-hot scrubland that the United Nations has deemed safer than areas around Port-au-Prince, where hundreds of thousands of destitute refugees live in squalor six months after an earthquake ravaged the city.

The 58-year-old mother and her family have lived in wretched conditions in an impromptu shantytown on the side of a road since shortly after the earthquake rocked western Haiti, killing more than 250,000 people and injuring 300,000, leaving 1.5 million homeless and unleashing a trail of destruction.

Like thousands of others, Julie clings to the hope of soon finding more permanent housing. Today she has little idea of what awaits her at the end of her ride out of town.

“We were asked to leave the shelter where we had sought relief after the earthquake destroyed the house I had been renting,” she says.

“Now I don’t even know where I will put our things.”

Julie and her children are among 1,200 people who are being swiftly evacuated from makeshift camps that are prone to flooding and mudslides as the Atlantic and Caribbean hurricane season -- forecast by meteorologists this year to be more active than usual -- kicks into high gear.

They could be considered the luckier ones. Corail has sturdy fabric tents with waterproof tarpaulins, showers and potable water, and medical facilities.

Many other makeshift camps in impoverished Haiti are in dreadful shape, and hurricanes and tropical storms here can cause calamitous damage to them.

The UN has identified 130 tent cities at risk from rains and winds that could further worsen conditions for the most vulnerable internally displaced persons (IDPs), including at the Carrefour Fleuriot camp where some 200 homeless families live in sub-human circumstances.

“The living conditions are unbearable here,” explains Roxane, a young Frenchwoman who works with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the agency tasked with helping Haitians made homeless by the 7.0-magnitude quake.

“The water is unsafe. There are many health problems and many children are malnourished. It’s impossible for people to stay here.”

And many are not. As families pack up, Roxane oversees the rush.

“I’m careful that children are not separated from their parents, and that pregnant women and the disabled are the first to leave,” she says.

Having arrived in Haiti two weeks after the January 12 quake, the Paris native is committed to working with the downtrodden, but says she feels “frustration at seeing people living in such conditions.”

In the camp, volunteers help de(Continued on pg 9)

The Voice of the Homeless

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Life’s a beach for some homeless in Hawaii (Continued from pg 1)

less “tent city” on less visible state land and providing more affordable housing in Honolulu, where rents are among the nation’s highest.

“If you’re going to be homeless anywhere, it’s good to be here,” said Williams, a 35-year-old tattoo artist from Long Beach, Calif., as he hung his clothes to dry between two palm trees. “I’m dealing with the cards I got dealt. I don’t want to stay here forever.”

There were 4,171 homeless on the island of Oahu when a census was taken in January, according to the report released last month, an increase of 15 percent from the same time last year.

“They don’t seem to bother people, but it’s probably not the image Hawaii wants,” said Kathryn Novak, a tourist from Manchester, England, as she prepared to swim off Waikiki.

“You’d imagine they’d have their acknowledge, the scheme could also create own area, and not so much where the problems. tourists are.”

Hawaii’s homeless would become another The most contentious of the prostate’s problem. It might also provide an inposals would use state money to fly centive for more homeless to travel to Hawaii the homeless back to wherever they if they knew they’d get a free ride home. came from, as long as they have famThe idea is being scolded from afar. ily at the destination to take them in.

“It’s basically a calProponents say lous, ‘let’s turn our back the program “If you’re going to be homeless on the problem’ apwould cost far proach to expect other anywhere, it’s good to be here,” less money cities to pick up and asthan what is sume the responsibilispent on food stamps and welfare ties,” said John Fox, director of the Seattle payments.

Displacement Coalition. “In your community, They weigh a $300 one-way ticket you’re responsible and need to deal with the to the West Coast against what they problem.” say is a $35,000 per year cost for Help for the homeless shouldn’t end with each person with services. But, some

We love you too, Wayne Albert

various reasons and almost every hour Sean Cononie on the hour you would be able to see ayne Albert, this is a man that us all in our wheel chairs, the pools any time he walked by you would holding our IV’s while it dripped our only say nice things to you. His favormeds and various other medical deite line was “How is your day?” Then vices sitting outside taking our well in a matter of seconds he would say, “I deserved Hospital breaks. It was kind love you guys.” He was a big guy and if of nice for me because at the shelter I you saw him in a dark alley you would have to sometimes be the heavy hand run because of his size and looks, but in of discipline when they mess up violatreality he was a big guy that was like a ing the rules at the big teddy bear and as I don’t think there was one shelter, this gave gentle as “Gentle Ben”. conversation I ever had with me the opportunity I don’t think there was him where he did not say to be one of them one conversation I ever “I love you guys.” for about a week. had with him where he Wayne was not too did not say “I love you guys.” mobile so I took my IV and made sevIn the last year he has spent almost all eral trips to his room and still when I of it in the hospital. In between hospital went to leave he would say “I love you admissions he would come home to the guys.”

