the other side of being homeless and poor. i did see the other side of snap and welfare. i saw the people legitimately struggling and utilizing the programs the best way they could in order to survive and hopefully better themselves. i saw the people who were trying to work their way out of poverty and being homeless and i realized that alot of the government programs were enabling them to do that. i realized that without the programs, some could still find a way out, but the path would be even more difficult than the one they were following. the struggle would have been harder, the path longer, and the end may not have come at all for some.
one of the things i made a mistake on was obama phones. i wrote a blog dated 11/22/2013, titled just that...obama phones. i was wrong. i wasn't wrong about the initial entry. my opinion at the time was correct....as far as i knew. but i was like so many americans who saw people getting something for nothing and using them for nothing. i think you should read that entry before you can understand what i'm saying. it's in the archives on the right of your screen.
but yes...i was wrong. my highly critical, self righteous opinion has been changed as my time of being homeless has been protracted. the phones do see alot of abuse. the phones are wasted money in alot of cases. but in some it is indeed a lifeline. it's a lifeline for finding employment and gives the user an equal footing as far as potential employer contact goes. it gives the user equal footing when inquiring about a job. it gives the user a means of contact they wouldn't have otherwise. homeless people and most poor people cannot afford a 35 or 50 dollar a month phone. i know there are cheaper alternatives, but the end cost is still about the same. it also does something else...it gives the user a feeling of not being totally disconnected from the world. you can call someone you know or try to establish contact with a family member that you've been disconnected from. it doesn't matter if it's successful or not, it at least you gives you that hope and chance. it also makes getting healthcare alot easier, which as you know can be difficult at best. without a phone an appointment is difficult if not impossible.
so yes, i was wrong. maybe about alot of things. time will tell. but my point may be this. i am homeless and my opinion about people and things and programs i was around every day was wrong perhaps you should think about your opinions and reconsider. while fraud and abuse is widespread, can you put a value on the minority it does help? is it worth it for the ones that use the programs and successfully transition out of poverty and homelessness? i think the minority are the ones where the ultimate solution to poverty and homelessness will come from. think about it. if i can wrong....maybe you are too.
see you around town