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Tampa Housing Authority Prepares For Its Annual 8K Race To End Homelessness
Retiree Became Crossing Guard To Keep Busy
The Tampa Housing Au- thority is hosting its 3rd an- nual “Race to End Homelessness,” on Saturday, February 11th from 9 a. m.-12 noon at the ENCORE com- munity located at 1101 Ray Charles Boulevard, in Tampa.
This initiative not only addresses the immediate needs of homeless place- ment, but also extends serv- ices that allow homeless individuals to regain their footing back into society. The agency is asking for donors/partners to assist in this year’s annual race and fundraiser.
Over the last 10 years, the Tampa Housing Authority has been awarded more than $10 million dollars by HUD through their VASH (Veter- ans Assistance for Support- ive Housing) initiative that addresses the needs of homeless veterans which in- cluded provisions of safe, ad- equate housing. However, the work is far from done. This year’s goal is to raise $10,000 from donors.
“This annual fundraiser is very important and allows us to do our part to ensure that everyone in our community receives needed assistance,” says Jerome Ryans, Presi- dent and CEO of the Tampa Housing Authority. “Nothing is guaranteed. Many of us have our own stories of struggle and triumph that wouldn’t be possible without assistance from someone else. Realizing that, we choose to invest the re- sources entrusted to us to eradicate homelessness in our community.”
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
At the age of 81, one might think that Mrs. Rosie Mosley has earned the right to rest. But, she doesn’t see it that way.
After retiring, she was ill for a while and needed to have surgery. However, when she began to feel better, she said, “I just don’t see myself just sitting around. I like to be doing something.”
So, nearly five years ago, Mrs. Mosley be- came a Crossing Guard. She is currently as- signed to the corner of N. 34th Street and E. Osborne Avenue.
And, she sees several of the students attend- ing Potter Elementary School and Middleton High School every school day. “Some of the kids are just beautiful, and some just don’t listen,” she said.
Nevertheless, Mrs. Mosley stands on the corner helping all of them stay safe as they travel back and forth each day.
She stated that she enjoys her job, but the pay could be higher. She said being out of school when the children are out compensates for not having vacation time.
“It’s a good job, except when it’s raining and cold,” she said.
A native of Valdosta, GA, Mrs. Mosley moved to Tampa in 1957 with her sister. After arriving in Tampa, she met her husband.
A widow, Mrs. Mosley is the mother seven children and is active in her church, New Begin- nings Tabernacle.
JEROME RYANS
MRS. ROSIE MOSLEY ... East Tampa Crossing Guard
TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2017 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 9