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Florida Poverty Rates Higher Than National Average
“Data on poverty and
income show schoolaged children took the brunt of the economic downturn, and overall Florida poverty rates increased in 39 of Florida’s 67 counties Michael Peltier/The News Service of Florida
”
The recession of the last couple years put more Florida residents into poverty and resulted in a decrease of median family income in much of the state, the U.S. Census Department reported last Tuesday. Data on poverty and income show school-aged children took the brunt of the economic downturn, and overall Florida poverty rates increased in 39 of Florida’s 67 counties between 2007 and 2010. Statewide, a little over 3 million Floridians, 16.5% of the population, lived under the federal poverty line in 2010. Particularly hard hit because of reliance on construction, Florida poverty rates were higher than the national rate of 15.3%. Florida counties were also more likely than the nation as a whole to see the poverty rate rise between 2007 and 2010. Meanwhile, median income fell in Florida and across the country during the same period as layoffs in the construction and manufacturing sectors meant the
loss of good paying jobs as the housing bubble burst and demand for manufactured goods fell along with corporate profits. DeSoto, Hamilton and Hardee Counties showed overall poverty rates of more than 30% in 2010. The trio of counties led a list dominated by rural counties where non-agricultural jobs are harder to come by and the fate of individual employers make a significant impact. The national poverty rate in 2010 was $22,050 for a family of four. Meanwhile, Seminole, Clay, Martin and Nassau Counties posted the lowest poverty rates in the state, within the number of individuals falling below the benchmark at less than 11.5%, a low rate at least partially attributable to a high percentage of retirees and government and military workers. A lot of Florida families took it on the chin. Median household income fell more than 7% to $44,390 during the four-year period. Median family incomes ranged from $30,967 in Dixie County to $60.841 in St. Johns, according to the Census Bureau. Overall, Florida median income was $44,390, about 7%
Protecting Yourself From Skin Cancer
to have an increasing number of cases each year. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the Unit•Melanoma is the second most common form of cancer for ed States, with more than two million people being adolescents and young adults (15-29 years old). diagnosed each year. While most cases of skin cancer •For people born in 2005, 1 in 52 will be diagnosed with melcan be successfully treated if found early, the large anoma— nearly 30 times higher than for people born in 1930. and growing number of people getting the disease These are risk factors for basal and squamous cell skin cancer: makes skin cancer a serious concern. Medical costs Ultraviolet (UV) light- Sunlight is the main source of ultravialone to treat skin cancer are estimated olet (UV) radiation, which can damage the genes at almost $2 billion annually. Here are in your skin cells. UV light is thought to be the About 1 in 5 some other facts you might not know major risk factor for most skin cancers. Tanning Americans will lamps and booths are another source of UV radiaabout skin cancer: •More people were diagnosed with develop skin cancer tion. People with high levels of exposure to UV skin cancer in 2009 than with breast, light are at greater risk for skin cancer. prostate, lung, and colon cancer com- during their lifetime The amount of UV exposure depends on the bined. strength of the light, how long the skin was ex•About 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer posed, and whether the skin was covered with clothing and during their lifetime. sunscreen. Many studies show that being exposed to a lot of •One American dies of melanoma almost every sun when you are young is an added risk factor. hour. People who live in places with year-round, bright sunlight •Melanoma is one of the few cancers that continue have a higher risk. For example, the risk of skin cancer is twice Skincancerprevention.org
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above the national median figure of $41,256, which also was lower than in 2007. One bright spot in the survey was the fact that more Florida children are being covered by health insurance through programs like Medicaid and KidCare, a government-subsidized insurance program targeted at families that make too much money for Medicaid but might not be able to afford private coverage. “It is especially rewarding to know that in these tough economic times with the state’s higher than national average unemployment rates, Florida KidCare proves to be a valuable resource for families and children,” said Rich Robleto, executive director of Florida Healthy Kids Corp., a public-private partnership that helps administer the program. The number of uninsured kids in Florida fell from 667,758 to 506,934 during that time period. The state still has one of the highest rates of uninsured children in the country, the Census Bureau said.
