Page 9 - Florida Sentinel 1-8-19

Features
Preparations For 5th Annual ‘5K Run And Walk’ Underway
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
On Saturday, February 16, 2019, the Tampa Housing Authority, in conjunction with the City of Tampa, will host its “5th Annual 5K Run And Walk” event. The event is entitled “Race To End Home- lessness.”
It will take place from 8 a.m., until 12 noon at Al Lopez Park, 4810 N. Himes Avenue. Anyone wishing to participate can pick up regis- tration packets at 5301 W. Cypress on February 15, 2019, from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., or call (813) 341-9101, ext. 1470.
Jerome Ryans, Presi- dent and CEO of the Tampa Housing Authority said, “This annual fundraiser is very im- portant and allows us to do our part to ensure that every- one in our community re- ceives needed assistance.
“Nothing is guaranteed and many of us have our own stories of struggle and tri- umph that wouldn’t be possi- ble without assistance from someone else. Realizing that, we choose to invest the re- sources entrusted to us to eradicate homelessness in our community.”
The Housing Authority not only addresses the imme- diate needs of the homeless, but also extends services that allow homeless individuals to regain their footing back into society.
To date, more than 165 homeless individuals have been housed. Additionally, a homeless pantry has been es- tablished and donations of
JEROME RYANS CEO, President, Tampa Housing Authority
snack items, toiletries, cloth- ing, blankets, socks, bottled water, gift/food coupons and cash donations will be ac- cepted.
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 Supportive Housing) initiative that ad- dresses the needs of homeless veterans which included pro- visions of safe, adequate housing; however, the work is far from done.
This year’s goal is to raise as much as possible from donors who recognize that homelessness is a community issue and not necessarily an individual plight.
Ryans further said, “We place ourselves on the front- line as the change agents to help eradicate systemic and chronic veteran and individ- ual homelessness, within Tampa Bay communities and urge you to join us in this event.”
Community Activist Postpones Annual Candlelight Vigil
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
For several years, Mrs. Vivian Heyward has held an Annual Candlelight Vigil to remember those who died as a result of violence. The event is usually held in De- cember.
However, Ms. Heyward said the event will be post- poned until the spring. “I have had several people ask me when it was going to take place. But, I am going to have it, I’m just going to have it later in the year.”
She further said, “A per- son never truly gets over the loss of a loved one. Those who died by gun violence and those cases that remain un- solved are the hardest to deal with. The families must get through it day-by-day and sometimes, moment-by-mo- ment.
“I want people to know that I have not forgotten about them or the commu- nity. After receiving so many phone calls about the Annual Candlelight Vigil, I was com- pelled to let everyone know it has been moved to April, 2019.
“I hope this change of
VIVIAN HEYWARD
... Began Candlelight Vigil more than 20 years ago
date will be supported by all of those individuals who have reached out to me and be- yond. In the meantime, be assured that we, the commu- nity, loves and cares about you and your family.”
Ms. Heyward began the candlelight vigil in 1994. A
young man named Vennis Rogers purchased a vehicle from her and her husband, the late Chris Heyward. A few hours later, Rogers was shot and killed.
She used his murder as a catalyst to draw attention to the senseless loss of young lives in the community. The first Candlelight Vigil was held in his honor. Others were invited to attend to re- member their loved ones.
The idea of holding the vigil was embraced by the community and has since be- come a tradition.
As the years pass, the list of names has continued to grow, with many of the deaths remaining unsolved.
Anyone with information about an unsolved murder is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1- 800-873-TIPS or online at www.crimestopperstb.com.
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