serving our community since 1997
Part of the North American Street Newspaper Association
If you received this issue of the Homeless Voice in your mailbox please go to pg 14
www.homelessvoice.org
COSAC Foundation | PO Box 292-577 Davie, FL 33329 | 954-924-3571
To view Lois’ Memorial video visit: www.homelessvoice.org/lc
Protect the Ones You Love I thought and thought about what I would write about my Lois. What could I say about a Saint, a perfect person in my eyes and in many others as well? This was a lady who I loved very much but my love for her was, well… not perfect. My life is a little complex and she knew that, she knew my mission in life came first. She took that understanding and stood by me all the way till the end. When someone was in trouble she prayed. When I was on the floor giving mouth to mouth to someone with HIV she was saying prayers between handing me a bottle of peroxide to gargle with. So what could I say about her… I’m thinking and I am thinking what would she want? She would want my story to teach something, or teach a family how to be safe so their little ones would not get hurt. At the same time of thinking how could I teach something to keep a child safe, in comes Jordana to my office asking me about my pool if it was grounded and if the lights were lowered in amps and volts instead of a direct electric current. I told Jordana that yes my pool was safe but now it is time to spread the word since we have seen a few kids get shocked this month in our community from electric in the pool. Lois this one’s for you honey, this is the story I hope others will read and make their pool safe so their little ones won’t ever get killed.
CBS4 Exclusive: It’s Almost Summer…Is Your Pool Safe? A month after the death of his son Calder, Chris Sloan is still trying to understand what happened to his 7-year-old son. “There is many horrible ways of children dying and it happens a lot of time, but there is something specifically horrifying, because this is just so random. Pool, lights a pool electrical system can kill a kid or can kill a person or you… it’s just so, such an unusual, random way of dying,” Sloan told CBS4. When Calder touched the pool light, electricity flowed through his body. His muscles contracted. The energy pulled his little body in and there was no chance of escape. Coincidence or Something Else? Just a week after Sloan died, 10-year-old Diego Cabrera was swimming in his Hialeah apartment’s pool when he touched a railing. He was immediately shocked. Surveillance video of the pool, obtained exclusively by CBS4, shows the boy’s grandfather pulling him out. Two other kids were shocked before everyone evacuated the pool. To have two pool related incidents involving electricity within a week, was it coincidence or something more? How likely is it that what happened in North Miami and Hialeah happening again in a pool here in South Florida? “It’s very possible.” Irv Chazen told CBS4. He operates one of the oldest pool-building companies in South Florida. He’s built more than 7,000 pools since 1959. And he says he’s willing to shut down if something doesn’t change. “I’d rather see them shut the business of building pools down then allow it to continue on its present course. There are going to be more injuries and deaths caused by electrocution, electric shock or entrapment,
Lois this one’s for you honey, this is the story I hope others will read and make their pool safe so their little ones won’t ever get killed.
or drowning. That’s how I feel about it. I’d rather go out of business,” Chazen said. The Fix What Chazen wants outside of every pool is a transformer—which is a pretty simple device. High voltage power coming to your pool passes through the transformer, 120 volts become 12 volts. From there the 12 volts goes on to lights and pool pumps. What’s the difference between 120 volts and 12 volts? Take a 9 volt battery for example. (Do not attempt to do this) If you touch a wet finger to the end of it, it’s going to shock you, but you will be fine. If you touch 120 volts though, it would be 10 times what’s needed to kill you. Licensed electricians told us you could safely install high-powered 120 volt lines into pools. But if something does go wrong – which would you rather have flowing into the water? 120 volts that would kill you or 12 volts that you would live through? Jorge Grijalba with On Call Electric told us he tells people not to get in the pool if there is not a transformer. “Because I won’t get in myself,” Grijalba said. Optional Safety Our investigation into transformers became even more interesting when we learned 120 volt lines are illegal in commercial pools. The high-powered lines must be downgraded before they go to pool appliances and lights. So, in Hialeah, Cabrera gets shocked, but because a transformer was required, the power had been downgraded before it entered the pool. He lives. But in single-family homes, like Sloan’s, transformers are optional. Chris Sloan learned about the law from CBS4. He was disgusted. “I think it’s criminal. I don’t understand why homes aren’t regulated and why that’s allowed. Actually, I did not know that, I did not know that commercial there is a different standard in terms of voltage in terms of a commercial to a home, that
Our Purpose: To Help the Homeless Learn How to Help Themselves
(Continued on pg 12)
~Monthly Angels~
The Homeless Voice June 2014
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Addias Eugene Alicia Hernandez Amparo Penuela Angela Martinez Arturo & Amelia Rodriguez Awake Inc. Barbara DeSanto Barbara Robinson Basil & Sonja Gonsalves Bill & Laura Fash Bobbie Given Charles & Tracy Rice Christopher Caswell Coco Mindreau Corinna Frank- Sanchez
Dalal Almeida Daniel Guevara David Paradise David Summers Donald & Rose Rieth Donna Galloway Donna Jesudowich Eduardo Bovea Eduardo Gomez Ellen Heron Eva & George Gorzkowski Evelyn Correa Evelyn Giarnella Evelyn Russo Evelyn Salerno Frank & Johanna Gennuso Geoffrey & Jennie Falbey Gerard Moraly Greentree Financial Group J Hastings
Jack & Anna Hadley Jacob Slebodnik Jacqueline Levine Jaime Alustiza John Dinielli John & Linda Evans John Rahael Jonathan Fernandez Jorge Alvarez Jorge Herrera Jorge Sanchez Joseph Maiuro Juan & Antonieta Bofill Judith Temple Judith Tozzi Julio Fernandez Karen Povlock Linda Macfarlane Lizette Gonzalez Cardoso Maria Ortega