Ted Williams: I’ve been sober a year, ‘one day at a time’ Scott Stump
Even after a viral YouTube video helped turn him from a homeless crack addict to a media sensation, golden-voiced former radio announcer Ted Williams admitted Monday his struggles were far from over. Amid emotional moments of his remarkable journey last year, such as his tearful reunion with his mother in a segment on TODAY, he admitted he relapsed on alcohol and drugs twice, including leaving a treatment facility after less than two weeks. Now claiming to be clean and sober for more than a year and surrounded by good people, Williams, 54, has co-written a book with Brett Witter called “A Golden Voice.” The book details how he went from being a popular Ohio DJ to a homeless crack addict to a YouTube sensation after 17
Our Purpose: To Help the Homeless Learn How to Help Themselves
(Continued on pg 7)
The Homeless Voice May 2012
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About the COSAC Foundation The COSAC Foundation was originally established in May 1997 to partner with other social service agencies, in the area, that provided help to the homeless population. COSAC also independently feeds the homeless. We have grown into a multifaceted agency that feeds, shelters, and arranges for each homeless person to receive the necessary access to social and noncompulsory religious services to enable a return to a self-reliant lifestyle. And for the small percentage of people incapable of living independent lives, we provide a caring and supportive environment for their long-term residency. Our Philosophy COSAC believes that to remain effective we must strive to remain flexible, and be ready to evolve to meet the needs of the homeless with equivalent services. Our Mission Statement To provide the homeless population access to shelter, food, employment opportunities or referrals, as well as access to social services all toward the aim of enabling their return, if possible, to self-reliance. To accomplish this COSAC is the hub organization. We developed the Homeless Voice newspaper, a COSAC funding tool, which has been responsible for employing homeless people and therefore giving them income to survive on the streets. Also, the “The Homeless Voice” is the means by which we advocate on behalf of the homeless population and to educate the public as to the true nature of homelessness and ways we can all work to eliminate the bias against this sector of our population and to help empower those affected by homelessness to regain or maintain their self-esteem and sense of self-worth during their transition through difficult times. The Homeless Voice became the official name of our homeless division, which operates four facilities in Broward County. We created the COSAC Quarters Hotel for the poor, a hotel with 21 rooms that serve the indigent or people with limited income. The clients receive three meals a day at Arnolds Café, named after the great homeless advocate Arnold Abbott. Another agency is the Day Labor Company, employees of which match an outside company labor request with a suitable shelter resident. Lastly, COSAC Foundation decided to become the South Florida County Food pantry. This service helps us provide food for those “nearly homeless” families. Our Vision To end discrimination against the homeless population and to develop such an effective network of services that we greatly reduce the time a person or family emerges out of homelessness back into self-reliance.
Homeless Voice Newspaper Staff Publisher Sean Cononie Editor in Chief Mark Targett Executive Editor Sara Targett Photos Lois Cross www.HomelessVoice.org/contact
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The Homeless Voice May 2012
Our Homeless Voice readers:
The Homeless Voice May 2012
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“Life has been your art. You have set yourself to music. Your days are your sonnets.” Girl with a broken heart Look at all the things you have put me through. You were just like a dream come true for me. You made me feel feelings that were brand new. You were the most beautiful thing to see. At least that’s what I thought in the first place. At first I thought it was truly fate. You left me breathless and make my heart race. But you just took my heart and let it break. It’s crazy how i’m still here and you’re gone. Just know someone like me is hard to find. I should just hate you for leading me on. But for some reason you’re still on my mind. I know I will find some who’s better. In the end you will be hurt forever. Eimy Almeida Gonzalez
Love Coma. Did god create you from the cosmic dust? Your gaze is a poison, your smile a sin, Your silhouette, a creation of lust. But the crucial things are under your skin. I have ventured to fantasize with you, But your appearance maintains me awake. I’m a lost ship and you came to rescue, Waiting you, I wreck in the same mistake. You are the source of my inspiration. This is the sonnet that I never wrote I want you to know, you are the reason, Reason of why I am your anecdote. These words are a written taste of my love, And you’re the drug I’ll never escape of. Trong Duc Bui
The Man on the Moon JUST AN AVERAGE JOE… Living is not possible without you. You brighten my day like the summer sun. You’re like medicine, the cure to my flu And I always knew that you were the one Yet it seems were separated by rank Other men seem much more superior Either their skills in music leave me blank Or when they flex I feel inferior So how can I stand out against these gods? How do I prove that I’m worthy enough? Luckily even gods may have their flaws Even though I’m weak my spirit is tough They may have the power of a wild bear I’ll wrestle them all without any care. Kevin Flores
I was surrounded by worn out places. What blood thirsty monsters caused this mad world? Essence of evil smiled on their faces. That’s why I’m an extraterrestrial. Forcing change is like beating a dead horse. To them violence is second nature. I just sit and watch as they pile up corpse. Thinking, will I return once they mature? For now I’m the only man on the moon. They must go through a metamorphosis. They must change their swords to words very soon, For I am dying of loneliness. Do I care if us humans don’t change? Nope. Do I think we will ever change? I hope. Jordan Llanes
Answer to my Questioning You always watch over us day and night Joyous when your presence is in the mist Protection for us but you’re not in sight But desire shall not be on our list It will set them free when they know the truth No matter what people might say or think Powerful words shall be spread to the youth And drain their negative thoughts down the sink Do not ever dwell in your sinful past If you take that step and proclaim his name You can be assure that his love will last With that our life will never be the same You will always supply all that we need Just have faith the size of a mustard seed. Bridgette Amador
