In Chapter 4 The Fragile Safety net there is a section where Abramsky talks about welfare, weight loss and the invisible working class. he talks about how in 2008 when the economy took a big hit and during this time the poor became invisible. It didn't seem like anyone was doing much to help, and wanted to do away with the programs that helped families in dire need. As Abramsky states on page 103, the Democrats tended to ignore the scale of the problem and half heartedly defended extending unemployment benefits for those who were still struggling. If these things are being cut, how exactly do they think these families are going to make it? Isn't there job to help those families that are struggling get the resources necessary until their situation improves? Just like the example with Raquel, the single mother who was laid off from her job during the recession. Her job sidle blinded her by not paying the unemployment insurance, and therefore was unable to get the unemployment benefits. She had to rob Peter to pay Paul just to make ends meet, which meant she had nothing left over. In order for her to get what little cash she was getting, she had to volunteer her time doing community service for money that continually kept being cut. It states in the book that what she received in food stamps also wasn't enough to cover her family for the month, and she had to ask where she was volunteering for help with food.
This just makes me feel outraged! A mom out there trying to support her kids, laid off unexpectedly, and the system failed her. I think it's ridiculous to make people who are already in a bad situation try to scrape up money just to put in the application for assistance. I can kind of agree with the drug testing aspect of it because if someone can afford drugs, then surely they can afford to feed their family. It's all about priorities. I just think that the application fee is ridiculous. I know I have had to use food stamps when my son was little, and I was in the same situation for losing my job. The people working these jobs seem to not have any compassion for what the people are going through that walk in their doors. I tried myself to apply for the TANF (temporary assistance to needy families) and it was crazy all of the obstacles that they put in the way, just for you to NOT get the help that you need. So where are people supposed to turn to? isn't that one of the reasons out country is a mess? Illegals can come here and get assistance, but we can't help out our own citizens?
On page 145 Abramsky gives an example of what was going on in New York. They had a rent subsidy program that helped the homeless who had jobs, to be able to get into a secure home. They were required to pay $800/month where rent was $2,568 a month. The city worried about making the application process to easy, and those who don't really need the aid would get it. This is why things are so difficult to get the help that the poor need. They are trying to weed out the ones who are trying to take advantage of the system verses those who actually need the help, and are willing to jump through the hoops. I feel that there are many people who take advantage of the system, but feel that those that actually need the help are often turned away. Just like in my above paragraph. I went to get assistance, and I was told with receiving what little child support I got for my son that I wouldn't qualify for the program. I'm also trying to apply for temporary disability so that I can get my back operated on. I have applied twice, and been told that I don't meet the requirement! Really, I still need to provide for my family, I have a major medical issue going on, and you STILL won't help me? It's just mind blowing when you have all of the documentation you need, and someone else has control over making the final decision. Oh yes, I am appealing this.
On page 223 Abramsky talks about the free school meals, but says this usually only works if the child is enrolled at the beginning of the year. Otherwise, it can be very delayed in getting a child covered for free meals at school. He states that there are several budget cuts being made in the schools, and this is one unless they are associated with a "feeding program" I think most schools, day cares, and youth centers all belong to these now. They feed the kids, and then submit the paper work in order to be reimbursed for the cost of the food. I think these programs really come in handy for those families who are struggling so much. Sometimes, kids only eat at these facilities so it's very important that they have access to these food programs. I know I worked at a public school and a youth center. The school participated in the food program and so did the youth center. In fact, the youth center sends out flyers all over the community to get the word out that they have free lunch programs during the summer and any day that regular school was not in session. All of us know that as kids are growing it's imperative for kids to have proper nutrition. These programs make it possible for them to get that, when they might not otherwise eat. It makes me sick to my stomach to think that there are so many families out there who go hungry. I actually just overheard a neighbor of mine saying that she didn't have any food in her house for her or her child to eat. I sure did come into my house, open up the fridge, freezer and pantry to get some food put together for them. She was so overwhelmed that a complete stranger would do such a generous and thoughtful act just for HER! That made my heart swell with happiness that she appreciated the kind gesture and accepted it.
No comments:
Post a Comment