Remembering Our Homeless Neighbors Who Have Died

Remembering Our Homeless Neighbors Who Have Died

When our homeless neighbors pass away, their deaths usually go unnoticed. However, we notice and the Homeless Coalition of Hillsborough County's members and partners, board and staff, along with concerned citizens will gather on Tuesday, December 21 to remember our neighbors who died without shelter on the streets of Hillsborough County.

The annual Homeless Persons' Memorial Day Interfaith Candle Light Service will begin at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 21 in Joe Chillura Courthouse Square, (across from County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd) in downtown Tampa.

This memorial service is the ONLY service most of our homeless neighbors will ever have.

Please mark your calendars and join us in remembering these neighbors who died without shelter and on the streets of our community.

ALL are invited and encouraged to attend this moving service.

Holiday for the Homeless

Urban Body Clothing Proudly Presents our most popular tee shirt line, Hard 8 Clothing.

Bring in your used clothing for the Homeless Coalition of Hillsborough County and Urban Body will make a matching donation (Up To 5 pieces per customer)

"Hard 8" Owner, Victor Mizrahi and Designer Cas Moore will be on hand to present their collection and why their designs are being worn by DJs around the world.

Enjoy Groovy Beats by Dj CK Holiday Cheer Good Vibes

2010 Homeless Hero.

Congratulations - Homeless Hero Nominees and Winners


At the Coalition's Annual Meeting held on Friday, November 12, the Coalition had the pleasure of recognizing this year's nominees for the 2010 Homeless Hero awards and this year's winner.

• Direct Service: Tim Ebright and Barbara Ewanowski (tie)

• Advocacy/Awareness: Lela Lilyquist

• Homeless/Formerly Homeless: Dorothy Grimes

Congratulations again to all the nominees and winners. Because of people like you, our homeless and near homeless neighbors are able to find compassion and help.

RSVPs NEEDED

If you have not RSVP'd for the Coalition's Annual Meeting, being held this Friday, November 12 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Sheraton Suites in the West Shore area, 4400 W. Cypress Street.

We had such positive feedback on the 2009 annual meeting, that we are keeping the same format with a late afternoon reception with Hors d'oeuvres and cash bar. During the meeting we will:

• CELEBRATE the accomplishments of the Coalition, members, partners and supporters in helping our homeless neighbors through long-term solutions in the community-developed plans;

• RECOGNIZE the Homeless Hero nominees and announce the winners; and

• RELAUNCH the "Unexpected Faces, Unexpected Places" awareness campaign.

Each individual and organization member will receive complimentary Hors d'oeuvres, soda and/or tea, based on membership level, as listed below.

• Sustaining Members - 3

• Non-Profit Corporate Members (all sizes) - 2

• Individual Members - 1

Please coordinate within your organization who will be attending based on the number of complimentary meals your organization will receive. Additional persons and non-members will be asked to make a $15 donation.

Not sure if you/your organization is a member? Check the 2010-2011 membership list to see if you/your organization is listed.

RSVPs are needed by Tuesday, November 10. Please RSVP, with the organization and names of attendees, to the Coalition at HCHCVOL4@gmail.com or HCHCVOL2@gmail.com.

Coffee for the Cause

In a partnership with JavaMo Coffee, they have created a "Home Again" premium gourmet coffee and "Home Again" blended cocoa to help support the Coalition's "Unexpected Faces, Unexpected Places" Speakers Bureau. Forty (40) percent of the sales of these products will go directly to these efforts. To purchase the "Home Again" coffee and cocoa, online at http://javamo.com/fundraiser_NCH.shtml. (Note: While the coupon code is NCH, all orders at this time benefits our speakers bureau; or contact margaret@homelessofhc.org or tracey@homelessofhc.org, the Coalition's Speakers Bureau coordinators.

EXTENDED HOMELESS HERO NOMINATIONS SUBMISSIONS

We know that there are people in our community doing great things to help our homeless and near homeless neighbors than the number of nominations we've received. We've extended the deadline for nomination submissions until 5 p.m. on Monday, November 1.

It takes just 10-15 minutes to complete the nomination form! Please take 15-20 minutes and for you to recognize you co-workers, colleagues, neighbors, friends, volunteers, any one you know or work with that goes above and beyond the call of duty.

Who is eligible for nomination?
Nomination Form
Any person who, in the opinion of the nominator, has made a difference working with or on behalf of our homeless neighbors in Hillsborough County through education, service, advocacy, organizing, leadership and/or perseverance during 2009-2010 (July 1, 2009-June 30, 2010) is eligible for nomination.

All nominees will be recognize at the Coalition's annual meeting on Friday, November 12 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Sheraton Suites on Cypress.

Who can make a nomination?

Any person working at one of the Coalition member agencies or individual members. Want to make a nomination but not a member? Simply submit your membership with your nomination. Not only will you be able to make a nomination; you will receive 2 complementary seats at the annual meeting.

What are the award categories?

Direct Service: a person who provides direct assistance (case management, food assistance, volunteer receptionists, employment training, etc.) to homeless and/or near homeless people through their employment with an organization, volunteer work or personal efforts.

