GREAT NECK, N.Y., May 9, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- New York businessman Frank Marzano decided to do something about the atrocities being committed against homeless people. He teamed up with the National Coalition for the Homeless, songwriter Bervin Harris, and film producer Hedley Turk, with Harris and Turk donating their talents, to create an awareness program in song and dance. Aimed at youths and adults, the record and video entertain as well as educate. The audio visual project heightens people's sensitivity toward the plight of the homeless as well as increases public and private support of projects to help the homeless and eventually eradicate homelessness.
The case of a Florida homeless man beaten to death with a baseball bat by a gang of violent teens shocked the nation. It brought to the public eye the problem of crimes perpetuated on the vulnerable homeless as they lay sleeping on public streets. Mr. Marzano's motto is: "Instead of beating the Homeless with a stick, feed them a steak."
He launched and funded the project not only to protect the homeless but to try and put an end to homelessness in America through help programs, education and behavior modification. To enable the men and women who sleep on the streets to become self sufficient and prideful is the ultimate resolution of the homeless problem. Marzano states, "There will never be an end to homelessness, but we can educate everyone to help them, not hurt them."
Mr. Marzano said, "Homeless persons need help from hate crimes that are carried out mostly by youths. Homeless coalitions need money to fund programs to feed, house, and clothe the people. Our record and video will create awareness and raise money through sales."
Michael Stoops, Acting Executive Director of the National Coalition for the Homeless in Washington, D.C. said, "Due to the recent increase in hate crimes and violence committed against homeless people, we support doing a song/video to help break down the stereotypes and prejudices that we all have about homeless people."
Since today's young people are greatly influenced by audio-visual arts, (television, movies, video games) the project, when completed in early summer, will reach out nationwide to the public, both young and old. Surviving and willing victims of such hate crimes will join young people to sing together on the video, with a show of solidarity and support for the homeless. Hoping to solicit volunteers, material donations, and money for ending homelessness in America, the project is open to help from the public now.
Frank Marzano is completely funding the project but help is needed from the public and business sector, particularly endorsements from major business, for marketing and distributing the record and video. For information, contact Frank J. Marzano at PROJECTHOMELESS@AOL.COM.