How could anyone not see love at first sight? It is so beautiful, new fun, and growin’ You could see love in our eyes even when we fight And yet this love made our speech ever slurrin’ But our love went into turmoil after the first year Every single fight was one more scar in my heart Didn’t care, love blinded me, I didn’t shed a tear Our love confused me and then we broke apart Without you is being in a desert Only mirrors glarin’ eyes like yours that night Still we loved each other though we act unhurt “Ilove you”, can we say it past this fight I love him, we are inseparable And the love we share? Immeasurable Angely Mejuto
Thinking we would last, that was my mistake, We had great times, but it did not last long, Too bad our love was not real, it was fake, We loved each other once, now we can’t even get along, We spent great days together, now we don’t even care, Your eyes deceived me, now I’m all alone, To go from being happy to sad, it isn’t fair, When I was with you, I was on my throne, Alone, I feel as small as a pebble, We’ve been apart, yet I still yearn for you, All those times together, now they cause trouble, Too much sorrow, but I will break through, I don’t need you anymore, I’ll be fine, Being with you was a waste of my time. Raul Garcia
Together Forever Come and take a deep look inside my soul And the burning desire in my heart Come and fill me completely as a whole Why can’t I ever see us fall apart? I love the star like sparkle in for eyes The way you intertwine your hands in mine Will you care for me more then the past guys? You are as tasteful as a glass of wine Have you ever tried to consider that God had planned us to end up together? Us together is just sweet to look at But love, will we stay like this forever? I will always be here to care for you, and I know you will be there for me too Sabrina Soler
FRIENDSHIP? On those lonely days when you need advice From someone who knows you and how you feel Who will really understand in precise
Late You had to break right now into my life With your exact body and killer eyes Just when my life was becoming a rife. I wish to escape but it’s a high price. You were going with him, I was going with her Playing to be happy for desperate For not hold our dreams, for thinking we were Not going to meet, but we did and was late. I saw you, you saw me. But God’ll condemn. We recognize each other. It can’t be. And I have nothing to say against them, My fury’s with time for charging that fee. Maybe in a different life and place In a far galaxy in outer space. Reinaldo Perez
For a twin or a clone would be ideal Like a true companion by your side Whose never too far away for advice Someone who will always be there with pride We will never ever speak any lies Lifting you up when you are falling down Even while drying your tears Forever making you smile not frown Disappearing all those fears on your mind A good friend will always be their for you So long as to you I am always true Merly Pequeno
Activist Sharpe faced financial woes before suicide
The Homeless Voice May 2012
people a legal way to continue making money on Tampa’s Standing by the stage at the Tampa Bay Seafood street corners despite a panhandling ban. The homeless would Festival, event organizer Bill Sharpe beamed with sell Tampa Epoch, a monthly paper about homeless issues. optimism about the event’s future. Vendors get the first 25 newspapers free. Once they sell those “It’s going to get better every year,” a smiling papers and earn their first $25, they can buy more papers from Sharpe told a reporter. Sharpe’s company for a quarter each. Selling those papers for Nine days later, Sharpe hanged himself in his ware$1 brings homeless vendors a profit of 75 cents per paper. house. “We want to be a credible newspaper,” Sharpe said last year. The stunning death of this community newspaper In December, Sharpe said the Epoch had sold 13,000 copies publisher and advocate for homeless people brings out of the 20,000 printed and was profitable for both him and into question the future of two Tampa newspapers the sellers. and leaves a trail of grieving admirers. “It was about trying to come up with a solution to help his Sharpe didn’t leave a suicide note, though he had homeless neighbors with an emergency need,” Lesa Weikel, complained to a co-worker that a spokeswoman for the Homeless Coalihe lost $10,000 and 10 bottles tion of Tampa Bay, said of Epoch. of wine at the festival, a medical Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn believed examiner’s report states. the newspaper was a poorly disguised “I don’t know what snapped, He had bigger financial worway to circumvent the law. But he said ries. For years, Sharpe faced he didn’t fault Sharpe personally because foreclosure on his Bayshore but whatever snapped cost the Sharpe believed he was helping people. Boulevard condominium, and in Buckhorn met Sharpe nearly 30 years recent months he moved into his community an angel. The guy ago when they worked on John Glenn’s north Hyde Park warehouse. A presidential campaign. Sharpe’s activism longtime employee said Sharpe’s continued until his death. Last year, he was just an angel.” South Tampa Community News served as president of the Davis Islands was a financial “disaster” and Chamber of Commerce, and he organized that Sharpe sometimes had difthe March seafood festival at Curtis Hixficulty paying him on time. on Waterfront Park. Despite Sharpe’s financial troubles, employee “He was a good guy. He really was,” Buckhorn said. “He Brooks Morgan was stunned by the suicide. “He had a good heart. He was devoted to Tampa.” didn’t come across to me like he was overly burSharpe always stepped up to help people, longtime friend dened with anything,” Morgan said. Mary Lou Janson said. Sharpe, 59, became well-known in South Tampa af“He couldn’t sit still,” she said. “He tried to do something to ter launching SOHOTAMPA.com. In 2007, his marmake a difference and help somebody.” keting company bought the monthly Davis Islands “His main philosophy was, ‘Don’t be a talker; be a doer of Community News and began expanding it into South things,’” Morgan said. Tampa. Sharpe, who was divorced, recently moved into his wareLast year, Sharpe announced plans to give homeless house office at 1705 W. State St. An employee found Sharpe’s
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Josh Poltilove
Father’s Day