He knew he was pretty sick but still those shelter where his brother Bill also lived words came from those lips after they made their and rest for a few days and then ask permission for him to be able to sell the “Homeless Voice.” He was for sure not a slacker.

On his last admission at Memorial South he was there for about three months. I and others were also admitted there for

moving them out of sight, said Connie Mitchell, executive director for the Institute for Human Services, which runs two emergency shelters and offers support services.

“We need to find out what these people need to end their homelessness, not just put them in a place where people can’t see them,” Mitchell said. “What do these people need to make their lives better?”

Williams is proof that the plane ticket plan could be abused. He took advantage of a similar program in New York City that flew him to Hawaii in the first place after he had a friend here pose as a family member to take him in.

New York’s program, called Project Reconnect, has assisted 18,800 households at a cost of $218 per person. Five people have returned to Hawaii through the program, according to program officials. Another program in Denver has reunited 45 homeless individuals with their families so far this year, but none were sent to the islands.

Several Hawaii lawmakers want to pass legislation next year to start the $100,000 plane ticket program.

“A lot of people think it’s going to be easy living, but then when they get here, they realize maybe it wasn’t such a good idea,” said Debbie Kim Morikawa, director for the Honolulu Department of Community Services.

A more immediate solution would set aside “safe-zones” on government land where the homeless could camp in tents and have basic sanitary facilities.

Lawmakers are proposing that nonprofit organizations could offer social services in one place and security could be provided - as long as it’s away from the tourist beaches.

“It’s one thing to get people a place to stay, but we need to improve the quality of their lives,” said Darlene Hein of the Waikiki Health Center, which provides homeless out-

(Cotinued on pg 9)

W

way from his big heart.

We thought he would be fine but then he developed one of those nasty hospital infections where (Continued on pg 8)

Volume XII, Issue 5

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Cosac expands EKG (Continued from pg 1)

Above and Left: Sean Cononie and Billy Robb perform an EKG test on client Chris

to county shelters or assisted living facilireasons; it is usually some other ties because there medical needs are way problem that causes them not to too much for an agency to handle. Time be able to work that leads them in after time EMS is being called and they to poverty which removes the roof are taken to the hospitals but then again over their head. when they get out there is no follow up on A person can come to a multi sertheir part even when the case worker says vice center where if they get sick to them, “go get your follow up care”. In there are trained first responders most cases if they refused to follow up in there to assist them. WAY MORE the main stream shelters they would be disQUALIFIED THAN MOST AScharged for failing to follow directions.

SISTED LIVING FACILITES. So for people who Not to A person can come to a multi service don’t go and get just assist their follow up care center where if they get sick there are them but trained first responders or who demand to underthere to assist them more extensive serstand their vices where does needs, one go? Where does one go that has a staff their fears and their wants. The staff of people who knows what it is like to sufmember must know what it is like fer from mental illness or understand the to be that person. At the Homeless life of homelessness? Where does one go Voice, we have trained our clients, if they just want to be very lax on imporyes I said the clients, people who tant medical testing? Please remember in were homeless how to use valuable most cases they are not lax because they are medical equipment to save somelazy, they are usually lax because of their one’s life. Not only do they get upbringing or they can’t fight the system of trained, but they get certified in an welfare benefits with too many rules to un80 hour course to allow them to use derstand the system. Most homeless people AED’s (Automated External Defiare homeless not just because of poverty brillator). Sure many people can (Continued on pg 9)

Volume XII, Issue 5

Page 7

nds EKG

Above and Left: Sean Cononie and Billy Robb perform an EKG test on client Chris

to county shelters or assisted living facilireasons; it is usually some other ties because there medical needs are way problem that causes them not to too much for an agency to handle. Time be able to work that leads them in after time EMS is being called and they to poverty which removes the roof are taken to the hospitals but then again over their head. when they get out there is no follow up on A person can come to a multi sertheir part even when the case worker says vice center where if they get sick to them, “go get your follow up care”. In there are trained first responders most cases if they refused to follow up in there to assist them. WAY MORE the main stream shelters they would be disQUALIFIED THAN MOST AScharged for failing to follow directions.