Advocacy/Awareness Building: a person who works to make systemic change through educating the general public, governmental employees and/or elected officials about the needs of our homeless neighbors in Hillsborough County and how their efforts and actions can positively affect the lives of homeless people.

Homeless/Formerly Homeless: a person who is currently or formerly homeless who is working to meet the immediate needs of homeless people and/or working for systemic change to create long-term solutions addressing the underlying causes and remove barriers.

How do I nominate someone?

Simply complete the nomination form and return to the Coalition no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, November 1, 2010. It is a one page form and a brief description of why you know this person is a homeless hero.


If you have questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact Lesa Weikel at Lesa@homelessofhc.org or (813) 223-6115.

2011 Homeless Count Implementation Meeting

With just a few months left before the biennial homeless count in Hillsborough County (January 27, 2011), the Coalition will hold its first count information and implementation meeting on Wednesday, October 20 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Agency for Community Treatment Services (ACTS), 4612 N. 56th Street., Tampa 33610. During the meeting, we will be sharing why we do the count, how the data helps our community, a new process to help reach all area of Hillsborough County through small group/faith communities, counting doubled up households this year; and how vital organizations and community members help is critical to the success of the 2011 homeless count. For more information contact Jack Garrett at Jack@homelessofhc.org or (813) 223-6115.

“Putting on clean, dry jeans in the morning is something that most of us take for granted"



Give Jeans a Chance



One Tampa woman found a way to help our homeless neighbors by Giving Jeans a Chance.  Tamela Hope found the Give jeans a chance progam online and decied this was one way she could help.

This is the second year that Volcom, in partnership with the National Coalition for the Homeless has sponsored the jeans recycling program.  In 2009 more than 5,000 pairs of jeans were collected by 100 North American storesfeaturing Volcom product and then donated to fifty local homeless shelters across the country. This year Volcom is hoping to collect upwards of 10,000 pairs from more than 300 participating stores around the world.

Ms. Hope and her co-workers at Quest Dianostics collected 193 pairs of blue jeans.  They were brought to the Homeless Coalition of Hillsborough County on Friday. 

Homeless Coalition of Hillsborough County works in partnership with the National Coalition for the Homeless by sponsoring two AmeriCorps*Vista volunteers. 

The blue jeans will be distributed next week to local shelters. 

Thank you to Ms. Hope and all those that donated! 

COALITION MEETING TOMORROW

Don't forget the Coalition's October meeting is tomorrow (Thursday, October 7) at the Agency for Community Treatment Services (ACTS), 4216 N. 56th Street, Tampa, 33610. Networking begins at 8:30 a.m.; meeting from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

Please review, print and bring the meeting packet with you.  To Print Packet Click Here

Tomorrow's meeting includes the following presentations:

• Homeless Helping Homeless

• LIHEP (tentative)

• 2011 Homeless Count

The Coalition meeting is open to anyone who wants to help our homeless neighbors through collaboration.

Please note: there will be an HPRP partners meeting following the Coalition meeting. The partners meeting will start around 10:15 a.m.

Shop for Charity

igive.com is an online shopping site that works with over 600 stores. Choose HCHC as your charity and register with the website. Then anytime you want to shop online, log in and shop, and a percentage of the sale will go to HCHC, at no additional cost to you!

The Southeast Institute on Homelessness and Supportive Housing Conference

Don’t miss
The Southeast Institute on Homelessness and Supportive Housing Conference

Building Better Communities

October 25 - 26, 2010


Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort • Clearwater Beach, FL

The Southeast Institute on Homelessness and Supportive Housing is the evolution of Florida’s annual statewide conference on homelessness and supportive housing into an event of regional interest and impact. The conference is convened through the collaboration of the Florida Coalition for the Homeless (FCH) and the Florida Supportive Housing Coalition (FLSHC). The mission of the Institute is to expand the knowledge and capacity of stakeholders to improve the quality of life of homeless and at-risk individuals throughout the Southeastern United States.

Who Should Attend?

• Individuals with special needs and their families

• Service Providers

• Advocates

• Housing Developers

• Local Homeless Coalitions

• Local and State Government Officials

• Florida Homeless Education Liaisons

• Florida School Administrators and School Staff

• Anyone interested in housing for the homeless or persons with disabilities

Register today!


http://southeastinstitute.org/

Florida Housing Data Clearinghouse Updated

The Shimberg Center for Housing Studies announces the annual update to the Florida Housing Data Clearinghouse Web site. Check out updated data in the Profiles, Comparisons, Assisted Housing Inventory, Construction and Sales, Household Demographic Data, and Population Projections datasets.

The Assisted Housing Inventory provides information about Florida's subsidized rental housing stock. Three new data tools have been added this year:

• Lost Properties Inventory: A database of more than 400 properties that have left Florida's assisted housing stock, such as HUD Section 8 opt-outs and mortgage prepayments, properties with prepaid USDA Rural Development (RD) mortgages, and early Low Income Housing Tax Credit and mortgage revenue bond properties no longer under compliance requirements.

• Assisted Housing Inventory Tenant Characteristics: Stats on household income, race, elderly status, and household size for tenants in developments funded by HUD, RD, and Florida Housing Finance Corporation.

