Is there really nobody at DU experiencing poverty from the inside?

[undeterred]

Nobody jobless? Nobody homeless? Nobody hungry?

The posts in this forum are, for the most part, pretty sterile. Poverty is something that happens to those other people. People who are mentally ill, who are uneducated, people who are alcoholic or have addictions. I guess by that point they've fallen off the internet...

[Xipe Totec]

1. I think you answered your own question

"I guess by that point they've fallen off the internet..."

[Midlodemocrat]

2. I believe that bobolink is currently homeless

but I could be wrong.

[EFerrari]

13. Bobolink's living situation improved, last time I checked in.

But many of us are only this far away from the same.

[bobbolink]

23. Nope, apartment polluted, got pneumonia, would be continually sick, so homeless again.

But, people aren't interested in raising a fuss to get more low-income housing, so....

We'll just all jump off a cliff.

:bounce:

[bobbolink]

66. That's news to me. Why am I always the last to know?

Maybe it would be good for me to be included in the conversation?

I'm not yet mute, although the day is coming, I'm sure.

[rubberducky]

3. I don`t think that we have many poverty strikken, but

we do have poor people. Of course, that is what you define as poor. Jobless, yes, living on savings and hubby. Homeless, hungry, no. Luxuries are but a dream. Needs are pretty much taken care of. We are one serious illness away from poverty. Hangin` in there though, it is tough at times.

[sandnsea]

4. There are a few

Every now and then somebody will post about various difficulties, particularly disabled living on SSDI or retirees living on a small social security check. A lot of us teeter on the brink every month. I think when you're broke you pretty well just adjust to it as best you can. I also don't think skidrow alkies are going to be logging on the internet.

[crim son]

5. I imagine the hungry person would spend their money somewhere

other than on a cable hook-up, a computer. No doubt there are a few such people who have posted here but without regular access to the internet they are probably not noticed.

[bobbolink]

24. It's really sad that all the library internet connections have been eliminated.

:eyes:

[Midlodemocrat]

36. Why would a homeless person do that?

Why would they log onto the internet from a library instead of trying to better their situation?

I don't get it. :shrug:

[zonmoy]

43. all the job listings are now online is one reason.

even underemployed and on government disability payments I make a lot of time for following other interests online.

[Naturyl]

58. What?

I don't even understand your question, unless I take it at face value, and I wouldn't want to do that because it sounds like you're implying a version of the old "lazy self-defeating bums" argument.

"Better their situation?" I bet you assume there's only one way to do that (a job). What if they are disabled? How do you know what "their situation" is, and how do you know what they should and shouldn't do to "better it?"

[Cetacea]

102. WTF?

[Citizen Number 9]

99. Almost 100% of libraries have public connections

What are you referring to?

[Hellenic_Pagan]

63. Hello? Libraries are FREE. geeeez!

if it wasnt for libraries, there are a lot of services i wouldnt be able to enjoy!

[Uncle Sinister]

72. I am so incredibly grateful for our public library.

They were a godsend when I was homeless, and still one of my favorite places.

[sarcasmo]

103. Jobless since April, in Michigan you are applying against hundreds of

People for one job. Lucky for us my wife is about to get her Disability Pension approved, we hope by the end of March. The money runs out May 1st.

[bobbolink]

105. Best wishes for you! All of this is one gigantic CRIME!

:pals: for you and your wife.

[undeterred]

6. I don't have money for food right now

or for June or July rent. Some of the assumptions you're making are wrong. My internet connection is my only way of getting a job, so I'm going to keep that going (which includes phone, electric) before anything else. I have no addictions and I'm not mentally ill, I am well educated, and I applied for "food stamps" 6 weeks ago.

Its interesting to see a couple of people here make fun of those who are poor who fall into the high interest traps that are set for people who have no other option- I have a high interest car loan because I was unemployed for 16 months 2001-2 and thats what happens when you build up debt. You have no other choice.

There's still an enormous stigma attached to being poor. People are repelled by it. They think it must be the fault of the person who has fallen on hard times. Most of all, people think it gives them the right to judge you and say the nastiest things to you- and this is actually quite demeaning.

[Stargazer99]

9. thank you for turning a light on the subject

I suspect the conservatives on this board refuse to open their eyes...it might require them to change their attitudes if they have any humanity in them.

[undeterred]

10. The other thing I've noticed is that

since those high interest opportunities exist- a lot of families choose not to help family members.

They would rather have someone in their family get a high interest loan or credit card (teach them a lesson) than keep it within the family. Families are more and more economically separate entities and siblings fight each other over money just as diviorcing spouses do. People turn to high interest loans because the extended family structure simply isn't there any more.

This is true whether people are rich or poor.

[EFerrari]

14. So true. I come from a Latino family and we still help each other

no matter what. That doesn't seem to be true in the culture at large.

And, imho, that's where a lot of our problems stem from as a society. The family is where you can learn the habit of community or not. :(

[Hellenic_Pagan]

64. Yeah,

its amazing how different cultures look at it.

I am from a culture where family is very important.

None of us were rich, in fact we were either poor or below poverty, but we all stuck together.

Our country needs to be more like that, for all the talk you hear about "family values", we sure dont stick together like a family. in family, if you have something you can share with someone who doesnt have anything, you do it. no questions asked and no account keeping.