ern Washington state. It was after Mrs. Dodd became an adult Father’s Day, contrary to popular misconception, that she realized the strength and selflessness her father had was not established as a holiday in order to help greetshown in raising his children as a single parent. ing card manufacturers sell more cards. The first Father’s Day was observed on June 19, 1910 in SpoIn fact when a “father’s day” was first proposed there kane Washington. were no Father’s Day At about the same time in cards! various towns and cities across Mrs. John B. Dodd, of American other people were be“When I was a boy of 14, my father was ginning to celebrate a “father’s Washington, first proposed the idea of a “fa- so ignorant I could hardly stand to have day.” ther’s day” in 1909. Mrs. In 1924 President Calvin Dodd wanted a special the old man around. But when I got to be Coolidge supported the idea of a day to honor her father, 21, I was astonished at how much the old national Father’s Day. Finally in William Smart. William 1966 President Lyndon Johnson man had learned in seven years.” Smart, a Civil War vetsigned a presidential proclamaeran, was widowed when tion declaring the 3rd Sunday of - Mark Twain his wife (Mrs. Dodd’s June as Father’s Day. mother) died in childFather’s Day has become a day birth with their sixth to not only honor your father, but child. Mr. Smart was left to raise the newborn and his all men who act as a father figure. Stepfathers, uncles, grandfaother five children by himself on a rural farm in eastthers, and adult male friends are all honored on Father’s Day. Holidays.net
On Spirituality
Laughter is contagious. Laughter is fun, it is something we all enjoy doing and oftentimes enjoy hearing. If I could choose my friends and acquaintances they would all be comediennes. Could you imagine how much fun life would be if every day we went out to lunch or to any event with Jim Carey, or Carol Burnett, or Rodney Dangerfield, Chris Rock, could you see yourself going to a baseball game with Dave Chappell? I may be wrong but I think life would be great. None of these people are in my life, but I do have some funny friends, and I have to admit I like them best. There is something about funny people that most of us are attracted to. They see the glass as half full, they would rather make fun of something than look at it too seriously. They are healing. It is difficult to be in a bad mood and laughing at the same time. When I speak with couples preparing for marriage I ask them to tell me what is it that you love so much about each other, and they tell me “he makes
body there April 2. “I think he was just closer to homelessness than most of us realized,” said reporter Warren Elly, who writes for Epoch. “I think he had a foot in homelessness himself.” The suicide shook landlord Benjamin Buckley, who rented Sharpe the warehouse space three or four months ago. “Who’s going to fill the void for the homeless?” Buckley asked. “Who’s going to be a spokesman for these people?” Morgan said he and a business partner plan to continue running Epoch. The future of the South Tampa Community News is less certain. Buckhorn said Sharpe always came across as upbeat, optimistic and pro-South Tampa. “We never know what demons people possess and what is going on in their lives,” Buckhorn said. “I know everyone is shocked about what happened.” Elly said Sharpe “oozed optimism — even in the darkest of times. … I don’t know what snapped, but whatever snapped cost the community an angel. The guy was just an angel.”
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me laugh.” Most long lasting relationships would never have survived without laughter. It is one of the greatest gifts from our creator, who has quite the sense of humor Himself, this gift of laughter, freely given. Smile and pass that smile along, tell a joke, even a bad one and make someone laugh today. Peace to you, Deacon Bob
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Protecting Yourself From Skin Cancer (Continued from pg 1)
as high in Arizona compared to Minnesota. The highest rate of skin cancer in the world is in Australia. Spending a lot of time outdoors without covering your skin and using sunscreen increases your risk. Fair skin- The risk of skin cancer is much higher for whites than for dark-skinned African Americans or Hispanics. This is because melanin helps protect against UV radiation. People with dark skin have more melanin. People with fair (light-colored) skin that freckles or burns easily are at extra high risk. Older age- The risk of basal and squamous cell skin cancers goes up as people get older. Older people have been exposed to the sun for a longer time. Still, these cancers are now being seen in younger people too, probably because they are spending more time in the sun without protecting their skin. Men- Men are 2 times as likely as women to have basal cell cancers and about 3 times as likely to have squamous cell cancers of the skin. This could be because they spend more time in the sun. Chemicals- Exposure to large amounts of arsenic increases the risk of skin cancer. Arsenic is a heavy metal used to make some insecticides. It is also found in well water in some areas. Workers exposed to industrial tar, coal, paraffin, and certain types of oil may have an increased risk, too. Radiation- People who have had radiation treatment have a higher risk of getting skin cancer in the area that was treated. This can be a problem for children who have had cancer treatment. Having had a skin cancer- Anyone who has had one keratinocyte cancer has a much higher chance of having another one. Certain long-term or severe skin problems- Scars from bad burns, areas of skin over bad bone infections, and skin damaged by certain skin diseases are more likely to develop skin cancer, but this risk is fairly small. Psoriasis treatment- Some patients with psoriasis (a long-lasting inflammatory skin disease) are treated with psoralen and ultraviolet light treatments (PUVA). This can increase their risk of getting squamous cell skin cancer, and maybe other skin cancers, too. Family diseases- Xeroderma pigmentosum: This very rare disease makes the skin less able to repair sun damage. This disease tends to run in families. People with this disease get many skin cancers, sometimes
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Ted Williams: I’ve been sober a year, ‘one day at a time’
The Homeless Voice May 2012
The Homeless Voice May 2012
6
(Continued from pg 1)
starting in childhood. Basal cell nevus syndrome: This rare condition is present at birth. It causes some people to have many basal cell cancers. It often runs in families. Weakened immune system- People with weak immune systems are more likely to develop non-melanoma skin cancer. For instance, people who have had an organ transplant often take medicines to weaken the immune system so that the body cannot reject the organ. These people are more likely to develop non-melanoma skin cancer. Skin cancers in people with weak immune systems tend to grow faster and are more likely to be fatal. HPV infection- A small number of skin cancers seem to be linked to infection with human papilloma virus (HPV). This
More people were diagnosed with skin cancer in 2009 than with breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancer combined.