• HUD Tenant and Unit Characteristics, REAC Scores, and M2M Status: A comprehensive dataset on Florida's HUD properties, including tenant data from HUD's 2008 Picture of Subsidized Households report, REAC inspection score histories (up to nine scores), and detailed information about properties in the Mark-to-Market program.

Earlier in the year, the Shimberg Center released the State of Florida's Housing 2009, a compendium of facts on Florida's housing supply. The report includes descriptions of the changes in housing sales volume and prices from 2007 to 2008 and the effects of new home construction on Florida's economic output, earnings, and employment.

For more information about the Clearinghouse, please call the Shimberg Center at 352-273-1992 or 800-259-5705, or e-mail us at fhdc-comments@shimberg.ufl.edu.

(Source: Shimberg Center for Housing Studies)

HUD, VA Announce $15 Million for New Veterans Homelessness Prevention Demo Program

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) unveiled a new demonstration program for veterans: the Veterans Homelessness Prevention Demonstration Program (VHPD). The $15 million program was first introduced into legislation by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA). HUD, the VA, and the Department of Labor (DoL) are collaborating on the pilot program, which will provide eligible veterans with housing, supportive services, and employment training.

The new program will provide funds to five Continuums of Care, of which one is the TAMPA/HILLSBOROUGH Homeless Continuum of CoC, located near military installations and primarily serve veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq at-risk of homelessness. Each of the five communities will receive $2 million; the VA medical centers in each location will receive an additional $1 million.
For more Information on VHPD, click here.

SAMHSA Launches Online Trainings on Implementing Plans to End Homelessness

Last week, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released five new free online training modules focused on ending chronic homelessness. The modules offer practical advice for planning and implementing a comprehensive system of care for people experiencing homelessness who also have serious mental illness and/or co-occurring substance use disorders. Available modules include "Homelessness 101," "Strategic Practices," "Partnering and Planning," "Financing," and "Evaluation." The modules are targeted at service providers and other community stakeholders involved in efforts to end chronic homelessness. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available for each module.


(Source: NAEH)

H.A.T. Homeless Assistance Training

H.A.T. Homeless Assistance Training

The Homeless Coalition of Hillsborough County’s Unexpected Faces Speakers Bureau has teamed up with Everest University to provide two day training that will assist in educating the community about our homeless neighbors. There are limited resources that offer training on alternatives that can be used other than the criminal justice system to help find services for those who call the streets home in Hillsborough County.

Knowledge is the beginning of any great change!

June 24, 2010 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm

June 25, 2010 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Seating is limited to 35. Please register below to guarantee seating is still available.
.http://hat.eventsbot.com

Teamwork

Hillsborough and Sarasota Speakers Bureau's team up together tomorrow at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Sarasota to help change the face of Homelessness.

Community Events

Brandon Events

1277 Kingsway Road, Brandon FL 33510, Ph: 813-740-4634

Dental Workshop

Learn how to give your family sparkling smiles! We invite you to attend a free dental workshop. Learn all about healthy teeth for your kids and much more. Fun and learning for the whole family.

April 7th 10:00am – 11am

No Registration is required.

Adult Spanish Classes

Come learn and have fun too. This eight week class is designed to teach both fundamental and conversational basic Spanish.

April 12 at 4:30pm

Registration is required.

Neighborhood Spring Event

Enjoy a fun filled family event with something for all ages. Games, arts & crafts, entertainment, and much more! All games and activities are free.

April 30 from 3pm – 4:30pm

No Registration is required.

Central Tampa Events

1002 E. Palm Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33605, Ph: 813-204-1741

Share Express

High quality, affordable fresh produce and frozen meats from a refrigerated truck. Purchases may be made with cash, credit/debit, EBT cards.

Wednesday April 7 3-4:30pm

No Registration required.

Safe Sitter Class

Learn how to be a successful babysitter. In this 8 hour class, you will learn how to handle behavior problems, rescue a choking infant and child, how to run your own babysitting business, first aid and how to keep yourself and the children safe. Ages 11-16.

Wednesday April 14 9am-5pm

Registration is required. Please register at https://www.acteva.com//booking.cfm?bevaID=201453


North Tampa Events

1401-A E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33612, Ph: 813-558-1877

Chess Club

Ages 9-18 learn to play or just brush up on your skills by playing chess with a challenger! Chess is a lot of fun and it helps increase critical thinking ability, math skill, and much more!

Saturday April 4 10 & April 24 (every 2nd and 4th Saturday) 11am-1pm

No Registration is required.


Week of the Young Child: Arts & Crafts

Make arts & crafts with you little ones. Celebrate the week of the young child by spending family fun time at the North Tampa Family Support & Resource Center.

Wednesday April 14 11am-12pm

No Registration is required.

Car Seat Safety

This 2 ½ hour, hands-on class educates caregivers on the proper installation and use of a car seat. Upon completion of the class, participants will receive a child safety seat, if eligible.

Thursday April 22 9:30am

Registration is required. Call 813-870-4747 to register.

Ruskin Events

201 14th Avenue, Ruskin FL 33570, Ph: 813-641-5600

Safe sitter Class

This full-day class provides basic information such as handling situations from minor to life threatening, how to rescue a choking infant or child, how to communicate with EMS, safety hints, accident and behavior management, and other babysitting tips. Students must be 11 years old, no exceptions. Call 813-870-4747 to register.