SISTED LIVING FACILITES. So for people who Not to A person can come to a multi service don’t go and get just assist their follow up care center where if they get sick there are them but trained first responders or who demand to underthere to assist them more extensive serstand their vices where does needs, one go? Where does one go that has a staff their fears and their wants. The staff of people who knows what it is like to sufmember must know what it is like fer from mental illness or understand the to be that person. At the Homeless life of homelessness? Where does one go Voice, we have trained our clients, if they just want to be very lax on imporyes I said the clients, people who tant medical testing? Please remember in were homeless how to use valuable most cases they are not lax because they are medical equipment to save somelazy, they are usually lax because of their one’s life. Not only do they get upbringing or they can’t fight the system of trained, but they get certified in an welfare benefits with too many rules to un80 hour course to allow them to use derstand the system. Most homeless people AED’s (Automated External Defiare homeless not just because of poverty brillator). Sure many people can (Continued on pg 9)

The Voice of the Homeless

Page 8

Five money tips for couples in tough times

Ten tips for smart back-to-school shopping

Ruth Mantell WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- And you thought the in-laws were stressful. Almost one in three couples say finances cause the most stress in their relationship, and 91% of Americans surveyed find reasons to avoid talking about money with their partner, according to a recent American Express Spending & Saving Tracker.

In fact, couples say “they are more likely to know their partner’s weight than their salary,” according to the May online survey of 2,008 adults conducted for American Express. take several days, you need to re-evaluate your But in tough times, communication current lifestyle,” he said. “Are you able to pay is important for couples to overcome essential bills -- housing, auto, utilities, health sudden financial strife, such as a job care? You need to consider cutting back on exloss, experts say. penses until you can replace the income that has “If you are the spouse that has more been lost.” of a handle on the finances, don’t Dave Ramsey, host of a personal-finance radio take it for grantshow, recommended going ed that the other back to basics. “A lot of the spouse knows these in tough times, communication is lifestyle things, like golf or things,” said Robert getting your nails done, those important for couples to Schmansky, a certi- overcome sudden financial strife, things don’t matter,” he said. fied financial planBut spouses should be in such as a job loss ner with Northern agreement about what expensFinancial Advisors es will be cut, he said. They in Franklin, Mich. “need to feel the pressure of “Over-communication is better than this together.” under-communication.”

Tim Wesling, president of a personal financial Here are some tips on what couples planning firm in Alexandria, Va., said health care should discuss and do in the event of a should be a priority. If a job is lost, couples should financial emergency. research their coverage options. That could in1. Back to basics clude moving the laid-off spouse onto the emConsumers facing a sudden change ployed spouse’s health-care plan or getting coverin financial status need to adjust their age under Cobra, which allows former workers to lifestyle, said Ric Edelman, an author temporarily continue coverage at group rates. and financial adviser based in Fairfax, 2. Track inflows and outflows Va. Creating a budget and discussing it regularly can “Once the shock is over, and that may (Continued on pg 11)

(Continued from pg 5)

We love you too, Wayne Albert

(Continued from pg 6)

Bill was shook up pretty bad. I tried to comfort it was hard to treat. They moved him to him in Life after Death and I said to him that, another facility and we again thought Wayne was pretty lucky to be hanging with the things were getting better. Then this Creator of the world. I explained to Bill that, month we got the call around 4 AM. His Wayne was so lucky that he got picked to be with brother was called by the new facility the Big Guy upstairs. I said to him that, his brother that Wayne had just passed away. I rehad no more pain, no more depression and no more member the night well because it was the worries and that Life was good to him. first time I went home to my real house A few days before we did Wayne’s service I was in almost two months. Cliff from Secucoming back from the YMCA and I pulled through rity had called me and I went in to see the breezeway in the parking lot his brother. We called and I saw Bill just sitting outside I said Bill, your brother has no the hospital because of the gate. His face was empty more pain, no more depression Wayne was Catholic and you could tell he was so deand no more worries and when I found out I pressed. I said to him, “Bill, do asked Bill if he wanted you realize your brother is finding out all the mysme to get a priest to do the last rights. He teries of the world?” I reinforced the fact that his agreed. I did my normal prayer asking brother now knows who really shot President Kenfor the Good Lord to forgive Wayne for nedy and if there was really life on other planets his sins and for the Good Lord take him and I said that is really cool. I did get a small smile in to His Loving Arms giving him a fast out of him but he then said, it is not helping. nonstop trip right into Heaven.