I think it is also because many americans think its "shameful" to be poor and worry about how it looks. they seem to think its better to be a materialist and up to your wazoo in credit debt than to live within your means and help others.

I think the part of our economic problems right now in this country that arent cause by the Iraq war are because we dont act like a family and help out each other.

Selfishness could destroy our society from within.

[bobbolink]

25. Sadly, the ignorance about poverty is just as prevalent at DU as anywhere else.

I'm sorry to hear what you are going through. As bad as all that is, the worst part is being austracised by those you would think would understand. That hurts more than anything, and is why so many have just given up.

"It's your choice". Doncha just love that middleclass concept? :sarcasm:

[Naturyl]

59. Bingo... "choice" is the deadliest word

Used by all who want to justify, rationalize, or simply wave away the reality of poverty and homelessness.

I don't believe in the supernatural fiction of "free will," but even if I did, I would not use "choice" in the context of conditions and circumstances no one would actually consciously choose. It's a cop out and no different from the Republican position on the matter.

[sojourner]

7. lots of DUers having a financial struggle. many jobless (i don't know HOW many). i would

guess there are few homeless, as their concerns would more likely focus round obtaining needed food and shelter, no?

[DarkTirade]

19. That, and it's hard to get an internet connection

when you don't have a home.
So by the time we end up hearing from them, it usually implies that they've found a home.

[bobbolink]

26. homeless people need love and acceptance, too.

Just like anyone else.

[undeterred]

29. ...

:hug:

[bobbolink]

37. Thanks! That means a lot!

:hug: :hi: :hug:

[stillcool]

8. Labels do not depict..

or describe who, what I am. Orphan, foster-child, alcoholic, drug-addict, restaurant/hotel worker, manager, temp-worker, out of work, out of home, home-owner, bankrupt, inheritor, child-less, childish, mentally ill, smart, uneducated, thin, fat, blonde, brunette, cripple, athlete...all have applied. Now..all of the above, and none of the above....and yet...I've always been the same.

[jwirr]

11. I am low income enough to be elegible for SSI and MA and Food

Stamps. That is definely poverty level. I do have a part time job to suppliment my Social Security and I am not homeless only because I live in one room in my daughter's home. By the end of the month we are all eating bare minimum.

[undeterred]

12. I never knew the frustration

I have been unemployed off and on- when I am employed I make good money. Usually between jobs I collect unemployment comp. This time my employer fought me and won so I have no income and an apartment to pay for. I am eligible for food stamps only. But they require a huge amound of documentation (like birth certificate) which I had to go to another city to get so it was a very big deal to go get it. The case workers have 700 cases each and they never answer their phones or return messages.

I called for 5 days straight trying to make an appt and then I went over there. The people who work at the center are very unhurried and act like I am crazy because I am upset about this. I've been waiting since May 21 for food money and still don't have it.

A friend of mine is on disability and another one is applying for it. I guess they have been dealing with this stuff for years, because when I tell them they don't look surprised. They are surprised that I am surprised! This is the US government- why should I expect it to work?! And sometimes they treat you like you are trying to get away with something. I have only recently realized that there have been other times that I could have applied for this and did not.

And the food pantries - I hear you get a lot of peanut butter, pasta, and ragu sauce? Never fresh fruit or anything like that.

[jwirr]

15. Yes and wait till they start sending you the monthly income report.

However, I think it depends very much on where you live as to how well the system works. In the South there is a bias, even among the social workers, against these programs in general - as we can see by how *ss treats them. There the attitudes and waiting is deliberate in order to discourage people from applying. (My apologies to the workers in the south that really do care and do their jobs.) In large cities the economic situation is the culprit - too many needs and too few social workers to fulfill the work required by the state and the feds. And here to they are trying to get you to find another way. One thing I have found that makes a big difference: Be polite no matter how much you want to scream - if that worker doesn't like you it can get a whole lot worse. Where I live there is little waiting for food and our food shelves have a good variety of foods thanks to the churches. But I have been through the frustration.

One suggestion is to see if your area has a Fare Share food program which provides food items each month for a small amount of money ($16.00) and only asked the recipients to donate time to some form of charitable work in return. It is not a welfare program and anyone who wants the items is eligible. They have every type of food and also include a vegetarian package. Well worth the time and money from my experience. The volunteer experience can be almost anything from bringing a plate of cookies to a shut-in neighbor to church work. Good program.

[undeterred]

16. There's only been once before that I really needed it

and I walked out during the interview because the attitude was so insulting. I was low or no income for over a year and collected nothing because of someones snotty attitude. This time the person was really nice, but shrouded in layers and layers of bureaucracy. Phone messages come in all day, but he never listens to them or picks up the phone. You have to appear in person or write to him. Most of the services in town are oriented toward families, not single people. And most of them are overwhelmed. The number of homeless and needy has grown every year of the Bush administration, while services have been cut. So the attitude is we do the best we can- and we miss a lot.

[bobbolink]

27. I'm sorry you're having to learn the hard way.

I've given up trying to explain to people how demeaning it is in this country.

As Michael Moore said at the end of SICKO.... "Who ARE we?"

As things get better for you, I hope you don't forget those still on the bottom and struggling.