group of viruses can cause warts. The warts are different from the common type of warts that people get on their hands and feet. The HPV-related warts are often in the genital area and around the anus. They are linked to skin cancers in these areas. Smoking- Smoking is a risk factor for squamous cell skin cancer, but it is not a known risk for basal cell cancer. Genetics- Scientists have found that certain people are more likely than others to develop skin cancer after sun exposure. In these people, certain parts of the normal cells are more sensitive to being damaged by sunlight. We do not yet know exactly what causes melanoma skin cancer. But we do know that certain risk factors are linked to this disease. A risk factor is anything that affects your chance of getting a disease. Different cancers have different risk factors. Some risk factors, like smoking, can be controlled. Others, like a person’s age or family history, can’t be changed. But risk factors don’t tell us everything. Having a risk factor, or even several risk factors, does not mean that you will get the
disease. And many people who get the disease may not have any known risk factors. Even if a person with melanoma has a risk factor, it is often very hard to know how much that risk factor may have contributed to the cancer. Risk factors for melanoma skin cancer UV (ultraviolet) light- Too much exposure to UV radiation is thought to be the biggest risk factor for most melanomas. The main source of UV light is the sun. Tanning lamps and booths are also sources of UV light. People with high levels of exposure to UV light are at greater risk for all types of skin cancer. The amount of UV exposure depends on the strength of the light, how long the skin was exposed, and whether the skin was covered with clothing and sunscreen. Many studies have linked melanoma in the trunk, legs, and arms to frequent sunburns (especially in childhood). Moles- A mole (the medical name is nevus) is a benign (not cancer) skin tumor. Certain types of moles increase a person’s chance of getting melanoma. The chance of any single mole turning into cancer is very low. But a person who has many moles is more likely to develop melanoma. These people should have very thorough skin exams by a skin doctor (dermatologist). Many doctors suggest that they should also look at their own skin every month. Good sun protection is always important. Fair skin- The risk of melanoma is more than 10 times higher for whites than for African Americans. Whites with fair skin, freckles, or red or blond hair have a higher risk of melanoma. Red-haired people have the highest risk. Family history of melanoma- Around 10% of people with melanoma have a close relative (mother, father, brother, sister, child) with the disease. This could be because the family tends to spend more time in the sun, or because the family members have fair skin, or both. Less often, it is because of a gene change (mutation) along with sun exposure. People with a strong family history of melanoma should do these things: •Have regular skin exams by a skin doctor (dermatologist) •Learn to look at their own skin and know what it should look like •Be very careful about sun exposure Having had melanoma in the past- A person who has already had melanoma has a higher risk of getting another one. Weak immune systems- People who have been treated with medicines that suppress the immune system, such as transplant patients, have an increased risk of developing melanoma. Age- Melanoma is more likely to happen in older people. But it is a cancer that is also found in younger people. In fact, it is one of the most common cancers in people under 30. Gender- In the US, men have a higher rate of melanoma than women. Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP)- This is a rare, inherited condition. People with XP are less able to repair damage caused by sunlight and are at greater risk of melanoma and other skin cancers. Skin Cancer Prevention Tips Do Not Burn or Tan •Avoid intentional tanning. •Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds causes skin cancer and wrinkling. Seek Shade •When sun’s rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wear Protective Clothing •Long-sleeved shirt and pants. •A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Generously Apply Sunscreen •Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 30 or higher for protection from ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. •Apply 15 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours. Use Extra Caution Near Water, Snow, and Sand •These surfaces reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn. Get Vitamin D Safely •Through a healthy diet. •Take vitamin supplements. Early detection of melanoma can save your life. Carefully examine all of your skin once a month. A new or changing spot should be evaluated.
hard years on the streets. He related the ups and downs of his life to Matt Lauer, in the mellifluous tones of the memorable voice that gained millions of fans when it was heard via YouTube in January 2011. ‘I never stopped praying’ “All through that journey, I never stopped praying,’’ Williams said. “I never lost hope. I would ask God, ‘Please, let my mother and myself stay alive one more year. Lord, please, let a lifechanging turnaround happen in my life so that my mother would not close her eyes saying, ‘I did a bad job raising this child.’’’ Williams was forthcoming about his struggles since first appearing on TODAY in January 2011, when he was awestruck by his overnight rise to popularity after years of living on the streets. He voluntarily entered rehab that month after taping television segments with Dr. Phil, only to leave less than two weeks later amid allegations by his family members that he was drinking daily while living in California. “I figured since it wasn’t my drug of choice, alcohol could be my new drug,’’ Williams said. “I could go and start drinking, and nobody would know. Everybody would know (if) Ted was on crack, but they wouldn’t know that Ted was drinking.’’ After emerging from his second stint in rehab, Williams celebrated his one-year anniversary of sobriety this month by walking his daughter down the aisle at her wedding on May 4. “I was able to be a part of that, something that a year and a half ago I wouldn’t have even thought about, let alone become a part of,’’ he said. During the 1980s, Williams was the No. 1 drive-time DJ in Columbus, Ohio, but addictions to crack cocaine and alcohol cost him his job and
his family. From 1993 through 2010, he was homeless in Columbus, begging for money on the street while often giving passing motorists samples of his still smooth, deep voice. Williams chronicles his hard times in bleak detail in his book, describing his delinquent parenting, his dishonesty with his mother, and even prostituting his girlfriend to support his habit. Despite everything that has happened, he and his girlfriend are still together. “We’re doing well,’’ he said. “One day at a time. This new domesticated life is really wild.’’ In December 2010, Williams was panhandling off Interstate 71 in Columbus with a sign that read, “I’m an exradio announcer who has fallen on hard times,’’ when he caught the eye of Columbus Dispatch videographer Doral Chenoweth III. He shot a video of Williams doing a silky voice-over and it went viral, with more than 20 million views on YouTube. Williams was soon appearing on the couches of several late-night talk show hosts as well as the set of TODAY as the latest online sensation. Williams had been obsessed with becoming a radio voice since his mother bought him a radio when he was 10 years old. He enlisted in the Army after his high school graduation and was eventually dishonorably discharged for black-marketing electronic equipment. He pursued his radio dream by getting a job as a DJ at a station in Chadbourn, N.C., before moving on to Columbus and becoming a local celebrity. However, he began smoking crack daily and watched as his job and family evaporated because of his addiction. After 17 long years on the streets, he said, he began hearing the voice of God in 2010, urging him to change his life. “I would literally throw stuff on the ground as litter and that voice would say, ‘I didn’t create this world to look nasty,’ and I would actually walk back as far as a quartermile to go pick that up and throw it in the trash can,’’ he told Lauer.