Wayne Albert Video Tribute.

Go to our web site and hear what Wayne's Friends have to say about a Big , Special and Nice Guy. Big Guy we loved you and We love you. However God loved you more for He has taken you to His Home called Heaven. http://homelessvoice.org/story/wayne-albert

Bill, all I can say to you is this, take comfort in your heart that your loving brother belongs to God now and one day you will see him again and I am sure in the days to come you will hear whispers form above these words, “I love you,” and we will hear “I love you guys.”

these are costly. small extra charge that goes to supSome schools have graphing calculators that port the parent group. students can check out, like library books.

Susan Furr, a parent at the UniAnd some parent organizations raise funds to versity Laboratory School in Baton help defray the cost of calculators for needy Rouge, Lousiana, says her school students. Check with your parent group to parent group has purchased supplies find out more about similar programs at your this way for a number of years and school. virtually all of the families particiHelp your school while you shop. pate.

If your school participates in a program like Here’s how it works: The teachers eScrip or OneCause, you can shop for supplies deliver their lists to the school offrom a participating merchant fice, which delivers who donates a percentage to some parent organizations it to the parent group. your school. group negotiates raise funds to help defray the The Plan now for next year. a price for each grade Some schools send a back- cost of calculators for needy with the vendor and to-school list home with kids adds $5, which goes students on the last day of school so back to the parent that parents can shop for the best bargains. If organization. The supplies are delivyour school doesn’t do this, get together with ered directly to individual teachers, other parents or your parent organization and so there’s no shopping hassle for partalk to administrators about how you can help ents. your school put together a list earlier next year.

“People are always saying, ‘Don’t At some schools, parent organizations negoyou need help?’ I feel guilty. It’s retiate with a supplier and buy supplies for the ally easy,” notes Furr. whole school at a discount. They often add a

Baby boomer booming homeless rate Tamara McCullough

Baby boomers are now standing apart not only for their record birth explosion after World War II, but also as one of the leading groups of homelessness today. The boomers who were born between 1946 and 1964 now range in age from 46-64. According to a report by the National Alliance to End Homelessness, over the next decade the number of homeless baby boomers will likely tionally as the fastest growincrease by one-third as the U.S. popuing homeless segment… the lation ages. This is not only a national fact that perhaps the largest trend but a local one as well. age groups now on the streets Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance are the “baby (MDHA) 2010 Anthe number of homeless baby boomer” denual Homeless Count and Census counted boomers will likely increase by mographic,” Buchanan said one-third as the U.S. the 50-59 age group in an email as the largest, reprepopulation ages statement. senting 32 percent As the majority of this group is of the homeless population. The 40 age reaching retirement age, many group was behind with 30 percent. are finding that they can’t retire However, the Rev. Dr. Bruce Buchanor locate affordable housing and an, Executive Director of The Stewpot, a thus are ending up on the streets. homeless assistance center, believes that “Just as baby boomers are just while groups such as women and chilnow witnessing the first wave dren get much attention because of their retiring, they likewise are on the rapid homeless growth, baby boomers streets. All quality of life issues are often overlooked. times 10 is what they’re facing,” “While homeless families (especially Buchanan said. women and children) are identified na-

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Volume XII, Issue 5

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Cosac expands EKG (Continued from pg 7)

use AED’s but how many people can say they know how to use Oxygen and those “bags” we see on TV putting air into the lungs of a dying person? What about hearing the words “I need more suction” to get the fluids out of the mouth of a person who needs Mouth to Mouth?

This is one of my favorites, “Get me their vitals Stat.” This means our homeless first responder goes and puts that little clip on the finger of a sick person so we can see the oxygen levels and heart rate of the person. AT AN ALF (Assisted Living Facility), maybe they have an AED but in most cases they will call 911 and that is it. Check for yourself the next time you want to put a friend in an ALF. Then we have to consider all the testing that the homeless won’t get done unless it is quite easy to do.

Yes your normal homeless person who just may be poor will do just fine on their medical care but the ones who talk to themselves or who are severely mentally confused so badly that the only way to get these services is to bring them to the person. Where does one go, they come here.

At the Homeless Voice, we now can draw blood and the lab picks it up. Our trained medical assistant will get the results as well as the doctor who ordered the test.