[mntleo2]

31. Love This Post!

...I think there are a lot of low income people on DU. As a single mother who worked over 35 years in what I call "McJobs" and has nothing to show for it, not because I was an addict, not because I was "unwise" with my money, and not because I was disabled (I am now) but because there are horrible working conditions out there with a-hole bosses and business owners who just do not give a damn about anything but their bottom line. I am not ashamed of being poor because I worked my butt off and contributed to the pot for many many years.

There are a lot of people who are in poverty and it always surprises me as to how ashamed they are about it, when in most cases it is not their fault. Poverty is about racism, health care issues, the cost of raising children with no societal support (such as no reliable and affordable daycare, lack of child support if the parent is single, and more), lack of livable wage work, sexism in the workplace, the high cost of rent, the high cost and unavailability of reliable transportation, Welfare DEformed, and many other reasons out of our control.

I am not saying people should not "own" their reasons for poverty because choice can be a part of it ~ but in most cases it is a small part of it. I always tell the young people I speak with who are single parents to do the "Paris Hilton test" on themselves: If you got married to someone who beat you every day and took your earnings to gamble them away, would you get the same legal, psychological, or financial representation as Paris Hilton (about 70% of welfare recipients are domestic violence victims)? If you cannot afford or do not have available birth control ~ would Paris Hilton be able to get it? If you got pregnant and could not abort because your community has banned it ~ would Paris Hilton still have that choice? If you are forced into a pregnancy and parenting, would you get the assistance for all the needs a child would need like Paris Hilton has? If you needed a job and did not have the training to make a livable wage, would you get the same kind of job and the pay that goes with it as Paris Hilton would get? If you or your child are sick and need some major health care and could not work, would you get the same care and support as Paris Hilton? Take your personal situation and do that test and it will open up your eyes as to the reasons for your poverty.

My point is that crisis happens and we do not have much of a safety net left for it. Over 85% of welfare recipients were married at one time. But when the missing parent does not pay child support (and this is not always because they are deadbeats, it may be because they are sick, missing or in jail because of their domestic violence or drug use or both). for instance I know a woman who spent 17 years of hell where she lived upper class because her husband had a good job, but she was beaten every day, isolated from her parents and siblings and even had to have her 5 children at home because her husband was afraid a medical person might see all the bruises on her and surmise the truth. She had tried to flee several times, but was brought back and beaten even worse and so were the children. the only way she escaped was when her husband beat her so bad that she almost died and landed in the hospital for several weeks. After the truth came out, the husband was jailed but then her support was gone. So after she got out of the hospital, she linped into the welfare office to apply for help and was told to get a job ~ this after 17 years of being held hostage with the expectaion she would support 5 kids on a $5.00 an hour job!

I speak all the time to groups (including DSHS) about the impact of poverty on a family. As a whole even though there are some DSHS people that care, most workers despise their clients. They often don't even realize it themselves. I do not blame them. Nobody turns to welfare unless they are in crisis, yet it is treated as if people are just too lazy to get a job, and on the inside the staff is trained to get a person off as quickly as possible. Unfortunately lack of employment is why people have to turn to welfare ~ and this can be for a myriad of reasons from having a disabled child, to being disabled yourself, to not having enough education to get something that supports you, to affordable and available daycare (over 70% of McJobs are off hours and daycare even in the city is scarce) to being homeless because you could never afford the rent even with a job, the list goes on and on. After awhile it must get to you as case manager, and to keep your sanity and your much needed job or you would be on that other side of the desk, you harden yourself.

Lots more to write but realized my post is WAY too long yet I needed to write this even if I am preaching to the choir and wish more upper income people got it.

My 2 cents

Cat In Seattle

[undeterred]

32. Glad you posted!

I feel like this is a place for people to "come out" of the closet. Good news, I did get a good job this week, but I am still going to be digging myself out with all my might for the next 6 months to a year. The only family I have is my mother- I wrote her 2 months ago and told her about my situation; got a letter back today and she did not even ask if I am working or if I needed help. Everyone assumes that we all have family somewhere to lean on. Guess what... everybody doesn't.

As of today I still have not received food stamps- I first applied May 18 and this is July 21. Yesterday morning (after accepting my new job which will not produce a paycheck for a couple of weeks) I was still fighting for this and amazed at how insulting the case worker was to me. I said to him wouldn't you think it was an emergency if you had been waiting 2 months for money for food and come to the agency at least 10 times and called twice as many? All he could do was defend himself. Then he told me to go to a food pantry, which I did, but honestly, there's hardly anything there I even want to eat. Oatmeal and noodles. Day old food, spoiled produce, hot dogs. I still have to eat while I am waiting for my first paycheck.

I have several friends living on disability income and I know that they work housecleaning jobs (even though it is physically difficult for them) and go to food pantries (even though the food isn't very good) but I don't think I've ever understood how hard it is and how shitty people treat you for not working in the real world.

I was scared of being homeless every minute of the last two months. Its funny, since I got the job, a couple of people have said, Oh, I would have taken you in. But not one person said it to me before I got the job, when I was really scared to death of having to give up my dog and live on the street or in a shelter.