Maria’s Birthday Wishes for The Homeless Mark Duske Mark Targett Mary Parish Messan Benissan Michael Prokop Miguel & Mariana Mujica Mindful Music Movement Nadine Collette Nicole Leon Patrice & George Shurland Paul Christodoulou Pin Osuji PJ Carter Praxi Solutions Presbyterian Women In The Congregation Ramonita Lopez R K Campbell
R T Shankweiler Ralph Hill Ralph Wickham Reon Hilagass Richard Sczykutowicz RM Beaulieu Roanne Cobuzio Rosanne & Michael Ureneck Roy Bruno Rufino Garcia Sahily Castro Samantha Boehm Sandra Beach Scott Morey Sean Campbell Sean Cononie Shahwata Roy Barman Suzanne & Joe Matsuura Tatiana Da Cunha
Temple Aron Hakodesh Teresa Black Timothy Osborn Tjoman Buditaslim Tom Thumb Food Stores Inc. Village Quick Pick INC. Vilma Bagwandeen Victor Lanza Virginia Bailey Walton Brown William & Barbara Gentzsch Yasmin Diaz Yasmin Leiva
Thank you for your support Angels! Your support keeps our doors open! Dear Homeless Voice Readers: We are the small non-profit that runs the #1 emergency and response shelter in South Florida. We serve, house, and care for 500 homeless every day, and have costs like any other business: water, power, rent, programs, staff and legal help. The Homeless Voice is extremely effective. It is a place where anyone in need will get help. It is a safe place for people to go when they have nowhere else to turn. We take no government funds. We run on donations averaging about 33 cents. If everyone reading this paper gave the price of a cup of coffee, our fundraising would be done. If helping people is important to you as it is important for us, take one minute to go online to www.hvoice.org and become a monthly angel. $15 per month is what we need from You. Please help us forget fundraising and get back to Serving the Homeless. Thank you. Please visit: www.hvoice.org/member
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Donations are tax deductable & help South Florida’s Homeless
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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 or anyone in need of food. The COSAC Foundation opened it’s first homeless shelter in 1999 and named it COSAC Quarters (the shelter money was raised by spare change). 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 vision is 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.
If you received this issue of the Homeless Voice in your mailbox please go to pg 14 We have an Emergency!
Homeless Voice Newspaper Staff Publisher Sean Cononie Editor in Chief
~ Cathy’s Prayer List ~ * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Michael Loffredo Natacha Lewis Steven Green Josh Wynn Bianca James Lois Robert Tansey Veronica & John Carmen Cononie Mary Summers Cassandra Wilson Charlene Duarte Rusty Columbo Devon Bailey & Family Maria Dragon
* * * * * * * * * * *
Mark Targett Executive Editor
Vemonda Lane & Family
Charlie Mr. Mike Tiffany Dvora Ed Giampietro Kristan David Perez Tommy & Joe Geralyn Little Ryan
Sara Targett www.HomelessVoice.org/contact
Earnest Bowens & Family
To add a name to Cathy’s Prayer List, call or text 954-410-6275
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The Homeless Voice June 2014
About the COSAC Foundation
The Homeless Voice June 2014
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We have an Emergency! See pg 14
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5 Honest Day’s Work which will Keep You Broke creation of strong unions. Take the LaGuardia Airport for inA lot of Americans are in awe about how people livstance; it was purposely constructed to restore hope and honor ing in the richest country in the entire world have to to American workers, but today, cabin cleaners earn a miserwork for long hours and yet have nothing to show for able $8 an hour without health benefits. it. Fast food workers: the irony presented here is that those Available report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics serving the orders are practically working for close-to-starvaindicates that in 2012, about 1.57 million Americans tion incomes. Non-managerial fast food workers make an averwere earning a minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. Alage of a measly $8.94 an hour. Majority of these workers are though millions more earned above the figure, several females while a considerable number of them have families to others earned below the minimum wage. More than support. 60% of those who earned minimum wage in 2012 Fishing industry workers: some of the most dangerous jobs were either in the hospitality, rein modern America are found aboard fishtail, or the leisure industry. ing vessels. They include pulling in lines, Approximately 28 million peo- The irony presented here is preserving the catch, and operating equipple will benefit directly or indiamong others. Industry wages are not that those serving the orders ment rectly if the minimum wage is subjected to minimum wage laws; instead, increased. This is because busi- are practically working for they are based on a percentage of harvest. ness owners usually adjust wages close-to-starvation incomes That notwithstanding, if you deduct the cost of workers above the minimum of equipment and gear each worker is supwage. Here are 5 jobs where unposed to buy, their wages are typically beder no circumstance should workers go broke for dislow the minimum wage. charging their honest day’s work. Construction and mining workers: Laborers including Airport workers: American airport workers have helpers often undertake the most hazardous tasks on construcbecome disadvantaged as a result of actions by govtion and mining sites. Their functions involve explosives and ernment, employers and their proxies to prevent the scaffolding, yet they are the lowest paid. $10 an hour is the Staff Writer
average wage for a day labourer. This makes the employees wallow in abstract poverty as they virtually struggle to keep body and souls just above the minimum wage. Because of their status as casual laborers, in several states, their medical expenses are not taken care of. Nail salon workers: The last 2 decades have seen the number of manicurists tripled in the United States. The minimum wage earned by a manicurist or pedicurist is about $9.24 as of May 2012. Sometimes these workers are denied over time or even lunch breaks. They are also exposed to all sorts of harmful chemicals which may have not been tested for safety.