And yes that Medical Assistant at one time sold the paper you are reading right now. We can also do wound cultures to make sure what type of antibiotic is needed for an infection they may have. Yearly chest X-rays, Ultra Sounds of the heart, PAD screening, and many more tests we can now do. There are many more to follow as time goes on.

Our doctors work with this population and know exactly what to say to get a person to understand the need for better follow up care or to

be admitted to the hospitals. They can direct admit to most local hospitals. And our nursing staff has worked with the homeless for over 35 years combined. When their meds arrive, they are on the road to recovery.

Even today 15 years later, some people still say the craziest things about our shelter all because all they see is a person who is asking them to buy a newspaper. It is kind of funny, a judge will say, we can’t send this person to COSAC let’s put them in an ALF, yet that same judge will then place a person at COSAC who has failed at every other program there is. You would just think they need the Betty Ford Center if they failed everywhere else…. why send them to COSAC. Why because we have housed some of the most difficult cases there are in the community. Ones who have been to over 30 Assisted Living Facilities and have been thrown out of each one.

They have no idea what so ever what happens here and the sad part about it, is that most of them are professionals and our leaders that we elect. Some even say we should be ashamed of ourselves for putting them in the hot sun selling a paper. One minute they are calling the homeless lazy bums and the next minute they are criticizing us when they are working hard taking care of the homeless problems the commissioners are supposed to be taking care of in the first

God is great and so are these homeless hero’s.

Life’s a beach for some homeless in Hawaii (Continued from pg 6)

reach. “We worry about it being a magnet, that people will come to Hawaii because there’s a campground for them.”

The concept of offering affordable housing to the homeless may be the most promising and have the fewest side effects. As with similar programs elsewhere, it’s called “housing first.” The $1 million program launched this year aims to get the chronically homeless into their own apartments.

The idea is that a stable housing environment would do more to viders. help people survive on their own.

Despite the beauty and weather, Hector These plans Favela would jump at the could begin to ‘let’s turn our back on opportunity to leave the make a difference, the problem’ approach beach. but long-term so- to expect other cities to “I’m tired of living on lutions including pick up and assume the the street, getting my stuff drug and mental stolen and getting beat responsibilities,” health treatment, up,” said Favela, 48. “It’s job training and not that bad living out employment opportunities are also here, but it’s been too long since I’ve slept needed, according to service proon a bed.”

ments. And yes, some have learned place. They even go out of their way creattheir first responder skills and now ing a system to sneak their clients in to COare registered at BCC for nursSAC yet they don’t admit it even when you ing and most likely when they get show them a video tape of how the person their degree they will come and got to our shelter. They do that on purpose to work here. Let’s not forget that suck up all the funds’ for their programs and COSAC is used as a teaching facilwon’t give COSAC one cent yet COSAC ity for nursing schools in the state. cleans up after them. Before I say SHAME Yes, starting in a few months their ON YOU COMMSIONERS, they even go clinicals will be here. This way the out of their way to call up and request facts new breed of and figures of our nurses comthe person who is out saving lives bed space to use for their own grants. at the time of a disaster or bringing ing to a hosNOW I WILL supplies to a disaster area was pital; near you will SAY SHAME ON selling this paper understand YOU… You would maybe two years ago how to treat think a professional and deal with would have enough sense to first come here someone who is mentally ill or who and see what we do before they make a biis poor or a little slow in their life ased statement. skills.

These people need to know that the perThe people of COSAC are learnson who is out saving lives at the time of ing how to run a social service a disaster or bringing supplies to a disaster agency, an agency that fills in the area was selling this paper maybe two years gap for the community where the ago. They have to understand that the case county has failed to provide a place workers who are signing up people in the for these hard core homeless. If community for food stamps and Medicaid anything you should be so happy were also selling the Homeless Voice pathat this is happening in your comper just a year ago. Yes, Mr Judge, you just munity. sent your client to a program and refused As I close this little informational to send them to COSAC because COSAC piece I can say I am so happy when I sells a homeless news paper. Do you not unsee and hear a person who has been derstand that when your client signs up for stereotyped as a beggar for selling Medicaid, food stamps of AFDC funding a newspaper then say these words they are having a person at COSAC do all “ALL CLEAR” then they push the forms and computer work for Children that flashing light and right before and Families? By the way Mr. Judge that your eyes a 62 year old women’s person used to sell this paper. Let’s underheart starts again. As I write this stand something, they all start off selling a little piece, I have chills and goose newspaper, that is called public education bumps on my arms because the and they are getting paid to do so. Let’s not newspaper vendor you saw in the forget they also learn how to sell advertise-

(Continued on pg 11)

Haiti’s homeless on the move again as hurricanes loom

(Continued from pg 5)

parting refugees bundle up their belongings -- old stoves, ripped mattresses, handfuls of utensils -- often the only tangible fragments left from their crumbled lives.

