He Helped Us, Now Let's Help Him - Steve Cossman
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I am reaching out to you today, on behalf of a very dear friend of Stephen Cossman, affectionately known to many as Steve.
I first met Steve two and a half years ago, when he was placed at a men's shelter I was overseeing in Philadelphia. Quickly, he warmed the hearts of staff and guests alike with his positive outlook and willingness to give back.
Soon after his placement, and much to the credit of his positive involvement with the shelter community, community outreach and helping hand, Steve was placed at the Connelly House; a permanent supportive housing residence for formerly homeless individuals.
There he has flourished. Obtaining a certificate in the winter of 2018 becoming a Certified Peer Health Educator, motivational speaker, public health and disabilities advocate and stunned everyone with his culinary and craft skills, notably his talent for macrame!
Once Covid- 19 hit, Steve, like many of us, was faced with life changing circumstances. However, unlike some of us, he was also facing the grim reality of homelessness once again. After losing his job, and savings depleted, Steve is on the brink of eviction.
To avoid eviction and homelessness, Steve, will need a total of $5,301.00 of back rent owed to the Connelly House.
With the city slowly starting to reopen, Steve is able to interview for positions in the human services field. However, the city's reopening also poses a greater threat to an impending eviction.
In Steve's own words:
"My name is Stephen C. I've been residing at one of Philadelphia's subsidized housing facilities these past 21/2 years; after being homeless for 13 years.
I am known in many churches, outreach programs and city behavioral health circles as a success story and philanthropist.
Because of events now across the country, in our city and poor choices my rent is in rears and I am facing eviction once the stay at home protocol's are lifted.
For me, helping others is akin to "washing of feet" as our Christ commands to allow & to perform. Now I'm humbled to need my feet washed.
Ever since I have been off the street I have given to others because I got, never giving to others to get.
If I can receive your help now; thank you in advance.
Stephen C.
Numbers 6:24-26"
I first met Steve two and a half years ago, when he was placed at a men's shelter I was overseeing in Philadelphia. Quickly, he warmed the hearts of staff and guests alike with his positive outlook and willingness to give back.
Soon after his placement, and much to the credit of his positive involvement with the shelter community, community outreach and helping hand, Steve was placed at the Connelly House; a permanent supportive housing residence for formerly homeless individuals.
There he has flourished. Obtaining a certificate in the winter of 2018 becoming a Certified Peer Health Educator, motivational speaker, public health and disabilities advocate and stunned everyone with his culinary and craft skills, notably his talent for macrame!
Once Covid- 19 hit, Steve, like many of us, was faced with life changing circumstances. However, unlike some of us, he was also facing the grim reality of homelessness once again. After losing his job, and savings depleted, Steve is on the brink of eviction.
To avoid eviction and homelessness, Steve, will need a total of $5,301.00 of back rent owed to the Connelly House.
With the city slowly starting to reopen, Steve is able to interview for positions in the human services field. However, the city's reopening also poses a greater threat to an impending eviction.
In Steve's own words:
"My name is Stephen C. I've been residing at one of Philadelphia's subsidized housing facilities these past 21/2 years; after being homeless for 13 years.
I am known in many churches, outreach programs and city behavioral health circles as a success story and philanthropist.
Because of events now across the country, in our city and poor choices my rent is in rears and I am facing eviction once the stay at home protocol's are lifted.
For me, helping others is akin to "washing of feet" as our Christ commands to allow & to perform. Now I'm humbled to need my feet washed.
Ever since I have been off the street I have given to others because I got, never giving to others to get.
If I can receive your help now; thank you in advance.
Stephen C.
Numbers 6:24-26"
Organizer
Alesha Thomas
Organizer
Philadelphia, PA