serving our community since 1997
Part of the North American Street Newspaper Association
COSAC Foundation | PO Box 292-577 Davie, FL 33329 | 954-924-3571
Violence Hidden in Plain View (NCH Report)
“ I wanted to know what it felt like to kill a human. ”
-Eric Francis Sandefur, Jacksonville, Florida
WASHINGTON, DC – Hate Crimes against the Homeless: Violence Hidden in Plain View is an annual factual accounting of bias motivated crimes against un-housed individuals in the order of their occurrence. It is also a report that, in its entirety, illustrates the deadly consequences of decades of failed housing policies and social reforms. Over the past three decades, Americans have invested tens of billions of dollars to prevent, reduce and end homelessness. In spite of these efforts and investments, homelessness continues to worsen. Over time, as a nation, we are experiencing the natural and growing sense of “compassion fatigue” toward the social ill of homelessness. Unfortunately, the frustration that Americans are feeling toward homelessness is being misplaced toward the un-housed, rather than the systems that have failed both the housed and the homeless. The misdirection of feelings resulting from compassion fatigue has resulted in the criminalization of homelessness nationwide, the withdrawal of critically needed investments in affordable housing and the rise in crimes of hate against the homeless. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, a young Jewish man is beaten and robbed on a well-traveled and notoriously dangerous road from Jerusalem to Jericho. The story was told to observant Jews, in a time when mutual hatred existed between Jews and Samaritans. As the victim lay half dead by the side of the road, his religious identity unknown, a priest averts his eyes and passes without stopping. Shortly after, a Levite crosses the road to avoid the bloodied man. Lastly, a Samaritan stops and has
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Miami Dolphin Players Score a Touchdown at COSAC on Valentine’s Day! Donald Brown
A Miami Dolphin could afford to spend Valentine’s Day almost anywhere in the world. But four players, some of their wives of the Miami Dolphin Women’s Organization, and their team mascot, T.D., chose to celebrate part of their Valentine’s Day here at the shelter. “The shelter here, I think, is a new thing,” said Katie Fields, an MDWO member and wife of Brandon Fields. “We try to get out as much as we can and [help.] The Miami Dolphin organization gives us the opportunities to do [this], but it’s up to us to actually show up, help out, and give what we can to the community,” said Brandon Fields. Mr. Fields was joined by fellow-players John Denney, Nate Garner, and Jake Long. Each great player traded-in their rough football role for a gentler, kinder role in a labor of love. Whether on the field or in the kitchen, one player kept the same role: T.D. As the guests streamed into the cafeteria they were greeted by the gregarious T.D. who kept the atmosphere light and humorous. T.D. quickly warmed up to the shelter’s guests by way of his charm, hugs, and high-fives. T.D. even sat down to enjoy silent pantomimic conversations with some of the guests. One fan that did not need any warming up was COSAC Foundation staff member, Christine “C.J.” Jordan. “It’s very exciting to see the Miami Dolphins here! Not just for me, their number one fan, but for everybody in the facility and the homeless shelter. I think some of the shelter guests were very excited to meet some of their idols. As you can see we have a bunch of them wearing their Dolphin colors,” said Jordan. After everyone was served their meals, members of MDWO handed out beautiful roses to the guests, as well as Valentine’s Day chocolates. It was an afternoon to remember. After all, it’s not every day that Cupid has to stand on the sidelines while a Dolphin score’s a touchdown on Valentine’s Day!
Our Purpose: To Help the Homeless Learn How to Help Themselves