[mntleo2]

33. Oh Hon!

...yeah that is another reason people have to turn to the government for help: they have no family to help them out and if there is family, the members themselves are strapped too. I can relate to the terror you felt and hope you will apply the "Paris Hilton test" to yourself and realize there is much you could not do about the situation and most of all that it is not your fault. This is why I am frustrated when people sniff at the poor and assume it is all about "bad choices." What bad choices? You are a widowed black woman and the person who hired you assumes you can support 5 people on $2.00 an hour and your "bad choice" was being black? You lost your job because the town's main factory sent all their jobs overseas and your community does not have any more jobs with livable wages and your "bad choice" is living there? You have an autistic child who needs 24/7 care and since you make $13.00 over the limit, you cannot get help and so you have to try to work part time because nobody will take him and take care of everything on 4 hours sleep every day and your "bad choice" was that you did not know to abort him? You became injured on the job, your company fought you because they said they were not responsible and so not only did you lose your job and are in constant pain, but because their fancy schmancy lawyers "proved" you weren't that bad off and so now you can't even get disability pay and your "bad choice" was getting injured in the first place by doing what you were directed to do? if you were Paris Hilton would any of those situations matter? No!

It is all about having a safety net ~ health care, decent paying work, affordable rent, available food, etc.

As for pantry food: I am not sure where you live but even in the city where I live there is a neat program called the "Gleaners." I know they are in other parts of the country as well, though I am not sure they are where you are. This is a program where you go out to places where there is food to pick and you pick some for yourself and the rest for the pantry or food bank or even for the farmer who needs the stuff picked sometimes. They will often provide the equipment to can, freeze, or otherwise prepare your food as well. It is a way to get fresh food and also to preserve food for the winter, etc. This is a fine time to contact the Gleaners because it is harvest time. Many working poor go out on their weekends or time off to pick and it is all free ~ plus you may also help out a program for elderly shut-ins or HIV people, etc as well as for yourself. Sometimes you can even get transportation out to the fields. It is also a fine way to get some fresh air, exersize, and be with others in your shoes as well as meet some neat people and get some awesome food! If you let me know where you live, perhaps I could haelp you find such a group ...

Just some thoughts and hang in there. PM me if you just need a friend sometime, I have been there and done that and I know of what you speak!

Love
Cat

[undeterred]

34. You just reminded me of something

I know there is a community garden where anyone can pick vegetables for free and the people who have gardens for themselves just set out the excess they cannot use for anyone to take. I'm not sure if it would have helped me much in May or June but there is probably a lot out later in the summer.

[InkAddict]

47. Copper theft spoils $500,000 worth of Indiana food bank groceries

Cross-posted to Indiana board

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=151x6142

It was the third time in two months that copper had been taken from Gleaners. The food bank serves more than 300,000 people through more than 400 pantries and charities in 20 central Indiana counties.

Children, families and the elderly will be hurt by the theft, said Pam Altmeyer, president and chief executive officer of Gleaners.

"It is becoming very clear that the thieves do not understand that it is those most in need of assistance who are hurt," she said.

The theft could cost Gleaners $464,000 in lost food, plus $20,000 for immediate repairs. Gleaners will work this week to solicit more donations and plans to continue distributing its nonperishable food.

[Naturyl]

60. I am not ashmaed of being poor either

"I am not ashamed of being poor because I worked my butt off and contributed to the pot for many many years."

I don't "work my butt off" and have no intention or obligation to do so. For one thing, I hate work (for many of the reasons you outlined) and for another, I'm disabled anyway. Should I be ashamed of myself because I "contribute nothing" and have no intention of doing so? Most of America says yes.

I say no. And to me (and perhaps a few others), what I do contribute on a volunteer basis has far more worth than mindlessly flipping burgers would, anyway.

This idea that only the economically "hard-working" are "deserving" is one of the biggest things that perpetuates poverty, homelessness, classism, and all sorts of evils. It's really got to go.

[votenovember2008]

78. Just a question?

"If you are forced into a pregnancy and parenting," I'm a little naive, but are there people being forced into this? What a disgrace!

[Obamanaut]

85. Are these similar to the government workers who will be

administering whatever health care/insurance programs, or nationalized oil programs, or any of the other programs that one reads are necessary for all to be on the same playing field?

Can we foresee the probability of more perceived mismanagement? If so, why would we want it?

You said "This is the US government- why should I expect it to work?!"

Why would we want it?

[uppityperson]

17. of course there are, perhaps just not posting in this topic forum

[DarkTirade]