April 30 from 9am -5pm

Registration is required.

Spanish Computer Classes

Are you interested in learning computer skills? It’s time for you to sign up and join our FREE Basic Computer Class in Spanish. It’s a six-week session, which will help the developing and expansion of your knowledge. This course will expose you to many different types of basic management of computers.

Wednesday 6pm – 8pm.

Registration is required.

Coffee & Careers

This program provides assistance in job search, practice for interviews, create resumes/cover letters, complete job applications, create email addresses, and fax or e-mail your resume or application.

Thursdays 9am – 12noon

Registration is required.

Town ‘N Country Events

7520 W. Waters Avenue Ste. 8, Tampa, FL, 33615, Ph: 813-356-1703

Financial Planning

One on one sessions to assist with one’s individual financial planning needs i.e. budgeting, credit, savings, goal planning, etc.

beginning Tuesday April 20, held each Monday 9:30-11:30am & Tuesday 2:30- 4:30pm

Registration is required.

Coffee & Careers Presents: Employability Workshop

Interactive, 3 week workshop that will focus on what employers are looking for: job search, resume/cover letter writing, interviewing skills, dress, and getting and keeping the job. Attendees must be able to attend all three sessions: Monday May 3rd, Monday May 10th, and Monday May 17th.

Registration Monday 4/26/2010 3-4pm

Registration is required.

Community Swap Day

From baby items to household items, and everything in between, community members bring in old treasures and exchange them for others. It is not necessary for participants to donate items in order to obtain items.

No registration needed.

Unexpected Faces Unexpected Places at OneTrueMedia.com

A look at were the Unexpected Faces Speakers Bureau has been this year.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

WILL YOU BE THERE?

Homeless Awareness Day at Florida's Capitol

YOUR voice is needed in Tallahassee on Homeless Awareness Day in Tallahassee on April 7.

This is an opportunity to educate Senators and Representatives about the needs of our homeless neighbors and how they can help by:

• Funding Local Coalitions and State Homeless Programs
• Supporting the 2010 Homelessness Bill
• Removing the Cap on the Sadowski Housing Trust Fund
• Protecting Homeless People from Violence

The draft agenda for Homeless Awareness day has been posted, along with all the issue briefs, information and bill tracking, on the Florida Coalition for the Homeless Web site - www.fchonline.org - advocacy page.

For more information and to sign up for Homeless Awareness Day, contact: Lesa Weikel, Homeless Coalition of Hillsborough County, Lesa@homelessofhc.org or (813) 223-6115.

Accommodations for Awareness Day: The Florida Coalition for the Homeless (FCH) has reserved a block of rooms at the Days Inn (3100 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, 32301) for April 6 and April 7, 2010 for the rate of $58.00 per night. To ensure this rate, reservations must be made by Friday, March 26, 2010 by calling 850-877-6121 and asking for the "Florida Coalition for the Homeless" rate. The hotel is just minutes from the Capitol Building. The Days Inn features a free continental breakfast and free high speed Internet.

Statewide Advocacy Efforts are:
Presented by the Florida Coalition for the Homeless
Funded by the Miami Coalition for the Homeless
Coordinated by the Homeless Coalition of Hillsborough County

Florida Coalition for the Homeless
P.O. Box 3764
Tallahassee, FL 32315
1.877.205.0021
admin@fchonline.org

NLCTB Grant Writing Series

This interactive and practical program is designed for those who seek to develop skills and effectiveness in the dynamic and rewarding field of grant proposal writing. This program is specifically designed to target those who have little or no experience in grant writing.
Participants will learn best practices for developing successful grant proposals in order to be in the best possible competitive position. This workshop includes tips on how to identify and approach funding sources well in advance; how to be ready once the deadline is looming and what to do once you've been awarded a grant.

The series includes: Grant Overview & Research, Narrative & Outcomes, Grants Management, Budgeting and Mock Review Panel.

This Nonprofit Leadership Center of Tampa Bay (NLCTB) program is offered in five sessions leading to a Certificate in Grant Writing. Participants interested in earning the certificate of completion MUST attend all five sessions. Full Certification registration is $425 for all five sessions.

Scholarships are available. Please click here for scholarship information (scroll to middle of page). Click here for more information and to register. Registration must be made by April 15.

(Source: NLCTB)

Hillsborough County wants Your Input on Barriers to Fair Housing

Housing, and the lack of housing, is the largest cause of homelessness. Now is a great time for Hillsborough County residents to share their concerns with Hillsborough County about the availability and access to decent affordable housing and choice of housing. The County's Affordable Housing Office is conducting a survey to facilitate a better understating of Fair Housing Issues.

Any and all residents of Hillsborough County are encouraged to complete the survey. Service agencies are asked to post and distribute the survey flyer and ask their clients to participate as their feedback is important. To help reduce duplication, service providers are asked to complete the survey with their clients on April 1.

The Fair Housing Choice Survey is available in English and Spanish and online. To access the online survey go to www.hillsboroughcounty.org/affordablehousingoffice and click on 'Fair Housing Choice Survey.' Surveys must be completed by April 6. Paper surveys need to be mailed to Karen Collins, Senior Planner, Affordable Housing Department, 1208 Tech Blvd, Ste. 300, Tampa, FL 33619.