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Last month’s article dealt with the amazing and wonderful aspects of Corpus Christi. One of the ways that God has manifest Gods self here on Earth. There are of course many ways that people come to know our God. One of these ways is through suffering. Suffering is challenging, suffering is mysterious, suffering raises questions without answers. Universally none of us want to suffer, yet we all will. Most of us already have, and know we will again. A month ago the Homeless Voice lost one of its most beautiful partners in Lois Cross. Lois courageously battled cancer for a year or so with the most dignity that I have ever witnessed. I know that she rests at peace with our Lord today because her love for Him was so great. Lois was such an inspiration to so many, really everyone she came in contact with. Lois suffered and those who loved that forces us to search for meaning, a meaning of life and death that we would her suffered with her. It otherwise miss. may be worse to watch Lois was such an My dear friends, my prayer someone you really love suffer than to suffer inspiration to so many, today is for all those folks that knew and loved Lois, and yourself. really everyone she that they can find peace in The question this poses to me spiritually came in contact with. their grief, and that their grief can lead to belief, a belief in is “can we benefit from a higher power that loves us suffering”? Is it just a part of life and has no value, or does unconditionally, and seeks to be in communion suffering have a great value. Something with us. God bless us all, Deacon Bob
The Homeless Voice June 2014
On Spirituality... Suffering
Is suffering something that forces us to search for meaning, a meaning of life and death that we would otherwise miss?
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The Homeless Voice June 2014
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Homeless student named valedictorian A homeless high school student in Florida has been named valedictorian. Griffin Furlong lost his mother to leukemia at age 6, and soon after that, lived with his father and older brother in a homeless shelter for two years in Louisville, KY. “At some point I wanted to quit. It was horrible.” Furlong said. “A kid should not have to go through that.” His family moved to Jacksonville, FL when he was in 6th grade. They lived in a rental house but it was always a financial struggle, often having little to eat and constantly having to depend on family members for help. A month ago, with finals and AP tests still ahead, he found himself homeless again. His girlfriend’s mother put him up for three weeks, then he moved in with an aunt and uncle. Through all this, he ended up with a 4.65 GPA and will graduate as valedictorian on June 4. “Positive mindset. I try to accomplish everything I need to do. I know that I have everything to lose. So I just push myself. School is all I have, family is all I have. I am doing it all for me and what I have been through. I am doing it for my mom,” Furlong said. Furlong says he always wrote in his baseball cap every season, never give up. Furlong just turned 18 May 5, just got a state ID Wednesday, and will soon get his driver’s license. He plans on studying civil engineering at Florida State University, where his brother will graduate this summer. “I wrote him a letter of recommendation, and I said he was the hardest working, most-motivated student I have ever had,” said Jennifer Stover, his
calculus teacher. “He never missed a day of school, was always at baseball practice and managed to get his homework done every night and always do well.” Furlong has received some money to help with college expenses, and a housing discount, but it is nowhere near enough to meet his expenses. He has applied for academic scholarships, but so far hasn’t gotten any good news. “It is pretty frustrating. I thought being valedictorian, you should deserve a full scholarship, a full tuition. All I have been able to land were grants. That is need based, so it’s pretty tough,” Furlong said. 2014 WTLV via CNN.
Positive mindset. I try to accomplish everything I need to do. I know that I have everything to lose. So I just push myself.
Criminalizing Homelessness: Arrested for Urinating A homeless man is arrested for urinating in public despite the fact that on a Sunday morning Downtown Tucson is deserted and almost all businesses and government officers within 1-mile are closed and there is no publicly accessible restroom within 2-miles. There were FIVE (5) police officers and TWO (2) police vehicles that responded to this. Do you think this is the best use of tax dollars? If not, feel free to give Captain Jim Webb of the Tucson Police a call at: (520) 837-7514 The criminalization of homelessness takes many forms, including: • Enactment and enforcement of laws that make it illegal to sleep, sit, or store personal belongings in the public spaces of cities without sufficient shelter or affordable housing. • Selective enforcement against homeless persons of seemingly neutral laws, such as loitering, jaywalking, or open container ordinances. • Sweeps of city areas in which homeless persons live in order to drive them out of those areas, frequently resulting in the destruction of individuals’ personal property, including important personal documents and medication. • Enactment and enforcement of laws that punish people for begging or panhandling in order to move poor or homeless persons out of a city or downtown area. • Enactment and enforcement of laws that restrict groups sharing food with homeless persons in public spaces. • Enforcement of “quality of life” ordinances related to public activities and hygiene (e.g. public urination) when no public facilities are available to people without housing.