18. I've been right on the upper edge of it for a good portion of my life.

Never quite hit that homeless mark, always had a roof over my head. When I was younger my parents never had any money. We were without health insurance 99% of the time, and we never had any cool things like nintendos or anything. But there was a roof over our head and food on the table (although not always as much as we would have liked.) All of their money was spent in an attempt to make sure we lived in a good school district, even if we had nothing else. In hindsight, I would have rather lived in a shack and had cool stuff like nintendos. :) But that's just me.
Once I got out on my own I tried to go to college, but with no money that's rather difficult. For a while I didn't have to worry about going hungry, because the only job I could find within walking distance of my house and school (no car at the time) was at a restaurant. Although before I found that job, I went hungry for about two months. I lost 15 pounds in one month. When that job went under suddenly, I ended up having to drop out of school for monetary reasons.
At the moment, I'm facing the possibility of ending up like that again... I just had a car accident and my car is a total loss. Here in Orlando, our public transit is CRAP, and the entire area is nothing but urban sprawl.So without a motor vehicle, you're pretty much screwed. Add in the fact that I moved out of walking distance from school and all the student-related businesses in that area... yeah. Not looking good. At the moment I'm seeing what needs to be done to get one of the two non-functional bicycles in my apartment up to par. It's no substitute for something with an engine here in Orlando, but it does extend my range enough that I'll be able to go grocery shopping on my own if I have to. There are some gas stations and a single drugstore within walking distance if I desperately need SOMETHING to eat or toilet paper or anything like that, but that's it.
The timing of this thing couldn't be worse though. I've been spending the last month looking for a new job, because my current job is only part-time and just isn't enough to pay my bills. I was doing some free-lance computer work on the side to make ends meet, but that work dried up. I've been slowly depleting my savings (something that's pretty new to me. This was only the second time in my life that I've actually managed to save up more than a hundred bucks at a time. First time was when I managed to get the car in the first place. Shortly after I got the car was when the restaurant job went under, and I spent all my remaining savings to keep a roof over my head.) during this whole time, and I'm down to very little at the moment. On the bright side, I might be able to get some kind of motorized transportation... I have a lead on a currently non-functional scooter. I figure between my savings and whatever I can get for the wreck of a car, it should be more than enough to get it running again. It ain't much, but it's got wheels and an engine. And I'm willing to live with helmet hair if it means keeping a roof over my head. And it'll sure save on gas money.
The only reason I've kept the internet here is because A) my phone company screwed me over a while back(I'm not just being a bitter poor guy, they actually DID screw me over. Made a 200 dollar mistake on my bill and refused to admit it for several months. Cut off my phone right at the same time as the restaurant job had gone under and I was looking for a new job.), so I ended up having to settle for a Vonage internet phone, B) I'm trying to do what I can to get into some kind of computer related field, much of which require high-speed internet, and just about all of which requires at least SOME kind of internet. And lastly C) my roommate is splitting the bill with me, which helps. :) With that bill splitting and using a Vonage phone, I'm barely paying more than you would for a single phone line and a dial-up account. So for what I'm trying to do and with how little the difference is in cost, it's worth it for me.
And the computer I'm sitting at... well, I've had three computers in my life. And I haven't paid for any of them. Gotten them all as hand-me-downs, or in the case of this computer, it was built for me so that I could do the aforementioned freelance computer work on it. It was basically a 500 dollar investment on the part of my old employer. Giving me a computer allowed him to take on more and bigger contracts, since I was available to work on them.
All it takes is a little mistake/streak of bad luck without enough of a safety net and anyone can end up where I've been though. Which is why I'm trying to go back to college... I figure actually FINISHING my degree and having that piece of paper to prove that I have useful skills will be a helluva safety net. As opposed to now, where under 'experience' I have to write something like, "I've been doing this since I was a kid, really." :) Actually, that freelance work will probably help with that... it may have been sparse enough that I didn't earn much, but the year of experience on the resume should help.

[DarkTirade]

20. Update: looks like I've found a way to stave off the gutter for a bit.

My mother just got a HUGE raise and bought herself a new car. So I'm temporarily using their old one until they decide to sell it. You have no idea how much stress that lifts from my shoulders. Just having a vehicle in a place like this is quite literally the difference between being ABLE to get a job or not.

[hashibabba]

22. I'm so glad to hear you have the use of her car!! I hope you find

a job soon!

[DarkTirade]

41. Thanks. A friend of mine just told me they're looking for about 200 new people

at his place of work, so if I can't find anything I want I'll go there. :) It'll be crappy sitting-at-a-desk-answering-a-phone kind of work, but it'll be full time and decent hourly pay, so that's good enough for me. I just have one more place to check out for the 'jobs I want' category, and if it doesn't pan out, then I'm willing to settle for 'jobs that are boring, but pay well enough for me to keep a roof over my head AND save up some money to buy a vehicle/go back to school/rainy day/ect'. :)

*edit* And the aforementioned 'boring' job is close enough that if my parents had to sell their car that they're letting me use, I could get there on a bike. It's a bit of a trek, but it's doable.

[kineneb]

21. not homeless or hungry, yet... but hopeless

Hubby is on dialysis- from End-Stage Renal Disease. We live on his SSDI ($1200/mo), and will do so for as long as he lives. I am his full-time caregiver. Yes, I have visited a food pantry, and we do get the monthly free food give-away. We manage, but just. Things will not get better. The "American Dream" has died for us. We went through Chapter 7 bankruptcy last summer. Shall I mention he worked for WorldCom and was laid off during 2002 and never did find a job?

I have mental health problems and must take my meds every day just to function; some I can't afford so my regular Doc gives me samples, and charges me a minimal amount for visits. The stress of being a caregiver has pushed me to the edge of my internal resources, and into county-subsidized mental health care (back to therapy and the shrink). I have applied for SSDI and was denied, based on my lack of work units- I didn't work much because I was mentally ill! So I am waiting to see if I qualify for SSI. Some time in the future I may be able to work part-time, but not for quite awhile.