(Source: Hillsborough County Affordable Housing Office)

Young philanthropist kicks off walk to help homeless youth

By YVETTE C. HAMMETT
The Tampa Tribune

Flanked by hundreds of supporters cheering him on, young philanthropist Zach Bonner, a voice for homeless youth since age 6, stepped into a 2,478-mile March Across America to bring attention to the cause.

Bonner, 12, of Valrico, will travel through towns and cities across the nation, accompanied by a documentary film crew from now through September to raise awareness of the thousands of homeless children in America.

His trip will end at a Boys & Girls Club in a crime-ridden section of Los Angeles, where his foundation and sponsors will provide new school uniforms, backpacks and shoes to underprivileged and homeless kids.

"It seemed like a good place to send out the message," he said.

Zach started off his campaign this morning from Lazy Days RV Campground, where several hundred people, including 57 students from Carrollwood Day School who are studying poverty, joined him to walk the first mile.

The locally owned Lazy Days has contributed an RV for Zach and his family to stay in as they travel and has helped promote his cause locally and through employee gifts.

Dozens of other companies have also stepped forward, including the Office Depot Foundation, which is donating a backpack for every mile he walks. The 2,478 backpacks will go to needy kids.

"I don't get tired of it," he said prior to this morning's press conference. For Zach, his cause is just another part of his life. "Some kids just can't up and get out of homelessness," he said. "Sometimes, that's what keeps me going."

"He's the real deal," said Michael Guillen, a best-selling author and producer of an upcoming movie about Zach and his foundation.

The Philanthropy Project, which is producing the film, expects to start production in May. All box office proceeds will go back into the Philanthropy Project, whose goal is to inspire others to do good deeds for fellow human beings.

The screen play was written by Patrick Sheane Duncan ("Mr. Holland's Opus") and will be directed by David Anspaugh ("Rudy" and "Hoosiers").

Zach started his Little Red Wagon Foundation after Hurricane Charley roared through Port Charlotte in 2004, leaving so many without food or water. His first act of philanthropy was to spend four months collecting needed supplies for hurricane victims.

Since then, he and his sponsors have helped scores of homeless kids.

"Over 2,000 school-age kids are experiencing homelessness in Hillsborough County," he told the audience at Lazy Days. He urged the youngsters in the crowd to think of ways they can help, too.

People can track and help sponsor Zach's journey through a dedicated AOL Web site, www.MarchAcrossAmerica.com, and a variety of events will take place along the route with local homeless shelters, churches, politicians and others.

Homeless Awareness Day at Florida's Capitol

Join other service providers, advocates and concerned citizens from around the state on Homeless Awareness Day in Tallahassee on Wednesday, April 7. This is an opportunity to educate Senators and Representatives about the needs of our homeless neighbors and how they can help by:

• Funding Homeless Coalitions and State Homeless Programs

• Supporting the 2010 Homelessness Bill

• Removing the Cap on the Sadowski Housing Trust Fund

• Protecting Homeless People from Violence

Review the draft schedule for more information about the day.

The Florida Coalition for the Homeless (FCH) has reserved a block of rooms at the Days Inn (3100 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, 32301) for April 6 and April 7, 2010 for the rate of $58.00 per night. To ensure this rate, reservations must be made by Friday, March 26, 2010 by calling 850-877-6121 and asking for the "Florida Coalition for the Homeless" rate. The hotel is just minutes from the Capitol Building. The Days Inn features a free continental breakfast and free high speed Internet.

For more information and to sign up for Homeless Awareness Day, contact: Lesa Weikel, Homeless Coalition of Hillsborough County, Lesa@homelessofhc.org or (813) 223-6115.

(Statewide advocacy efforts is presented by the Florida Coalition for the Homeless; funded by the Miami Coalition for the Homeless and coordinated by the Homeless Coalition of Hillsborough County.)

How Can a Wiki Help the Homeless?

How Can a Wiki Help the Homeless?
Last year I had the privilege of working with the Homeless Coalition of Hillsborough County (HCHC) where I learned about the need for a ‘one-stop-shop’ – a central location where citizens in need could go and get direction on how and where to get help. Hillsborough County has the largest homeless population in the state of Florida. That translates to approximately 10,000 men, women and children in search of finding shelter, food, clothing, a hot shower, education, job assistance and more on a daily basis. With the huge obstacles like funding making it impossible to realize a physical location, I started wondering what a digital solution might look like.

That’s when I met Jimmy Wales, Founder of Wikipedia and Co-Founder of Wikia, who confirmed that a wiki platform could work to collect, organize and disseminate information about homeless services and that it was already being successfully done in San Francisco.

Rayme Nuckles, CEO of the HCHC, supported the idea saying, ““We are thrilled to be able to offer this new resource to the community, specifically for our homeless neighbors and those working to improve the quality of their lives. This wiki will provide up to date information that printed publications cannot.” The result is the Tampa Bay Homeless Resource Wiki.

Why use a wiki?