Now clean-cut and sober, Williams admitted that it is still an everyday struggle to keep a lid on his addiction. However, he remains optimistic about the future, joking with Lauer that when he returns to TODAY in five years, he will be behind the wheel of a luxury vehicle. “I want an Escalade bad,’’ he said. “I don’t know if I’m promoting Cadillac right now, but I do want one. My attorney, Bret Adams, said, ‘you keep doing the right thing, I’ll get that Escalade in the driveway.’’’
A Boca Raton man’s dream: To help the homeless economist for the White House’s His dream was so real, so powerful that Mark WasOffice of Management and Budserman couldn’t go back to sleep. get in Washington for more than For days, he had been trying to think of a new way to 23 years before retiring to Palm raise money to help homeless families in Palm Beach Beach County in 2005. County, the focus of his volunteer efforts since retirThe issue of homelessness was ing. Then, a bolt of inspiration woke him at 4 a.m. in one that was close to his family. his Boca Raton home. A niece who had nowhere to turn “You want to hear my brilliant idea?” he whispered after losing her job nearly ended to his sleeping wife, Sue Gurland. up on the streets until Wasserman, “I knew my husband well enough that if I didn’t lis68, and Gurland, 67, took her into ten then, he was going to be up all night tossing and their home until she got back on turning - and not letting me sleep,” she said, laughing. her feet and found a new job. “So I figured I’d better listen.” That’s what motivated WasserIn the twilight, Wasserman explained that he had man to co-found the local chapter imagined a plain house-shaped cardboard piggy bank of Family Promise in southern - something like a Happy Meal - that children could Palm Beach County, which has decorate and place in their homes and around the just three employees but more community to collect loose change. than 1,100 volunteers, thanks It could be a fun arts-and-crafts project that could largely to the success of the Housteach children a much bigger lesson about the issue es for Change program. of homelessness. The local program started at WasGurland hopped out of bed and flipped on her comserman’s synagogue, B’nai Torah, puter where she found not only that no one else had where the children of the religious thought of this concept, but that they could order such school raised more than $1,300. boxes cheaply online. A simple but impactful idea It soon spread across faiths, to Catholic and other Christian was born. churches, local YMCAs and food banks, until the national orWasserman’s idea those 18 months ago - Houses for ganization for Family Promise signed on as a national sponsor. Charity - has now become a national campaign for the The money doesn’t have to go to Family Promise. nonprofit group Family Promise in more than 150 citIt can go to any charity that addresses the issue of homelessness, and that helps widen its reach. ies. More than 20,000 houses decorated by little hands have raised more than $300,000 in loose change. “It’s a better mousetrap, a better version of the collection box, That initiative won Wasand people recognize this,” Wasserserman $1,000 for his charman said. “The project has universal ity, Family Promise of South Wasserman said his reward has been appeal.” Palm Beach County, from seeing children learn the lessons of Palm Beach County estimates beAARP, and he is now in the tween 1,700 and 1,900 of its children running to win up to $4,000 compassion, charity and savings, are homeless, said Mike Diamant, more for his organization the president of the board of Famespecially when helping other in their Win and Do Good ily Promise of South Palm Beach online contest that runs County, and more than 200,000 chilchildren who are homeless. through May 21. dren are homeless at any given moAARP will donate $5 for ment nationally. And that’s why he each vote Wasserman receives up to the first 800. has been so impressed watching Wasserman work tirelessly, (www.createthegood.org/sweeps) from customizing the box banks to overseeing the organiza“My subconscious works better than my conscious tion’s website. mind, at times,” Wasserman jokes of his inspiration. “He eats, sleeps and breathes the Houses for Change project,” In reality, Wasserman’s was one of the most trusted Diamant said. minds in the federal government. He was a senior Recently, U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings found out about WasserCarlos Frias
man’s work and read his congratulations into the Congressional Record on Jan. 31. “People like Mark Wasserman are a shining example of those selfless individuals who have committed their life to helping their communities become a better place,” Hastings, D-Miramar, said in session. Recently, a local rabbi attending a dinner at the White House delivered undecorated boxes for each of President Obama’s daughters and another designed to look like the White House. Wasserman is hoping the administration will use the boxes as part of homelessness awareness month in November. Wasserman said his reward has been seeing children learn the lessons of compassion, charity and savings, especially when helping other children who are homeless. He loves the example of the Chevy Chase, Md., school whose 175 children raised thousands of dollars, then used the money to buy food and delivered it to a homeless shelter in downtown Washington. And he hopes it will inspire others. “They see how the little bit adds up,” Wasserman said. “The kids could grasp how it really makes a difference.”