Dear Lois,
7 The Homeless Voice June 2014
“No cord or cable can draw so forcibly, or bind so fast, as love can do with a single thread” -Robert Burton An angel is among us in Lois Cross. Her devotion to God and mankind certainly have been rewarded as she now sits with Him in Heaven. Lois was an amazing woman who dedicated her life to praying for and helping others in need. Her commitment to helping the homeless and those in distress kept magnifying as the years went on. I’d like to share a couple of special memories of her if I may. When the earthquake devastated the country of Haiti, she jumped right in and along with Sean, took the trip to Haiti to deliver food and much needed miscellaneous supplies. I remember unloading the U-Haul truck that carried meals ready to eat and there was Lois, like a trooper helping us unload the truck. Lois never, ever placed herself above others, she rolled up her sleeves and did whatever necessary to help others. She was one of the most unselfish people I have ever met. I would purchase Lois’ groceries. She would give me a list of items she needed and was always so grateful that I did this for her. The undying gratitude she had for the simplest of things done for her was amazing. Every so often, I would surprise her with a favorite ice cream or blueberries or special treats that she liked but never asked for. The look on her face and that radiant smile she displayed was priceless. I will miss Lois very much, but I know that she is definitely looking over us in Heaven and I am certain that she will always shield the shelter from danger and will bestow upon us all her blessings and intercede for us through God, the will to keep going and the strength to prevail. I thank you Lois for giving me the opportunity to be a part of your life, I miss you and love you dear Angel.
The other day a butterfly flew by me and I thought of you. Always caring, helping others and never judging. You loved everybody equally and you will greatly be missed for God broke our hearts to prove He took the best. Sometime people mention your name, some just keep quiet but no matter what is or isn’t said you’re always on someone’s mind. It’s been 3 weeks since you’ve been gone for your friends and family things just aren’t the same. It still doesn’t seem real. If love could have saved you, you would still be here today. The love we hold for you will never change just know that you are missed each and every day. ~Love Always.
Jordana
Ron
Cared about the homeless and that the money brought in was to give them a safe place to live. She was full of caring and love for the homeless. When she hugged me I knew then the love she had for the homeless. That they have a nice place to live. I will miss her. God bless her, she was and is a wonderful Lady and Good Bussiness Woman. She is up there in the Pretty Heaven and I will remember her. God Bless her.
Artie and Deborah Goncalves
You were an angel to me. She corrected me, told me when I was wrong and also told me when I was doing right. She never let me down and when I was in need of a smile I could always depend on her. She was like a second mother to me. I could always depend on her to keep my thoughts on what was going on in front of me. I will love her until I see her again in heaven. I miss her dearly. I prayed for her daily because she was a woman who hung on until the end, and may God take care of her for she was a woman who never gave up.
Love, Vinny
You have been there for me since day one that I entered COSAC. You inspired me to be a better person and want better for myself. You have given me lots of great advice that I still use till this day. You have been there for me through my ups and downs and boy have I had a lot of them. You will truly be missed but you always have a special place in my heart. RIP love always,
Lois I did not know you long enough. Your smile was your special gift to us. You were chosen by God to help the homeless you were a special person and now you are one of God’s Angel in heaven. This world would be a better place if we had more people like you.. rest in peace your work on earth is done let us left behind try to carry on.
Jane Werth
Daletha Brown
I know in my heart you will be able to read this. We spent fifteen years together some hectic some wonderful and the last year sad for me for what you were going through. I have never met anyone in my lifetime that lived a life with such integrity, compassion and forgiveness. The love you had with God was an inspiration to all you came in contact with. My friend I will truly miss you but however I know you are watching over all of us.
I remember when Ms. Lois used to drive up in her lil red car and park on the south side where everyone gathers to visit and smoke, as she walked into the building,she never went by without smiling and saying hello to everyone she passed by// everyone // everyday // every time!
Mary Derr
Love Always, Ginny, Paul, Anna & Pauly
I had always considered myself very lucky to have arrived here during the time of the “3 angels of Cosac” and I believe with all my heart that due to their combined presence, there positive effect on Cosac grew good exceptionally. Joyce, Cathy and Lois Cross each contributed something different. Lois was like the glue that held them together. She was like a beloved coach whose presence made people want to work harder, enabling them to reach out and help so many. Sometimes it seems the things most precious to us, that have the most to teach us seem to stay with us the least amount of time. It almost seems as they are just as precious to God and he is as anxious to have them back as we are to keep them. Over the 10 years I was lucky enough to travel in the presence of her orbit, she meant many things to me and taught me even more. Her love of the Lord was a beacon left and felt by my heart, something that will always inspire me so she shall always live in my heart. Several times she reached out before I knew I was hurting and that love made all the difference. Lois I will never forget seeing your face by my side when I came off life support, it meant even more as you were the only staff ever to come see me and give me encouragement. I’ll be looking forward to seeing you when it’s my time. I love you with all my heart.
Love, Ramona montayne
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The Homeless Voice June 2014
The Homeless Voice June 2014
Sean Cononie
My Letter to You...