“The great thing about a wiki is that it provides a tool for quality organization without central planning or top down control. Anyone in the community who wants to help out, can help out. Every service provider can check and update their own entry to make sure the information is timely and accurate. Ordinary community members who are Internet savvy can help improve the wiki as a way to get involved.” – Jimmy Wales

How does the homeless resource wiki work?

The goal of the wiki is to provide a central point of collaboration and a channel to disseminate all types of information and tools to use in helping homeless citizens. Anyone can contribute to the wiki – it is a volunteer-driven resource that can be edited by any user. If you want to help, we invite you to view our training videos, learn some basic wiki-editing skills and jump in!

My vision for the Tampa Bay Homeless Resource Wiki

Jimmy and I caught up this week and he told me a story about sitting on a panel with Bill Clinton about Technology and Education in the Developing World at the World Economic Forum. Bill Clinton was talking about the Clinton Global Initiative and how his staff is working to coordinate relief efforts in Haiti. Clinton pointed and said, “When my staff needs information, they can easily find it, Thanks to you Jimmy!”

That’s pretty awesome.

It made me start thinking, wouldn’t it be cool if someday soon we get to hear that same sentiment on a micro-level as the wiki grows more robust with resources and people say, “When we need information about homeless services, we can easily find it, Thanks to the Tampa Bay Homeless Resource Wiki!”

Julia Gorzka Creative Marketing and Communications Strategies

RadioActivity for 03/11/2010

RadioActivity for 03/11/2010

Listen to WMNF Podcast to learn more about our homeless neighboors.

Homeless couple weds in outdoor ceremony

BY YVETTE C. HAMMETT-
yhammett@tampatrib.com


"To be faithful in plenty and in want, in joy and in sorrow, in sickness and in health, as long as we both shall live." Important words in any wedding ceremony.

Somehow, though, the words resonate differently when coming from the weathered lips of a homeless couple brought to the altar not only by love, but by ill health and the need for shelter.

Nan Schrack and Mark Neville have been together for 14 years, the last five of them on the streets. They lost their mobile home in Seffner when the landlord failed to pay his taxes. Neville's job as an air conditioning mechanic dried up. And as the economy faltered, even the day labor jobs he grew to depend on disappeared.

It had been hard.

It got harder when they landed on the street with a tent and few possessions five years ago.

Today, Schrack, 53, has a brain aneurysm and emphysema. Her health is not good. Sleeping under the stars just isn't working any more.

And Neville, 58, who says they've put off marrying for too many years, wants a place where he can care for her and keep her safe from the elements.

"I asked Jim (McNeil) at the church, 'what does someone do who wants to get married, but doesn't have any money?' " Neville said, just before his haircut this morning.

From there, McNeil, a church volunteer at First Presbyterian Church of Brandon who often treks up and down State Road 60 with meals and clothes for the homeless, set out to arrange a wedding.

And at 1:30 this afternoon, before a small gathering of their homeless friends who'd arrived by foot and on bicycles lugging their backpacks, the couple wed outside First Presbyterian.

An outpouring of community support brought the event together. McNeil found clothes for the couple to wear, took up a collection for a set of wedding rings and worked with Lela Lilyquist at Portomento of Hope Café to set up haircuts and a small reception. All About Beauty Salon, 109 Mason St. in Brandon, donated haircuts and a makeover for the bride.

Before too long, hopefully, the couple will also have a place to live, with running water and a roof, said Tracey Crocker, an Americorps*Vista volunteer with the Homeless Coalition of Hillsborough County.

By legally marrying, the couple can apply for programs that can help them get housing together, Crocker said. "A lot of the programs won't allow you to file for one place unless you are legally married," she explained.

Neville expected a simple five-minute ceremony at the church, where he and Schrack would exchange their vows. McNeil and Lilyquist made it into much more, Neville said.

"She's really excited," he said of Schrack before the ceremony. "It's really fantastic. They made it into something different." Between the two of them, they came up with everything. They're really going out of their way to make this like a regular thing."

And regular weddings aren't something homeless couples often get, Crocker said.

"Homelessness really does have a face," she said. It's not always like Hollywood has portrayed it - a bum lying on a piece of cardboard with a bottle of booze in his hand," she said.

"Nobody woke up one day and said, 'I want to be homeless.' They have feelings and hopes and dreams just like everyone else," said Crocker, whose job as a volunteer is to change the image of the homeless.

"And they fall in love just like everyone else."

This Thursday, DCF will present its proposal to reduce the department's budget by 15 percent - a proposal that would include a 100 percent reduction in homeless funding - to the Senate Health and Human Services Appropriations committee staff. (This is line 10 in the proposal.)

ACTION IS NEEDED TODAY!!!

1. Call/Email/Fax ALL your Florida State Senators NOW - every Senator that represents all our part of your County(ies). Tell them what these funds mean to your community.

2. Forward this to every homeless advocate in your Coalitions and communities.

Don't know who your Florida State Senator(s) is - use the Florida Senate Member Page to find out.

Sample Message:

More and more Floridians - including families with children - are facing and becoming homeless every day. As a state with one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation, now is not the time to turn our backs on our neighbors in need. During the 2009-2010 FY, these programs have/will assist more than 30,000 Floridians who were homeless or on the verge of becoming homeless.

These programs and funding are needed more than ever before. Do not cut these funds - people's lives are depending on them.