So we have a chronic disease and mental illness, no addictions (except coffee). Education is moot- I am a thesis shy of a MA in Music History. One can be crazy and extremely bright as well. So talk to me - I know what the inside of a social service office and public health/dental clinic look like. I know what it is like to live on a fixed income, I know what it feels like to show up for free food. I just hope we are never homeless.

(I decided to wander away from the main forums and check in.)

[undeterred]

28. hello kineneb

I am teetering on the edge of this, but I can't imagine what its like to be a caregiver too. I only know that when you experience first hand how stressed the system is and how stressful it is when thats all you have to depend on, thats when you really understand what a crisis we're in. I've been waiting 2 months for food stamp money and I've lost 15 pounds. They don't return my phone calls. I had a job interview friday but since I have no income and don't know if I'll get a job I am applying for disability- I can't afford Cobra payments for my insurance any more. Without insurance I have migraines every day. With insurance I am completely capable of working. It's idiocy. Its America.

It is good for you and I not to have addictions- it makes being poor a thousand times worse. But I hate that feeling that life is never going to get any better, you just have to get through it. I have always worked and I want to work. My employer fired me and fought my unemployment compensation, so I feel like I have been pushed into poverty by the state.

:hug:

[bobbolink]

38. I appreciate you replying to so many people here who are suffering!

There is so litte understanding, and that includes on DU.

The system is broken, badly, yet very few understand that.

"Just go to the ER"

"You can get food stamps"

"The help is there, if you just make the effort"

What a bunch of nonsense, and from "liberals" who should know better!

I'm beyond anger, I'm beyond hurt.

I've been here long enough to know it won't change. They don't WANT to get it.

Thank you again.... please keep accepting and supporting people where they are. We all need it!

I'll be thinking of you, and wishing the best for you!!

:hug:

[undeterred]

39. I'm starting back to work this week

after 5 months off.

And as it turns out- I will not have received any assistance at all except for 2 visits to food pantries. My applications for food stamps were both messed up in bureaucratic nightmares- the second one will be denied because of the job I am starting now. I collected unemployment but will have to pay it all back- and for 2 months the only pay I had was $450. I am behind on everything. The saving grace was that I still was able to pay for health insurance through this month. I was about to apply for disability... just cancelled that. I am appealing the unemployment denial and have a discrimination case pending- but these things take time.

The people at the unemployment office and where I applied for foodstamps were hostile. People at food pantries are nice. There is not enough food, and not enough good food.

Nobody "gets it" till they've been there. I don't want to be there. But it can happen to anyone. I was lucky not to lose the roof over my head.

I know people who are struggling, but I didn't "get it" either. We live in a society where people are expected to take care of themselves. And we make it so hard to do that. Now I know that there is no justice until everyone has the basic things that they need- food, shelter, health care.

Many people have so much more than they really need. People do not give enough away to charity- they give paltry amounts that they won't miss. There are very few real saints in the world, and they are overworked.

Take care bobbolink :hug:

[Naturyl]

61. Best to you, bobo

"Many who are last shall be first." I have that on good authority.

Try to keep it in mind, it might help. Many who are first in this world are last when it comes to decency, compassion, and the things of the heart. Spiritual things, in other words.

I'm not preaching Christianity here. I'm actually preaching Jesus (he's the "good authority" I mentioned) and as you surely know, that's about the furthest thing from American Christianity I can think of.

You have value. If not to this world, then to those whose priorities are set a little higher.

[Name removed]

30. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[antigop]

35. Perhaps Michael Moore can shed some light-- have you seen this?

Michael was webchatting at crooksandliars.com
http://www.crooksandliars.com/2007/07/22/crooks-liars-w ...

Here is his comment: (Message #124)
>>
Doing a film on the corporate media is the most requested thing I get! but i can’t talk about the next film. It will take a year or two to do. The theme i referred to that exists in all my films is the economic system that we live under. It’s unfair, unjust, and not democratic.
>>

And then on post #365:

>>
Let me be blunt. We Americans get some pathological kick out of beating up those who are less fortunate than ourselves. We do indeed punish the poor for being poor. We have structures in place that guarantee that they will never climb out of their poverty. It’s not an accident. And it is a very black mark on our soul.
>>

My (antigop) comments:
For the record, I've never been hungry, never been homeless -- been pretty lucky. But that's the point, isn't it -- we shouldn't have to depend upon being "lucky". Everyone is this country has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of how "lucky" or "unlucky" they are.

[turtlelowe]

40. A lot of people do not understand poverty

It seems to me that there is a pretty significant number of people on DU who have had a lot of opportunities in life that have shielded them from the horrors of poverty. It is difficult for most people to truly understand something that they have never experienced. And for those people, it is easier to discount poverty as a result of laziness or ignorance than as a result of a broken social system that drops people through cracks. Rose colored glasses make the world look prettier (sarcasm).

I grew up in poverty. Both of my parents worked very hard manual labor jobs that paid next to nothing. It never seemed to matter how hard they worked, we never seemed to get ahead. My earliest memories of childhood involve driving up and down dirt roads picking blackberries to sell to people in town to buy second-hand clothes so we would have stuff to wear for school. I also remember going to state parks to pick up walnuts to sell at the feed store to buy food. My parents were neither ignorant or lazy, they were not mentally ill or alcoholics. They just happened to live in an area with no opportunities and no way to break out of their circumstances. We did what we had to in order to get by, and even then there were a lot of rough times. They had many sleepless nights worrying about how we were going to get by.

