Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Targett.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
The Homeless Voice houses, feeds and finds jobs for anyone who is homeless. We serve 500 homeless daily and serve over 45,000 meals each month.
The Homeless Voice distributes a street newspaper in Florida on street corners of Broward, Dade, Hillsborough, Orange, Polk, and Palm Beach Counties. The Homeless Voice Newspaper has three functions. Educate the public on homelessness and poverty issues. Provide temporary employment to those without a job. Raise additional funds for the Florida based shelter.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Haha, No! We have been faced with many new City Laws against the homeless-from trying to criminalize them to banning feeding them.
There is also the attitude, “NIMBY” (not in my backyard.) This comes from neighborhood residents and business owners alike. They know there are homeless people, they just don’t want to see them.
We have also faced many hurdles when it comes to the vendors selling the Homeless Voice newspapers. They have banned many intersections, claiming it’s too dangerous. Meanwhile other, non-homeless, organizations have been on those corners for years.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We have grown into a multifaceted agency that feeds, shelters, and arranges for each homeless person to receive the necessary access to social and non-compulsory religious services to enable a return to a self-reliant lifestyle.
For the small percentage of people incapable of living independent lives, we provide a caring and supportive environment for their long-term residency.
What were you like growing up?
I was a good kid. Listened to my mom, played lots of sports and attended mass regularly. I graduated from Hollywood Christian School and helped start this charity shortly after graduation. I have never looked back. Helping people is what I love to do.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4700 SW 51st Street Suite 208
Davie, FL 33314 - Website: homelessvoice.org
- Phone: 954-924-3571
- Email: mark@hvoice.org
- Instagram: homelessvoice
- Facebook: homelessvoice
- Twitter: homelessvoice
Image Credit:
Clay Muneton
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