Below is my letter to Lois. But before you read it I wanted to give you a little info on how Lois came in to my life. After reading it, I think you will come to the same feeling that I have had this whole month after she passed here on Earth. On December 29th 1999 a reporter by the name of Bob George from the Sun-Sentinel published a very long story about three full pages long, about myself and John McCormick titled, “My Friend named John.” About three or four weeks after the article I got a Catholic Mass Card from Lois sent to us with a donation. Besides the card and the donation there was a note saying that Lois wanted to volunteer a few times a month. I called her up and we met and she said she wanted to bring in flowers for the girls and get a monthly birthday cake for the birthday people of that month. A few weeks went by and my friend Johnny went missing. I called Lois up and asked her if she wanted to go on the search party. She went that night and we found John-John. In a matter of a year she was working about 12 hours a day. Then her title changed to the same position as me, “Co- Director.” In a matter of a few years she moved in to our new shelter and slept with me on the floor between the copier and the file cabinets. That lasted about 7 years. Her 12 hours a day went to about 18 hours a day with no days off. A few years later we finally got a place in our office to sleep and a nice TV. A few years back she and I would land in Haiti with the jet we rented two days after the earthquake bringing in 70 doctors and antibiotics for thousands of people. Lois was a person who did not have to work. When her loving husband Gary died it was then she decided it was time to retire. She could have done anything she wanted to do at this point in her life because Gary and she were good savers. She was a person who went on pilgrimages with the church. She was a person who went to church day after day praying for strangers. She would see something on TV where maybe a mom and dad were suffering over the loss of a little one and she would pray for them. She never boasted in her praying she did most of it behind closed doors.
She was a person who did not have to work all these hours in the most stressful environment in the world. She was very good to our Johnny, in fact over time he became her Johnny for she had the same relationship with him that I did. She treated him as if he was Jesus Himself. John was born on 4-29-1952, our Lois died on his birthday. The feeling I have after her death was like a message from Jesus. Lois was here to serve, to meet us, to meet this shelter and to meet Johnny. She was here for me because without her this place would have shut its doors a very long time ago. When it came to Lois there is no other way to say it.... She was for sure the Wind Beneath My Wings.... I can only smile thinking of her these days knowing she has done her job on earth perfectly. No matter how many smiles there are, there always comes a tear and that is how I know I loved her so. She was my Honey, my friend, my soul mate, my miracle worker and the world’s prayer warrior. Around here we have a bed titled a “Mother Teresa Bed.” This is a bed for life for those who will never work, never get a check- they are our guest. Now we have a bed titled a “Lois Bed”- yes Lois was a Saint. Lois, you were everything to me. There is no other way to say it than this way. You did it all for me. No matter the time of day or night you were at my side. You gave me more than any other person in the world. You also gave me the strength at the most difficult choices in my life. The best part of our life I think was when I said lets go Grammy it is time for us to go see the kids. Before I knew it you had all of Pap Paps stuff packed and ready for our trip. The love you gave everyone including Marks kids was just because it was all you. Nothing but love came from you. I am quite sure you are loving life now with our Jesus. You got your wish honey. You are with Him. You are there with the man who made us all, the man who made the water, the air the earth and even this shelter that we worked at every day of our life. Lois I love you. Keep us in your eyes and help us make the correct decisions on the people we serve. THANK YOU SWEETIE I LOVE YOU
Bottom Pics Sun Sentinel
The Homeless Voice June 2014
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Grammy Sara Targett
Grammy, that’s what my kids called her. I met Lois in 2002 when I was 19 years old. Mark and I had been dating a few months and I went down to FL (from NJ) to be with him. He worked in the office with Sean and Lois, and I worked in Operations. Working the change machine when the vendors came in at the end of the day was really the extent of my onsite work. Lois and I would try to keep the office kitchen clean and attempt to keep Sean’s desk from being buried under the papers, iced teas, and overflowing ashtrays. After Mark and I had Lily in 2003, I started editing the newspaper. I also enrolled in a few esthetician classes nearby and relied on PapPap (Sean) and Grammy (Lois) to watch Lily while I was gone and Mark was working. When we moved to NJ in 2004 our relationship only grew stronger. Lois and Sean made trips up to NJ and celebrated birthdays with us, we traveled down south and celebrated Holidays with them. Lois was such a beautiful woman. Her patience and gentleness were gifts that she shared gener-
ously. She loved the kids and had a wonderful mixture of play and lessons to bestow on them. We had many wonderful visits, trips and moments together. As I went through our pictures to pull some out of her, I realized how much she isn’t in front of the camera! So many pictures I had, you could see her in the way background or just walking past. A lot were very candid shots- playing with my kids in the pool, helping dye Easter eggs, decorating Sean’s Christmas tree. She was being present in the moment. The last time I saw Lois was the end of March. We came down for our 5k Race to End Homelessness. She looked great but said she felt like hell. I sat on her bed and with my mother in law we talked about how John Paul II was going to be canonized a Saint at the end of April. Her dresser was a shrine right at the foot of her bed with an amazing picture of John Paul II and Mother Teresa holding his hand gazing up at him smiling. She said she didn’t even know who sent the picture to her. I remember thinking, I hope she gets to see him Canonized! Diane told me later that it played in the background while she slept. Before our visit ended we layed our hands on her and prayed. I cried the moment we left hoping I was wrong but knowing it would be the last time I saw her alive.
PapPap, Grammy & Lil at the shelter- the flower pattern behind Lois’ head even looks like a halo! Her funeral was the most beautiful one I have ever been to. The priests, the family, her friendseveryone had kind words for her. My three oldest girls came and were able to say goodbye to Grammy. It was very sad- but I know Lois is in heaven. There is great peace in knowing that her suffering is over and she is now with Our Lord. To end this I’m going to use what Lois had written at the bottom of all her emails: We worry more about what other people think instead of what God thinks! (Love you Grammy!)