Poverty is real and still exists but trying to fix the problem involves a level of understanding and commitment that many people either do not have or are not willing to invest.

Tammy

[cutlassmama]

56. I'm disabled and am currently supporting three people on SSI.

we've been on and off food stamps for three years now. My son is also disabled, but because he's never worked his SSI is a lot lower. My husband stays home to be a full time care taker to me. We live in a dumpy apartment with holes in the carpet. It's not nice, but it's a roof over over our heads. Before I got SSI we were literally starving. It took 4 months to get food stamps because since I'm bed ridden I couldn't make it to their office. They screwed up my telephone interviews twice and needed my finger prints. When I started crying on the phone they agreed to use my son's fingerprints. Since this was before I met my husband the cab ride for him was $30.00. At that time we literally had NOTHING in our refrigerator or freezer to eat. The food bank in our town lets people come twice a month and that's it. It's not much food. There are a few other churches that give out food too. My husband has to go because, once again, I can't get out of bed.

[dropkickpa]

42. Me, sorta

My gross is above the poverty line, but my take home is definitely below it. I spend 25 days of the month with less than $2 in my bank account.

[undeterred]

44. Ugh

Just enough to keep the account open. Right now I just started work, and its good money, but its all accounted for. I can't do anything extra, even drink soda, for now. 2 jobs is not an option now, but at some point maybe. The minimum wage needs to change.

[dropkickpa]

49. Yep

And the only reason I can even afford the account is because it's a free workplace acct through my job.

[angrycarpenter]

45. poverty can sneak up on you

I used to get by alright 4 years ago but i haven't had a raise in 6 years and now I am one minor crisis away from being out on the street with no savings or credit to bail me out in any way. I don't think of myself as poor but the lack of options or safety net in the event of emergency combined with almost utter indifference by people in a position to help makes millions one step away from the street.

[undeterred]

46. welcome to DU

I know what you mean. You can use credit cards to bail yourself out of exactly one crisis. For me it was 16 months of unemployment, and it was rent I was putting on the cards, not fancy shoes. Then you get a job and start paying them down, but another crisis comes and suddenly those have a strangle on you and now they are your enemy instead of your friend. There are no services that you're eligible for unless you have children. After I got a job again people said- I wouldn't have let you go homeless- but no one said that to me during the 2 months I was scared to death it was going to happen.

The country as a whole needs to address it, but progressives as individuals also have to step up and open their eyes. Don't just say you care about poverty as an issue, do something to help someone who needs it.

[dropkickpa]

48. Even with a kid

There's not much help. I went through the welfare system when Dropkid was younger (had a job, quit while in school after 3 robbery incidents), they make it real damn hard. I had to get my doctor to sign disability papers (had PTSD)for them to lay off the whole "must fill out x# of applications per week and spend x# of hours job searching or do job training". I was IN SCHOOL, a vocational program. The welfare job training is a joke for someone who was in my position (formerly well employed in a high responsibility position), it was basically how to fill out an application, dress for interviews, etc. My job had been in retail management, ferchrissakes! I CONDUCTED interviews. My caseworker was a real gem, she really helped me out as much as she possibly could, but was stuck trying to work within the stupid welfare regs.

Even now, with a yearly take home of a little over $18,000/year (2 person household), I qualify for NOTHING, not heat assistance, not even food pantries can help because I earn "too much". Wait, I do qualify for reduced lunches for Dropkid at school. Being poor sucks the life out ya.

[DarkTirade]

50. 18000 a year is too much? Jeez...

I'm earning about half that take amount home for one person, and I can't even keep up with my VERY cheap bills... I don't know how you're managing. Good luck finding better though.

[dropkickpa]

51. Well, things are looking up

I'm up for a job that will give me about a 33% raise. It still won't be a lot, but that $600 difference will seem like millions to me. It's not exactly what I want to do, but I've decided, in the current climate, money is more important.

[DarkTirade]

53. Yeah, I know what that's like.

Right now I'm about to ready settle for a job I don't really want. I just happen to like having food on my table and a roof over my head...
Good luck with that though. :)

[angrycarpenter]

52. wait it gets worse

due to the housing slump and the construction industry's willingness to hire cheap latino labor my wages will almost certainly go down. Don't get me wrong I don't blame the mexicans for coming here to work. But I have An ax to grind with the big construction companies that helped cause this problem. I am an expert woodworker with 25 years in the business and the best I can do is about $24,000 A year with no health benefits.

[DarkTirade]

54. It's not just your field too.

I know plenty of people with 10,20, sometimes more experience in the IT industry, often even with IT management experience who can't find a job. I know one guy who has been thinking about actually taking some of his experience OFF his resume, in the hopes that they'll hire him in an entry level position for something like 20-25,000 a year.

[undeterred]

55. I am an IT person and I had to call the helpdesk

for my password to be reset, as strange as that sounds. And its offsite. I was told it was in Canada. Well, the first thing you hear is a recording that says press 1 for English. So, I pressed 1. And I could not understand the guy. I had to ask him to repeat every single sentence. It was a hispanic accent. Then I had to call back later in the day and it was an indian accent. And I'm thinking, ok did I press the right button? And this is in Canada?