“We screamed for help for a long time before being heard,” said Renald, who with his wife and their two daughters is preparing to leave Carrefour Fleuriot for a tent shelter in Corail.

Emmanuel, 14, is more guarded “Here the danger was constant. We were exabout what the future holds. He is posed to disease, insecurity, and above all we afraid of the unknown and especially had been forgotten by our does not want to leaders,” recalls Renald, his school.

We screamed for leave a singer-songwriter who “I am willing to dreams of one day record- help for a long time go, but where to?” ing an album. before being heard wonders the frail “I continued to compose boy with busy songs after the quake and eyes. about 10 of them are inspired by the tragedy.”

Complicating the raw emotions of Before authorities finally intervened, two heading out to a new shelter, many quake survivors died in the chaotic camp near youths attending schools in the disPort-au-Prince’s airport. trict will have to separate from their “Conditions could not be worse than they parents. are in here,” says Renald, who has headed the “Corail is not the ideal solution, but residents’ committee of Carrefour Fleuriot. the site is already set up. They will “People have been waiting for this opportube better off there,” says Roxane. nity” to leave, he adds.

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The Voice of the Homeless

Page 10

College Students Hide Hunger, Homelessness

With school starting earlier, is summer lost?

(Continued from pg 4)

added a few of those days back to summer.)

“This is an educational fad,” said Vivian Jackson, of Marietta, cofounder of Georgians Need Summers.

Jackson, who has two daughters in Cobb schools, opposes an early August school start not because of sentimental feelings but because of cooling costs.

“Ask anybody who tries to cool their house in August: It’s the most expensive time of the year to cool anything,” she said. Since Cobb expects a $126 million deficit next year, and has laid off hundreds of teachers, matching flip-flops, but shopping for school Jackson believes the system should clothes at the Lenox Square Macy’s. “My save cash wherever possible. daughter really hasn’t been doing a whole lot Less time to be bored this summer. It’s time.”

But it’s losing magic, not money Chaudhry doesn’t want her honor student to that worries many summer advoforget her lessons, or lose momentum in core cates. subjects.

“I grew up in a neighborhood Macy’s was also ready for school to begin, north of Rome, a neighborhood full staging a back-to-school event at Lenox in of kids, and we were not allowed the middle of July. It’s to stay inside and play,” said August: It’s the most expensive an example of the way businesses have adjusted Duncan Blantime of the year to cool to the new schedule. kenship, who anything...the system should Tourism unhappy teaches social Six Flags Over Georstudies in Floyd save cash wherever possible gia, for example, moves County, where to weekend-only hours after Aug. 8. students return Aug. 9. “If we didn’t Some industries that depend on summer have a ball bat, we’d use tennis balls tourism and vacation activities consider the and cut-off broomsticks and play effort to shrink summer a mistake. ball in the front yard. We had to be Camp Mac, a family-owned summer camp creative.” near Cheaha Mountain, Ala., once offered 12 Today’s shorter summers are ofweeks of camp; now it schedules 10, said staff ten thoroughly programmed, giving director Allen McBride. And it must compete children less time to be bored, and, for customers with family vacations, summer eventually, inventive. Summer enschool and theme parks. nui is important, said Tina Bruno, “Children have more summer opportunities executive director of the San Antothan ever, and yet there’s less summer than nio-based Coalition for a Traditional ever before,” he said.

School Calendar. “You don’t appreMcBride cited an Alaciate the structure of school until you bama legislator’s study are bored at home.” that showed that early But whether idle time is salutary school starts would cost or an invitation to mischief is up for the state’s summer econdebate. omy $323 million — “For many kids [that free time] more than the BP oil spill. turns into video game marathons,” The Georgia Legislature perennially introsaid Harris Cooper, chairman of duces a bill to require a uniform late-August Duke University’s department of starting date for Georgia schools, and it is pepsychology and neuroscience. rennially voted down. North Carolina, Florida Cooper, who has studied the imand Texas have all passed similar bills. pact of modified calendars on school “We’re not trying to harm the summer recachievement, said poorer parents reation industry,” said Charles Ballinger, exprobably don’t have the resources to ecutive director emeritus of the San Diegofill a 12-week summer with camps, based National Association for Year-Round trips and vacations. Even middleEducation, which promotes a shorter summer. class parents struggle, he said.