Originally Published January 2013 I had bought a second “Fluffy” that’s what we call nate people have no home, no place to belong, no place her...at least I do because Lady can’t talk. Lady is to be secure, no place to be sheltered. These are the a 6 month old chocolate lab. Fluffy is a soft white homeless. Some for whatever their reasons choose to toy covered in a fabric that looks like lamb’s wool. be perpetually on the street but others find themselves There is a black loop that is used to hang these things in a shelter. Some come voluntarily out of a temporary on the rack in the store...and that’s her favorite part need and others come out of chronic and long lasting of the toy...at least until she has it all chewed off. despair and need. Some come from hospitals. Some Kids are so happy with the boxes that their presents are brought by the police. Some are even directed on come in. I have loads of pictures, as you have too, of their release from a correctional facility. the kids sitting in boxes, boxes on their heads, cylThere is a reason why people become homeless. Ten inders on their arms...all the parts again that either years ago when I first started here at the shelter I was aren’t necessary for the use of the item or what we so in love with the homeless, I thought they “could do would throw away. no wrong”...but my eyes have been opened. Speaking of throwing away. A couple of years ago Yes, I know that most of them have mental issues. my daughter and grandson saw this orchid plant And a good many have physical disabilities that have thrown away in a junk pile. Cathy liked the pot and interfered with working and stability. A very many Johnny thought I would appreciate the greenery of of them have tried to self-medicate themselves with the plant. It sat on my porch for the longest time and drugs and alcohol and the addicts who didn’t do that, I thought of the love that had gone into that greenjust were stupid enough to try it and like it and were ery I had been given. Well in time, I gave the pot too weak to get out of the situation. to Cathy but kept the plant and since then I have I was just cleaning out my documents and came had I think four beautiful across this one that I started bloomings. Now the spires on Jan 22 2011...just a year the blossoms are on have ago. Looking at it now, I reforked and I have double ally don’t think there should the amount of beautiful Count the blessings in your life and be any more to add. In this huge white orchids. that just passed I too could be be thankful...thankful for yours and year The world, my friends, is living in a homeless shelter if not filled with “fluffy” loops, yes be thankful that you are not one for the fact that when my husband junked items and cardboard of “Fluffy’s tags”...but DO be kind to passed away, he left me financially boxes...better known as the sound so much so that in the past them in thought, word or deed. less fortunate. Some are years I could volunteer for the most fortunate enough to actually part at COSAC. I am blessed with have a home to live in. Noa family that loves me and watches tice I said home, not house. over me and prays for me, as well as A house is a structure that their friends and their churches and usually has a floor, four walls and a roof. A home is the people who live in our homeless shelter have done for what is inside that structure...no matter how frail and me. You see, healthy as a horse Lois, who never catches so unattractive it may be. But many of these unfortumuch as a cold ended up in the hospital with (unknown to
anyone) pancreatic cancer. Thanks be to God and all the prayers that have been asked of Him, I am doing very well, much better than anyone expected, especially my family who thought they lost me at one point during surgery. Count the blessings in your life and be thankful... thankful for yours and yes be thankful that you are not one of “Fluffy’s tags”...but DO be kind to them in thought, word or deed. May this New Year ahead of us be a happy and healthy one for us all and remember that this little story of my illness proves again: There, but for the Grace of God, go I! Thanks, Lois Cross
The First Lady of The Homeless Voice I believe that constant change within ourselves is always needed for us to grow. I believe that when we are no longer here on earth that love is the only thing that remains. I think that Lois has figured out what life was all about. Lois woke up one day and read an article in the local newspaper. The article was about the relationship between a homeless person and the shelter founder at the Homeless Voice. The article was published on December 19, 1999. If you want to read the article, it is here http://tinyurl.com/l2uwfqk When Lois put down the article, she did not know it yet but her life was about to change. Many of us want to help others or change something, but few of us actually get off the couch and do something about it. (This is me included.) Lois drove to the shelter and signed up to volunteer. Later she had told me that she had felt out of
place because she had just bought a new car and wasn't sure what to wear at the shelter. (Most of us just wear what we wore the day before because our work hours can and do last up to 16 hours per day.) She told me that she had felt like putting a dent in the car so that it would have matched the others. I smiled. After her first visit she must have seen all the work that needed to be done. (Or she had no idea what she was getting herself into.) Within 1 year she was a permanent fixture. Her duties included washing the dishes (because she did not like dishwashers and I still don't know why), organizing the utility bills, answering phone calls, spending time with clients, and keeping staff in line. (Mainly you know who.) Lois had other large commitments with her church and her family. I am still not sure how she was able to do all this at the same time.
Lois could have easily stayed at home, spending her retirement money, tending to her garden, or driving in her new car. She made the decision to get out of her comfort zone and do something new. I believe that constant change within ourselves is always needed for us to grow. I believe that when we are no longer here on earth that love is the only thing that remains. Lois’ one decision affected the next 15 years of her life. This happened because something inside told her to show up to a place that she did not know to help people that she never met. And she did. To volunteer your time. Go to www.hvoice.org/volunteer
The Homeless Voice June 2014
Isn’t it funny what kids and dogs do?