7 The Homeless Voice May 2012
Ted Williams: I’ve been sober a year, ‘one day at a time’ (Continued from pg 1)
hard years on the streets. He related the ups and downs of his life to Matt Lauer, in the mellifluous tones of the memorable voice that gained millions of fans when it was heard via YouTube in January 2011. ‘I never stopped praying’ “All through that journey, I never stopped praying,’’ Williams said. “I never lost hope. I would ask God, ‘Please, let my mother and myself stay alive one more year. Lord, please, let a lifechanging turnaround happen in my life so that my mother would not close her eyes saying, ‘I did a bad job raising this child.’’’ Williams was forthcoming about his struggles since first appearing on TODAY in January 2011, when he was awestruck by his overnight rise to popularity after years of living on the streets. He voluntarily entered rehab that month after taping television segments with Dr. Phil, only to leave less than two weeks later amid allegations by his family members that he was drinking daily while living in California. “I figured since it wasn’t my drug of choice, alcohol could be my new drug,’’ Williams said. “I could go and start drinking, and nobody would know. Everybody would know (if) Ted was on crack, but they wouldn’t know that Ted was drinking.’’ After emerging from his second stint in rehab, Williams celebrated his one-year anniversary of sobriety this month by walking his daughter down the aisle at her wedding on May 4. “I was able to be a part of that, something that a year and a half ago I wouldn’t have even thought about, let alone become a part of,’’ he said. During the 1980s, Williams was the No. 1 drive-time DJ in Columbus, Ohio, but addictions to crack cocaine and alcohol cost him his job and
his family. From 1993 through 2010, he was homeless in Columbus, begging for money on the street while often giving passing motorists samples of his still smooth, deep voice. Williams chronicles his hard times in bleak detail in his book, describing his delinquent parenting, his dishonesty with his mother, and even prostituting his girlfriend to support his habit. Despite everything that has happened, he and his girlfriend are still together. “We’re doing well,’’ he said. “One day at a time. This new domesticated life is really wild.’’ In December 2010, Williams was panhandling off Interstate 71 in Columbus with a sign that read, “I’m an exradio announcer who has fallen on hard times,’’ when he caught the eye of Columbus Dispatch videographer Doral Chenoweth III. He shot a video of Williams doing a silky voice-over and it went viral, with more than 20 million views on YouTube. Williams was soon appearing on the couches of several late-night talk show hosts as well as the set of TODAY as the latest online sensation. Williams had been obsessed with becoming a radio voice since his mother bought him a radio when he was 10 years old. He enlisted in the Army after his high school graduation and was eventually dishonorably discharged for black-marketing electronic equipment. He pursued his radio dream by getting a job as a DJ at a station in Chadbourn, N.C., before moving on to Columbus and becoming a local celebrity. However, he began smoking crack daily and watched as his job and family evaporated because of his addiction. After 17 long years on the streets, he said, he began hearing the voice of God in 2010, urging him to change his life. “I would literally throw stuff on the ground as litter and that voice would say, ‘I didn’t create this world to look nasty,’ and I would actually walk back as far as a quartermile to go pick that up and throw it in the trash can,’’ he told Lauer.
Now clean-cut and sober, Williams admitted that it is still an everyday struggle to keep a lid on his addiction. However, he remains optimistic about the future, joking with Lauer that when he returns to TODAY in five years, he will be behind the wheel of a luxury vehicle. “I want an Escalade bad,’’ he said. “I don’t know if I’m promoting Cadillac right now, but I do want one. My attorney, Bret Adams, said, ‘you keep doing the right thing, I’ll get that Escalade in the driveway.’’’
