Page 2 - Florida Sentinel 12-18-18

Feature Local
Coordinator Continues To Help Homeless
MS. PATRICIA WINGO
Outreach Coordinator, Tampa Housing Authority
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Ms. Patricia Wingo is always watching out for the homeless. If she sees a situa- tion where she can help, she doesn’t hesitate.
Recently, she observed a couple sleeping in their car. She was hesitant about ap- proaching their vehicle, but took a chance anyway.
That is when she met Juan and Juana. She has a physical ailment and he helps her. He speaks broken English and she helps him convey his message.
After finding out that they had no children and no other family, she began using her resources. And, she was able to find them a home. “They were just so happy to have a place of their own.”
Ms. Wingo said she will continue to provide case management until she is con- fident they will become sta-
ble.Ms. Wingo is currently employed at the Tampa Housing Authority as an Outreach Coordinator. Her role is to help those living on the streets find homes and
JUAN AND JUANA ... formerly homeless
jobs. The position gives her the freedom to go out into the community to help peo- ple.
Having been homeless herself at one point in her life, Ms. Wingo can identify with her clients.
For two years during the 1980s, Ms. Wingo slept in a homeless camp. But, a relative found her and ex- tended a helping hand. And it was then that she realized she could make a difference in the lives of others.
She recovered from her own misfortune and then began using her own money to help the homeless.
Ms. Wingo was later hired by the Tampa Housing Authority as an Outreach Co- ordinator. She goes into the field and collects vital infor- mation to help those she en- counters. Then, she sets about helping them find a safe place to live and employ- ment.
Since launching this en- deavor, Ms. Wingo passes on the donated items she re- ceives to those in need. “ I
hear the horror stories of those who society seems to have forgotten. I feel I don’t need to send money else- where to help the less fortu- nate when I can just walk around the corner and find those in need,” she said.
Now, Ms. Wingo is gearing up for the upcoming Tampa Housing Authority’s 5th Annual 5K Race, 5K Bootcamp, or Walk To End Homelessness. The event will take place on Sat- urday, February 16, 2019, at Al Lopez Park.
All proceeds will benefit one of three homeless pro- grams being offered by the Tampa Housing Authority. The funds are used for rental assistance, move-in ex- penses, personal documents (such as social security cards or birth certificates), and food.
In the last year, the agency has provided housing for 165 homeless families.
Anyone wishing to partic- ipate can register on line at http://www.thafl.com/run/.
Ms. Wingo said she is always in need of help, and anyone wishing to make a donation can feel free to con- tact her. “We take things for granted, such as taking a bath or just eating a bowl of soup.
“Sometimes they just want to talk or they are hun- gry. I give them vouchers to ride the bus or McDonald’s gift certificates. Casper Com- pany has been a big sponsor for several years.”
Anyone wishing to con- tact Ms. Wingo can reach her at (813) 253-0551, exten- sion 1480.
Free Professional Grant Workshops Planned
The Center for Non-Profit and Community Develop- ment, Inc., will host two free professional workshops this month. Both workshops will begin at 1 p.m. and conclude at 3:30 p.m.
On Thursday, December 27th, the topic of the first workshop, which will begin at 1 p.m., is: “How to start a 501 c3 nonprofit and how to fund it.”
During the second half of the program, the topic will be “Free Professional Grant Writing Work- shop.”
The second workshop will be held on Friday, December 28th. The topic of the first workshop, which will begin at 1 p.m., is: “How to start a 501 c3 nonprofit and how to fund it.”
The second half of the program will focus on “Free Professional Grant Writing Workshop.”
Both workshops will be held at Robert W. Saunders,
Sr., Public Library, 1505 N. Nebraska Avenue, Tampa, 33602-2849.
Those attending the workshop will learn about:
The different Federal and State forms and applications required to form a 501 c3 corporation;
The developing your 5- year plan to attain funding and build your organiza- tional capacity;
What funders consider when funding an organiza- tion;
What funders consider when funding an organiza- tion; and How to prepare a grant proposal.
The same information will be provided at both workshops.
Seating is limited and those planning to attend are asked to call (813) 857-7657; email centrerfornonprofi- tandcommunity@gmail.com ; or visit the website at www.centerfornonprofit- sanddevelopment.com.
Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Wins Urban Excellence Award
The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) were honored at the Tampa Downtown Partner- ship Urban Excellence Award on Thursday, November 29, 2018.
THEA won the Activating Public Spaces Award for its pocket parks along the Sel- mon Greenway, a 1.7-mile trail under the Selmon Ex- pressway that is mostly in the shade, and that connects many of downtown Tampa’s popular entertainment, edu- cational, and business venues from the Riverwalk to Ybor City.
This award recognizes a person, organization, busi- ness, project or initiative that has made a positive and sig- nificant contribution to a Downtown space or has cre- ated a more attractive pedes- trian atmosphere and commercially vibrant envi- ronment through activities, street level store front im- provements or design ele- ments.
Joe Waggoner, CEO of THEA said, “THEA is hon- ored to be recognized by the Tampa Downtown Partner- ship for our pocket parks along the Selmon Greenway.
“Our mission at THEA is to not just connect different locations of our region, but to connect our diverse and inno- vative people. THEA’s pocket parks provide a venue for our community to come together, and it allows pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy the best of what Tampa has to offer.”
The first of these pocket parks is named the Deputy John Kotfila, Jr., Memo- rial Dog Park and is built under the shade of the Sel- mon Expressway, near the Channelside District of Downtown Tampa.
The park was built in honor of Hillsborough County Deputy John Robert Kotfila, Jr., who lost his life to a wrong-way driver on the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway and held a strong bond with his dog, Dexter.
PAGE 2 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2018