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The Homeless Voice June 2014
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Protect the Ones You Love (Continued from pg 1)
is news to me” Sloan said. The Sloan’s did have a transformer and 12 volt light in their pool. But it appears it may have been installed incorrectly. An improperly installed transformer is about as good as having no transformer at all. Sloan’s attorney Dan Santaniello said he’s also looking into failures of the pool light. Past cases have shown the lights are often at fault. Santaniello told us the lights should never become charged, period. Is there any argument as to why you would want 120 volts in your pool? “None that I know of.” Michael Goolsby told us. Goolsby is Miami-Dade’s Building Department Code Director. It turns out Miami-Dade County Building officials have been fighting to put transformers outside every pool for more than a decade. Goolsby explained, “We would like to see the 15 volt become a code requirement here. So far it has not been successful” The effort dates back to 2001. “We’ve tried in the past, yes we have,” Goolsby said. To make transformers mandatory in Florida’s million plus single family pools, the Florida Building Commission would have to approve it, but the pool industry has fought it over the years. Why? They say it is too expensive and unnecessary. Chazen shrugged when questioned about it. “Well the cost too much is ridiculous. We are talking $40-$50 for a transformer. And that’s a life saver.” Industry Reaction This week The Florida Swimming Pool Association told us they would not support the move—right now. In a statement to CBS4 they said, “The Florida Swimming Pool Association discussed the issue at length during our Board meeting this past weekend. Firstly, we are deeply sorry for the Sloan family’s loss; our first concern in pool construction and repair is safe-
Donating Time vs. Donating Money Staff Writer
ty. Pool lights and anything electrical-related to a swimming pool, are safe if installed correctly and in accordance with the National Electric Code, which is part of the Florida Building Code. All construction and repairs on swimming pools should be done by a properly licensed professional. We feel the prudent course of action is to wait for the report of the investigation to identify any and all factors which may have led to this tragedy.” Chazen, who leads a much smaller pool association, isn’t giving up. “We are going to try. We are going to do our best,” Chazen said. Perhaps the effort can prevent another tragedy from happening again. Chris Sloan is hopeful. “For our son, there is nothing we can do about that, but his power can affect positive change,” he said. Changing the law is not easy though. From start to finish it takes three years to change a Florida Building Code. In the meantime, thousands of homeowners could be at risk. How do you tell where you have high or low voltage power going to your pool? You need to call a licensed electrician. For a small fee they can check for it as well as check the connections to your pool. To make the change to a low voltage system, including labor, you should expect to pay somewhere between $250-and $500 dollars. For more pool safety tips head over to http://www.cpsc.gov//PageFiles/118887/519.pdf and www. cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/5039.html.
In terms of the homeless problem of today, there is really no wrong way to help and assist. Any help is beneficial and wonderfully amazing for the community in general. It has long been debated on what is better, giving money to the homeless or giving your time to the homeless. And, the answer still remains that both are important in their own way. Giving money to the homeless will provide them with clothing, education, food, and shelter. It will take care of the homeless in more ways than you even realize and the more money that is given, the more services and help can be provided. But, giving money is not the only way to help. You and your friends and family can also give your time to the homeless. Giving time can be just as valuable as giving money. Volunteers are able to feed the homeless, work on projects that will benefit the homeless and overall, be there as a support and anchor when times get tough. During the holidays, many people love to feed the homeless and assist with meals. Many people look past the homeless and don’t find it their duty to help with their time or their money. The reality is that we are all different and we are entitled to do as we please. You as an individual don’t have to sit back and do nothing. If you feel a plight or just a feeling of love, then give to the homeless, be it money or your time. It will help in more ways than you even know and you will be providing an inkling of hope to so many and to yourself. visit hvoice.org/donate on ways to help!
Each day at 3pm, say this prayer
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It is no secret that the High Utility Bills represent a big percentage of every day’s operating cost for any organization. Utility Bills are expenses that any organization or individual cannot eliminate; therefore we JUST have to include these high costs into our budgets whether we want to or not. There are other expenses we may be able to cut off nonprofit organizations; the high cost of Utilities or reduce, like better quality print paper, recould be significantly reduced making the uphill task cycled ink, change the brand of the bottled of maintaining your organization an easier one. UB water, but never Utility Bills. RECOVERY is dedicated to helping nonprofit orgaElectricity and water are the two main ones nizations and other types of companies reduce their we have to deal with, no matter the cost, utility bills and obtain refunds for overpayments and since there are at no upfront cost for them. not too many options We have helped hundreds of ….WE MUST PAY Churches, Manufactures and THE PRICE… NonUB RECOVERY is dedicated to other Nonprofits in Florida, profit organizations helping nonprofit organizations and making the lives of these orhave to deal with an other types of companies reduce their ganizations a little easier, just everyday struggle to by reducing their operating utility bills and obtain refunds for survive to be able procosts. There are billions of overpayments at no upfront cost vide their services, as dollars of overpayments evthey mainly depend on ery day in all areas of these so donations, the same as necessary utilities; fortunatechurches which only ly there is a team of well-trained professionals able rely on the community’s charity and good to provide the necessary tools to ease the struggle heart; this is why, looking for savings has and help keep your doors open so that you can conto be a priority, but there are not too many tinue the hard work of helping society in any area options out there that allow you to save on that your organization may provide; either if you are the utility bills, making the struggle a little a Nonprofit who gives food and shelter to homeless, harder. a Nonprofit who helps battered women, Churches, However, there are some good news for and even Manufacturers.; and at UB RECOVERY
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.
Do good anyway
If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.
we would be happy to chip in, by advising and obtaining reduced rates, refunds and future savings on your Utility Bills, because we know that every penny counts…. We would like to thank COSAC foundation and its good-hearted Team of soldiers for allowing us to come to you and also give you the chance to know your options. We will gladly provide you with a Consultation at no cost whatsoever and explain to you or your administrators where and how you can save, reduce your bills and even receive a refund. Don’t postpone saving and recuperating your money. God Bless COSAC Foundation and all of those who run a Nonprofit, because it is people like you that help make this a better world. Susana Bach166 Hialeah Dr, Hialeah Fl 33010, Ph. (786)587 9225. www.ubrecovey.com email. info@ubrecovery.com
Gals On The Go!!!