Parents, he suggests, can spend their summer For some parents, the earlier start dollars in eight weeks as well as in 12. date is fine. “School can’t come Kelly Henson advocated a shorter summer in quick enough for me,” said Tawana Floyd County schools as superintendent there.

Chaudhry. The Hapeville mom and Today he is the executive secretary of the her 9-year-old daughter, Ashley Georgia Professional Standards Commission.

Dixon, were dressed for summer in

“

(Continued from pg 4)

He said that long-summer boosters should focus on education, not heat: “The fact that it’s a bit hot, or that it might interfere with premier league baseball; none of that trumps the idea that a child ought to get a quality education.”

Importance of education Summer defenders say there is little evidence of improved academic performance as a result of an early return to school.

“Any research done has shown no appreciable positive impact,” said Yankee dad Chris Murphy, “and not everything a kid needs to learn is in school.”

On a recent afternoon at Stone Mountain Park, school was a distant vision as 6-year-old Clay “Ty” Johns splashed around in a manmade river near the Sky Hike attraction.

His great-grandfather, James Douglas Conley, 76, wanted the boy to enjoy the kind of summer he had as a youngster: fishing, swimming and taking it easy.

“I still remember catching my first trout,” said Conley. “We would go to fishing holes and stay there all day.”

The pair have visited Conley’s childhood fishing spots in Helen and Lake Burton, and Ty caught his first trout this summer.

Still, Conley doesn’t betray the slightest hint of sentimentality when talking about Ty returning to school in early August.

“Yes, it’s about time for them to go back,” he said with conviction.

The current economic crisis, he said, underscores the importance of a good education and how fiercely competitive the job market can be.

Even Ty said he was looking forward to school. But he didn’t want to rush it.

How much longer until we have to leave, Ty asked the man he calls “Papa.”

“We’re in no hurry,” said Conley.

A few minutes later, he asked again: “But Papa Doug, how much longer?”

Conley smiled.

“As long as you want, Ty. We can stay here all day if you want.”

Children have more summer opportunities than ever, and yet there’s less summer than ever before”

food closet after noticing a number of students were going hungry. All of the food is donated, and sometimes students leave comments in a notebook for Jadallah to read: Thank you so much for the food and small items like soap and shampoo. It really does make a difference in my life. God bless you all.

More Students Struggling There’s a definite increase in the number of homeless students nationwide, according to the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth. But nobody has firm numbers.

“What we’re hearing from the college presidents and leadership [is] that more and more students are struggling,” says Michelle AshaCooper, of the Institute for Higher Education Policy in Washington, D.C. “Some are taking out pretty large amounts of student loans to finance their education as well as their living costs. Some are enrolling part-time, some are even dropping out.”

Diego Sepulveda has another year before he graduates.

“Nothing is going to stop me,” he says. “I’m going to reach my goals no matter what people say.”

Friends recently offered him a place to stay. His parents help as much as they are able, and he’s looking for a part-time job.

Help Curb Global Warming and Save Money in the Summer Staff

It is time to clean your AC filter, make sure you clean it either once a month or if you live in a dusty area like a homeless shelter clean it once a week. Make sure that your AC on the outside of the house is free from grass and bushes so it can work more efficiently. Keeping your drapes and blinds pulled blocking sun light from coming in the day time will help keep 60 percent of the heat outside instead of making your AC work harder. Also, take a walk on the outside of your house and if you see any AC leaks around your doors or windows buy some inexpensive weather stripping and keep that cool air inside. Doing this also saves you money and in trying times with such a bad economy every dollar saved prevents homelessness.