The Details:

These reductions would end the State's commitment to provide resources to help those facing homelessness in Florida.

The cuts:

Would eliminate the Office on Homelessness and its two state funded positions

Would eliminate the funding to support the statewide Council on Homelessness, causing it to no longer function.

Would eliminate the homeless Challenge Grant and funding for local homeless service providers

Would end the funding of a staff position at the 28 local homeless coalitions around the state.

Would end the state's only emergency aid program to keep families with children from being evicted.

The Homeless Education Curriculum

The Speakers Bureau had the pleasure of spending last week at Chamberlin High School with Mrs. Johnson's AVID class. The Homeless Education Curriculum on Homelessness was developed to increase the awareness and sensitivity in order to provide support for those who are experiencing the alienation, stereotyping and discomfort of homelessness.

24 HOURS

WE ARE CHANGING THE START TIME TILL 4 PM BECAUSE OF THE RAIN WE ARE SUPPOSE TO GET TOMORROW! IF IT IS STILL RAINING AT 4 PM CALL 813-495-1813 TO SEE IF THE EVENT WILL STILL HAPPEN!
24 hours is a project that is planned, run and executed by kids under the age of 21. Kids from all over the state of Florida ages 12 and up will spend 24 hours simulating being homeless. We sleep in cardboard appliance boxes that we have decorated with different homeless themes. We also assemble backpacks to be donated to homeless kids, with food and supplies. With over 1.3 million homeless kids in this country we must do something to educate the general public about this issue. This is your chance to Stand Up and let your voice be heard. You gain community service experience and hours, you will learn about homeless youth and what is being done to solve this issue in your community. You will also have the opportunity to actually do something to make difference. Your registration fee includes a t-shirt, dinner, snack, and breakfast and all activities during the event. Money raised from this event is used to help homeless youth.
Although the event begins at 11 am....we understand this is a school day for most of you, it is ok to come after school lets out. That is when most activities will begin. If you come at 11 am make sure you eat lunch before you arrive or bring lunch with you. Lunch on 02/05/10 will not be provided as part of the event. Dinner and breakfast the next morning are the only two meals served.
In case of rain event will be canceled and no refunds will be given. There will be an opportunity to help assemble the 400 backpacks though at an alternative location to be announced.

Housing for ALL Floridians 2010

Homeless advocates will have another chance to impact policies and funding to help homeless Floridians as the 2010 Florida legislative session will soon begin in March.

Learn more about the statewide issues and how you can help make these changes a reality and positively impact the lives of our homeless neighbors.

We have scheduled advocacy tele-trainings again this year to help new and seasoned advocates prepare for the 2010 state legislative session and homeless advocacy day.

The following dates are scheduled for teleconference Advocacy Training Sessions:

• Friday, February 5 - Introduction to Advocacy

• Friday, February 12 - 2010 Homeless Issues

• Friday, February 19 - Introduction to Advocacy (repeat)

• Friday, February 26 - 2010 Homeless Issues (repeat)

All trainings are from 10 to 11 a.m. To join the teleconference training please contact Lesa Weikel at lesa@homelessofhc.org.

Please pass this information on to your co-workers and fellow homeless providers, volunteers and advocates. An advocacy training flyer has been prepared to help you share this information.


We hope that you will be able to join us to advocate on behalf of those experiencing homelessness in the State of Florida. For your benefit, we have provided the following documents on the Advocacy page of the FCH Web site, www.fchonline.org.


If you have any questions, you may contact Lesa Weikel at Lesa@homelessofhc.org.


We look forward to your participation this year in Legislative Session.

Florida Coalition for the Homeless
P.O. Box 3764
Tallahassee, FL 32315
1.877.205.0021
admin@fchonline.org

Tampa Bay Homless Resource Wiki Training on Eventbrite!
Where: - webinar
Hosted By:Julia Gorzka and Hillsborough County Homeless Coalition
When:Monday, February 01, 2010

Homeless Coalition General Meeting

Thursday, February 4

8:30 to 11:30 a.m. with networking from 8:30 to 9 a.m. Meeting will be held at the Agency for Community Treatment Services (ACTS),4612 N 56th Street, Tampa, 33610.

Free Tax Prep Begins this Month

Free Tax Prep Begins this Month
If you know anyone who earned less than $49,000 in 2009, they may be eligible for up to $5,600 in Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) - and they can get their taxes done free beginning in January.
Many families have their taxes done using their year-end paycheck and sometimes pay more than they should, especially if they want a quick refund. By taking advantage of the free tax preparation, these working families and individuals can keep more of what they earn.

Eligibility requirements for the 2009 EITC are:
• Families with three or more qualifying children who earn less than $43,279 (or less than $48,279 married filing jointly) are eligible for a credit of up to $5,657.
• Families with two qualifying children who earn less than $40,295 (or less than $45,295 married filing jointly) are eligible for a credit of up to $5,028.
• Families with one qualifying child who earn less than $35,463 (or less than $40,463 married filing jointly) are eligible for a credit of up to $3,043.
• Workers without a qualifying child who earn less than $13,440 (or less than $18,440 married filing jointly) are eligible for a credit of up to $457.
Another credit sometimes overlooked is the Child Tax Credit, which is up to $1,000 per qualifying child. For tax year 2009, the minimum income threshold needed to qualify for the Additional Child Tax Credit has been reduced from $12,050 to $3,000, so more families will be eligible.