Succeed anyway
The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway
Help people anyway
You Need It...
Give the world the best you've got anyway
We Do It!
People really need help but may attack if you help them. Give the world the best you have and you might get kicked in the teeth.
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The Homeless Voice June 2014
BECAUSE EVERY PENNY COUNTS……
The Homeless Voice June 2014
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Our Struggle Continues... You all have been hearing that we are being telling them if they want us to continue to take the taken off the streets and can’t sell our news- homeless they need to help us. That is not going so paper any longer. The cities say that they good. I have to tell you that any city that takes away care about the vendors and not getting into our funding but still sends their homeless to us is a accidents. They claim it is all about safety pretty sad thing. The cities claim that we still have but when you look at the safety report they some streets and they did not outlaw every street. used to make these laws selling a newspaper That is correct but the majority of the streets we can on the side of the street is the least dangerous do are very slow and in most cases the median can’t behavior compared to all the other types of be walked on because it is slanted. On some of the accidents. In fact riding a bike in the middle corners there is no rest room for a mile or two. The of the community is much more dangerous other corners have no median where you can’t even than selling a newspaper. However the city stand because that violates another law. did not make any laws to protect bike riders, We filed a federal law suit and the judge said there they did not say a bike can’t be driven on the are other places we can vend our paper. So we lost side of a street. Crossing the street at a cross the case. So we are hitting those spots such as a walk is more dangerous than selling a newscounty park, city halls, or the airports. Those have paper. They have not made crosswalks like been pretty good but we are still way behind in our bridges over certain corners like they have budgets. The sad part of this is almost every city is done in the past. It is way too expensive to do going to pass the same city code. When that hapthat but yet those bridges save lives. When pens we may have to close our overnight beds which you compare selling a newspaper to high are the most important beds we have. These are the school sports you will see that many more beds that the city uses. These are the beds that clean kids are hurt or killed than us selling a newstheir city streets of homeless people. We are going paper. I’m not saying I would want them to to try everything possible to save these beds. We make sports illegal. In our 17 year history have to…. If God wants us in business then we canwe have never lost a newspaper vendor due not break the bank. to an accident. Is it dangerous? Yes it can We still have some cities. But this month we lost be like any other occupation. They claim it another two cities. For now we have half the cities is about safety, but when you get copies of we use to have. (We are getting more check donathe city commission emails, that are public tions at this time which is allowing us to cover some record, you can see that it is not about safety of our budget, and with the use of our emergency it is about not wanting a funds we are holding on but that all homeless person coming stops in a few months.) Of course up to their cars. It’s about We are going to try everything we are going to try to continue to a person not wanting to be possible to save these beds. We distribute the Homeless Voice in bothered by a homeless any area we can. However it may have to…. If God wants us in person. Some even say it become too expensive for us to is not the standards of our business then we cannot break distribute the paper if we have to the bank. community. If they were drive all over the place because so concerned about the our corners are all over the place. homeless why do the cites Plus we have to keep a driver out outlaw homeless shelters, feeding the home- there all day long for bathroom breaks. That means less, or arrest them when they are sleeping four new staff members and four more vans, insuron a bus bench? Why would a city arrest a ance and gas. For the places like city hall we would person feeding the homeless? never be able to get each vendor out in time because These same cities that outlaw us from sell- we have to go to one city hall and then the next then ing a paper did care about the homeless in a the next and we would never be able to do that unway … How did they care? They have their less we bought more vans. We will try using busses homeless taken to our homeless shelter and and that will work but the poor vendor has to add expect us to figure out how we can pay for about four hours to their day. Then we would have all of this. That is correct, these same cities to add more staff to audit and count the sales for the that outlaw us from selling a newspaper still day because of the longer day. take their homeless to our shelter. We have Here is what we need to do. You all have supbeen still taking the homeless from these cit- ported us throughout the years. Yes we do thank you ies because it is not the homeless persons for sending in those big checks because that allows fault. We are putting it back to the cities and us more time to convert from street side vending to
If everyone who bought our paper would just send in a check each and every month we would not only stay in business but we would become even bigger and better. monthly pledges. More people are sending in checks now than before. But we need more of you to help us in the mail instead of in the street. If everyone who bought our paper would just send in a check each and every month we would not only stay in business but we would become even bigger and better. I spend most of my day trying to figure out where to get all this money that is needed. The future can be spending time on serving the people we all love. You can still buy your paper when you see us in limited locations or we can even send you a paper in the mail or you can download a free paper online. If this plan works we will make the paper bigger and train some of the vendors to sell advertisement where we can bring in more money and they can keep their jobs. If everyone just sent in $1 a month we would be ok. If some sent in more we would become bigger and some of you may want to become a Monthly Angel where we would be the best there is. The time is critical … we need you now more now than ever. I can’t stress it any other way than how I am saying it…it is critical. How do you send in your monthly donations? COSAC HOMELESS SHELTER P.O. Box 292-577 Davie, Florida 33329 Or go to our web site and become a monthly angel at www.homelessvoice.org
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The Homeless Voice June 2014
Please Support Those Who Support Our Homeless
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