A Boca Raton man’s dream: To help the homeless economist for the White House’s His dream was so real, so powerful that Mark WasOffice of Management and Budserman couldn’t go back to sleep. get in Washington for more than For days, he had been trying to think of a new way to 23 years before retiring to Palm raise money to help homeless families in Palm Beach Beach County in 2005. County, the focus of his volunteer efforts since retirThe issue of homelessness was ing. Then, a bolt of inspiration woke him at 4 a.m. in one that was close to his family. his Boca Raton home. A niece who had nowhere to turn “You want to hear my brilliant idea?” he whispered after losing her job nearly ended to his sleeping wife, Sue Gurland. up on the streets until Wasserman, “I knew my husband well enough that if I didn’t lis68, and Gurland, 67, took her into ten then, he was going to be up all night tossing and their home until she got back on turning - and not letting me sleep,” she said, laughing. her feet and found a new job. “So I figured I’d better listen.” That’s what motivated WasserIn the twilight, Wasserman explained that he had man to co-found the local chapter imagined a plain house-shaped cardboard piggy bank of Family Promise in southern - something like a Happy Meal - that children could Palm Beach County, which has decorate and place in their homes and around the just three employees but more community to collect loose change. than 1,100 volunteers, thanks It could be a fun arts-and-crafts project that could largely to the success of the Housteach children a much bigger lesson about the issue es for Change program. of homelessness. The local program started at WasGurland hopped out of bed and flipped on her comserman’s synagogue, B’nai Torah, puter where she found not only that no one else had where the children of the religious thought of this concept, but that they could order such school raised more than $1,300. boxes cheaply online. A simple but impactful idea It soon spread across faiths, to Catholic and other Christian was born. churches, local YMCAs and food banks, until the national orWasserman’s idea those 18 months ago - Houses for ganization for Family Promise signed on as a national sponsor. Charity - has now become a national campaign for the The money doesn’t have to go to Family Promise. nonprofit group Family Promise in more than 150 citIt can go to any charity that addresses the issue of homelessness, and that helps widen its reach. ies. More than 20,000 houses decorated by little hands have raised more than $300,000 in loose change. “It’s a better mousetrap, a better version of the collection box, That initiative won Wasand people recognize this,” Wasserserman $1,000 for his charman said. “The project has universal ity, Family Promise of South Wasserman said his reward has been appeal.” Palm Beach County, from seeing children learn the lessons of Palm Beach County estimates beAARP, and he is now in the tween 1,700 and 1,900 of its children running to win up to $4,000 compassion, charity and savings, are homeless, said Mike Diamant, more for his organization the president of the board of Famespecially when helping other in their Win and Do Good ily Promise of South Palm Beach online contest that runs County, and more than 200,000 chilchildren who are homeless. through May 21. dren are homeless at any given moAARP will donate $5 for ment nationally. And that’s why he each vote Wasserman receives up to the first 800. has been so impressed watching Wasserman work tirelessly, (www.createthegood.org/sweeps) from customizing the box banks to overseeing the organiza“My subconscious works better than my conscious tion’s website. mind, at times,” Wasserman jokes of his inspiration. “He eats, sleeps and breathes the Houses for Change project,” In reality, Wasserman’s was one of the most trusted Diamant said. minds in the federal government. He was a senior Recently, U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings found out about WasserCarlos Frias
man’s work and read his congratulations into the Congressional Record on Jan. 31. “People like Mark Wasserman are a shining example of those selfless individuals who have committed their life to helping their communities become a better place,” Hastings, D-Miramar, said in session. Recently, a local rabbi attending a dinner at the White House delivered undecorated boxes for each of President Obama’s daughters and another designed to look like the White House. Wasserman is hoping the administration will use the boxes as part of homelessness awareness month in November. Wasserman said his reward has been seeing children learn the lessons of compassion, charity and savings, especially when helping other children who are homeless. He loves the example of the Chevy Chase, Md., school whose 175 children raised thousands of dollars, then used the money to buy food and delivered it to a homeless shelter in downtown Washington. And he hopes it will inspire others. “They see how the little bit adds up,” Wasserman said. “The kids could grasp how it really makes a difference.”
The Homeless Voice May 2012
8
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9 The Homeless Voice May 2012
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Absoloot & ShoMi Bubble Drive
The Homeless Voice May 2012
ShoMi Entertainment and Absoloot partner to create the EP entitled “Our Voice” to support the work of South Florida nonprofit, The Homeless Voice. Within just over 2 weeks “Our Voice” has risen to the number 1 political hip hop album on cdbaby.com. Absoloot’s music is powerful, relevant and current, and often features emotional outpourings and pleas for social change. The new hit featured on “Our Voice,” “99%,” demonstrates his support and shows solidarity for the majority of people, who are cornered by lack, corruption and misuse of power by politicians, leaving them, the 99 percent of the population, to struggle. In the anthem “American Soldier” Absoloot describes his support for America’s freedom fighting heroes, whom he has great respect for and honors with his music. “Our Voice” was created to help those less fortunate and anyone in the process of rebuilding their life. If you would like to support a great cause “Our Voice” can be purchased at www.cdbaby.com/cd/absoloot17 and asiamrecords.com. “’Our Voice’ continues the musical journey I began at the beginning of my career, and it’s my hope that music once again can galvanize people and benefit causes,” said Absoloot. “Through this album, I stay true to myself, my music and my fans. I hope they recognize themselves in some of my work, and realize that by standing together, social change is possible, and dreams can be accomplished.” ShoMi Entertainment has also partnered with local churches to collect items that are donated the least. ShoMi entertainment calls this the “Bubble Drive” and has already collected thousands of items for the homeless. ShoMi Entertainment would like to give a special thanks to Weekes and Callaway, and everyone who’s given thus far. If you would like to participate in the “Bubble Drive” please contact ShoMi at 305-330-0224 or ShoMiLoveFL@gmail.com.
Well who isn’t stressing over fears of recession Got close to the great depression Really hope you learned a lesson Always expect the unexpected When these thieves talk investing I can’t even trust the news There’s too many different views Too easy to get confused Then these commentators Claim they got the latest If we listen they can save us Even though some still blame us Some claim they got the facts Make up poll numbers just to show you they have stats So if these politicians paying then their rising in the polls Hope you buying what their saying cause their selling their soul It won’t take a change of weather just to know that their cold It looks green on their side as I look over the fence I got my back against the wall I’m on the 99% 99% I’m the 99% Got my back against the wall I’m the 99%
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The Homeless Voice May 2012