Volume XII, Issue 5

Page 11

On Spirituality

Five money tips for couples in tough times

(Continued from pg 8)

Deacon Bob

There is a popular saying that says, “it is better to give than to receive.” The meaning of course is that it is better to be a generous person than a greedy one. Receiving does require our attention though. When we are in need, whether it is for our basic necessities, such as food and shelter, or for other less important things such as, a new car or new clothes, we may have to ask for help. For most of us we would rather be asked for something than have to be in a position where we have to ask. It is a humbling experience to ask for help from another, and there is also the possibility of being turned down, which makes it not only humbling but humiliating. I suggest we change our view on the entire experience. Suppose the response from the one we are asking is taken by us as merely information. We give them the freedom to say no, with no hard feelings. This goes for all types of things we may ask for. It is an act of kindness and a show of love to ask someone for something. We usually would know the person. We allow the goodness to come through in others, and provide the opportunity for them to do a good

deed. This same idea applies to the goodness and benevolence of God. When we ask God for anything, we are saying that we believe in His existence, we believe in prayer and the power of prayer. But most of all we are saying that we love Him. If you are a believer and even if not so much, ask, and keep on asking, for our God is a loving God, who wants to give us everything we need and more. thatbrotherbob@aol.com

Cosac expands EKG

(Continued from pg 9)

Note: I have to go now; we are starting past may be working real hard to our EKG training, our newsiest piece of save a homeless persons life that medical equipment to give our clients betsome agency sent us because all ter care than any other program around. Not else has failed. And if you see a because we are better but because our clivendor for a very long time selling ents need it more than others. By the way our paper for years, it is because Homeless Voice supporters thank you for they are good at what they do and buying this EKG/ ECG machine. It was that is to educate the public and to very expensive, it has a fund a very imprice tag of $4,000 and portant agency serving the cli- Most homeless people are it will take us some time ents who could homeless not just because of to pay it off because it not be serviced poverty reasons; it is usually was not in our budget. some other problem I hope you the supportby three major ers “thank yourself” for counties. If that buying this for us so we can take real good does not make you think, well what about them raising the funds to get care of the people you and I love so much, the poor and the homeless. one of the first major airplanes to Note: Again to the professionals who Haiti filled with over 70 doctors on board? Wait one second, we can’t judge our newspaper vendors and us the staff, while don’t you try coming here one forget about the thousands of doltime to see what we do, and if you are so lars of medicine they paid for, for shocked and you fall over with a heart atthe people of Haiti. These are the tack, know this, it will be some newspaper Homeless heroes at a street corner near you and yes at times across vendor bringing you back to life. God is great and so are these homeless hero’s. the world helping someone who is worse off than them.

help a couple keep track of what both parties are bringing in and spending.

“Make sure that you have a handle on where all your money is going immediately,” Schmansky said, “rather than have it trickle out over the short term and looking later when the money is gone.”

That also can help identify where cuts can be made. But keep in mind that the nature of your expenses will change after a negative financial event such as a job loss. For example, dry-cleaning bills for work clothes may decline while health-insurance costs will rise.

3. Come clean Secret spenders must confess their shopping habits, and any accumulated debt, Edelman said. cess them in times of need, and the pen“These are emotional issues, these are marital alties for doing so. issues, they typically involve issues of control, “By creating a list and coming up self worth,” he said. “You should not have any with a game plan, that can help with the secrets from each other regarding money. You stress of knowing where money will should be working together as a couple in the come from if needed,” he said. “Make management of money.” sure [assets] are liquid and available.”

Edelman said it’s “very common for people Wesling noted there can be costs for who get married to have no clue as to their partborrowing from rener’s income and debts. This is tirement funds.

You should not have any why money is one of the lead5. Eat costs and secrets from each other move ing causes of divorce.” on regarding money. You According to the American Those facing a sudshould be working Express survey, 27% of reden financial hardtogether as a couple spondents have “misrepresentship need to let go of ed the amount of a purchase” money already spent while 30% said they have hidden purchases from and not dig the hole any deeper, Edeltheir partner. To hide spending consumers have man said. gone so far as to bury their purchase in the backFor example, a couple who already yard or to pretend that goods came from Goodhas spent money on travel or lodging will, according to American Express. for a planned vacation should eat those Kathleen Gurney, a psychologist and chief excosts and opt to stay home. ecutive of Financial Psychology, a Sarasota, Fla., “By going on this trip, you will spend advisory firm, said partners should be honest hundreds, maybe thousands, of more about their stress during a financial emergency. dollars on entertainment, food, taxis,” “If anxiety is not dealt with, then you start to Edelman said. “That is money you can act out, and that causes more stress for the famsave. Since you are out of work, it is ily,” she said. vital that instead of going on vacation 4. List your assets for a week you look for a job.”

Schmansky recommended drawing up a list of assets, including the order in which you will ac-

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