The free tax preparation service is offered by partners of the Prosperity Campaigns of Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties, including United Way of Tampa Bay. All tax preparers are trained volunteers. Thirty-seven sites will be open in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties by the end of January 2010. Site locations are posted at www.unitedwaytampabay.org.

Spread the word and help low- and moderate-income working families and individuals keep more of what they earn.

CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS & SEMINARS

NAMI Hillsborough Programs for Persons with Mental Illness
NAMI Hillsborough will be starting two education programs this month: "Family to Family" and "Peer to Peer." These are free courses are educational and support for family and persons with mental illness. Please see the flyers for complete information and to share with your clients. For more information you can call 273-8104.

ADVOCACY

Housing for ALL Floridians 2010
Homeless advocates will have another chance to impact policies and funding to help homeless Floridians as the 2010 Florida legislative session will soon begin in March.

Learn more about the statewide issues and how you can help make these changes a reality and positively impact the lives of our homeless neighbors.

2010 Homeless Advocacy Day

April 7, 2010 in Tallahassee

Mark your calendars for the 2010 Homeless Advocacy Day in Tallahassee and join other service providers, advocates and concerned citizens from around the state to educate Senators and Representatives about the needs of our homeless neighbors and how they can help by:
• Creating a Local Homelessness Prevention grant to replace the state Emergency Financial Assistance for Housing Program (EFAHP)
• Reinstating Grant in Aid (GIA) funding to local homeless coalitions
• Creating a Voluntary Contribution Option for Homelessness Relief on DMV forms
• Maintaining funding for Homeless Housing Assistance Grant (HHA) and Challenge Grant
• Removing the Cap on the Sadowski Housing Trust Fund in 2010 to Accelerate Florida's Economy and "Scrap the Cap" in 2010
• Protecting Homeless People from Violence
Accommodations: FCH has reserved a block of rooms at the Days Inn (3100 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, 32301) for April 6 and April 7, 2010 for the rate of $58.00 per night. To ensure this rate, reservations must be made by Friday, March 26, 2010 by calling 850-877-6121 and asking for the Florida Coalition for the Homeless rate. The hotel is just minutes from the Capitol Building. The Days Inn features a free continental breakfast and free high speed Internet.

Please pass this information on to your co-workers and fellow homeless providers, volunteers and advocates.

Please share the advocacy day flyer and other advocacy material with your co-workers, service providers, volunteers and advocates.

2010 Legislative Agenda

Issue Briefs
• Fund Homeless Coalitions and State Programs
• Support the 2010 Comprehensive Homelessness Bill
• Appropriate Housing Monies for Housing in 2010 to Accelerate Florida's Economy and "Scrap the Cap" in 2010
• Protect Homeless People from Violence

2010 Advocacy Training Schedule

We have scheduled advocacy tele-trainings again this year to help new and seasoned advocates prepare for the 2010 state legislative session and homeless advocacy day.

The following dates are scheduled for teleconference Advocacy Training Sessions:

Friday, February 5 - Introduction to Advocacy
Friday, February 12 - 2010 Homeless Issues
Friday, February 19 - Introduction to Advocacy (repeat)
Friday, February 26 - 2010 Homeless Issues (repeat)

We hope that you will be able to join us to advocate on behalf of those experiencing homelessness in the State of Florida.

All trainings are from 10 to 11a.m. To join the teleconference training please contact Lesa Weikel at lesa@homelessofhc.org.

Please pass this information on to your co-workers and fellow homeless providers, volunteers and advocates. An advocacy training flyer has been prepared to help you share this information.

We hope that you will join us to advocate on behalf of those experiencing homelessness in the State of Florida.

For more information about statewide advocacy, contact: Lesa Weikel at Lesa@homelessofhc.org.


Statewide advocacy is Presented by the Florida Coalition for the Homeless; Funded by the Miami Coalition for the Homeless and Coordinated by the Homeless Coalition of Hillsborough County.

Free Dental Care Resource

The Florida Dental Association offers a program to provide free dental care to people in need. There is has at least one facility in each county; Hillsborough has thirteen locations. You can direct individuals to www.floridadental.org/outreach and then users are automatically directed to the Resource Guide.

The Coalition just received noticed from Hillsborough County that the County's cold weather shelters will be open tonight (1/13/2010). We are passing this information on to our members and partners.

The cold weather shelter locations are:

Bethune Park Rural Shelter (South County) - Adults and Families
5809 Edina St., Wimauma.
Phone: (813) 671-7618
This shelter opens at 6 p.m.

Salvation Army - Adults
1514 N. Florida Ave., Tampa
This shelter opens at 4 p.m.
After hours phone: (813) 221-4440

Metropolitan Ministries - Families
2010 N. Florida Ave., Tampa
This shelter opens at 4 p.m.
After hours phone: (813) 209-1077.

Brandon Community Center - Individuals and Families
510 E. Sadie Street, Brandon
This shelter opens at 5:30 p.m.
Phone: (813) 635-8179.