[Naturyl]

57. Disabled, dirt poor, and a DUer.

Reporting for duty - and despite my limitations, I bring something to the table intellectually. Contrary to popular belief, mental illness does not equate to stupidity or irrelevance. My philosophical work has significant exposure and I volunteer on the board of a 30 year-old non-profit corporation. Despite the fact that I don't matter or even exist to most Americans, I've managed to run major websites and discuss ideas with prominent thinkers.

And while I'm doing all of that, I live in a $4000 single-wide trailer on $637 a month. So yeah, I'm "on the inside." And I'm not hesitant to bring some "insider" perspective to DU when it's needed.

[cutlassmama]

62. Disabled, dirt poor, and a DUer also.

[bobbolink]

65. I'm homeless. OK? It doesn't get much support from "progressives"

I've been attacked as a "faker"... "How come you have a computer if you're homeless?" DUH....................

Sometimes I just get very tired of the ignorance from people who think they are so smart, and ever so superior.

[kdmorris]

67. Those people are not really progressive

I've tried fighting with them, discussing with them, etc, but they don't have any progressive ideals that I can see.

[ConcernedCanuk]

68. Plenty I imagine, but it's not something we like to brag about.

.
.
.

Yep, I'm one of them.

Internet access is not a problem for the poor up here, we have free access at resource centres and libraries. Even the small town of 2500 that I live in has over 30 computer stations available between the resource centres and the library.

I have my own at home, but believe me - I have to budget pretty finely to keep it going.

Right now I have a service of what we call Sympatico lite - it's a verrrry slow high-speed (about 20kbps as opposed to about 6kbps for regular dial-up) - but it has the advantage of allowing me to make and receive phone calls without interrupting my net service, or vice versa.

By the time I do my battles with the welfare workers, landlords that take advantage, constant concerns over money and dwelling - I don't really feel like talking about it.

I imagine that many would just as soon not share(or admit to) their troubles.

Being poor and still maintaining a decent life IS HARD WORK!

Anyone that ever calls me a welfare "bum" can kiss my . . .

Well, - U know

[Kare]

69. Almost there....

I don't have much experience with poverty but it looks like my family and I are about to get a first class lesson. We've got enough to pay the mortgage one more time and then I don't think we'll have much of a house to speak of. Thankfully they can't turn of the electricity in the winter time whether you pay or not. I imagine that the phone and internet (they are linked) will be the first to go. Then of course the vehicles if they care enough to repossess them. The only consolation there is that the cars are worthless and not really worth the effort to take them. Not that I imagine it will stop them.

My husband lost his job a while ago and there isn't much to be had around here. He's a computer programmer, his job belongs to some one in pakistan now, a few people in pakistan I think. Hard to compete with people in India who will do the work for $8 an hour. I've seen the bids and posts on some sites, too many of them willing to work for peanuts. You can't support a family on $8 an hour. That's what I make at my job.

I asked for more hours at my job and was given one extra 8 hr shift, which brings me to a grand total of 24 hrs a week. I only worked on weekends to watch the kids. We have 3 and daycare gets to be more than what you make at work so it's not really worth it.

I've just about given up trying to find work and have instead been going over in my mind where my children and I will end up living, how long it will take to get on my feet enough to find work that can allow me to afford an apartment, and what will happen to the family pets.

For years my husband moved around following the work that he could get and finally landed a nice job working from home, full time with benefits. How wonderful no more moving, no more new schools, maybe some real stability. Good money was coming in, how quickly that can all be lost.

I guess I will become one of those "other people" that poverty happens to. No one here is disabled, alcoholic, or has an addiction. We just wanted to have a house in a nice rural area and raise our kids with plenty of room to run and play. If I had known things could come to this I would have insisted that we find someplace closer to a city that could provide work without such a long commute. So much for dreaming.

[undeterred]

70. I guess we're all in the same sinking boat

I am going to be sued in small claims court by a credit card company. I ran up a debt with them by putting rent on a credit card 6 years ago when I was unemployed for 16 months. I had nowhere else to turn for money. I made payments on it for a while, then I couldn't because I was unemployed again. You can't get behind on the rent or you will be on the street.

I was able to negotiate a settlement on another credit card with another company and they were very nice about it. This company- the guy was a vicious threatening asshole, and I was in tears. I wrote the company a letter and asked for them to please have someone else call me, but they didn't. Today I came home and there is a letter in my mailbox from a bankruptcy firm telling me that I am being sued in small claims court. But I have not received a summons. I looked it up and there it is.

Now I am afraid of wage garnishments. I am starting a contract job on Monday where they do an extensive background check- what if they dismiss me for this?

I am just trying to survive.

[fed-up]

76. check your pm for info and below are websites for anyone w/CC debt

Know your rights before you talk to anyone from a collection agency (most lawyers suggest not talking to anyone) and what they can and can't do. Its sucks being poor, but it sucks even more when vultures use threats and fear and illegal tactics to try to get someone to pay on an old debt that that they literally paid pennies on the dollar for.

http://www.creditinfocenter.com/forms/sampleletter9.shtml
The following is a sample letter requesting a collection agency to validate that they owe you a debt.

http://www.creditinfocenter.com/forms/sampleletter15.shtml
Sample letter 15 - The Letter to Send to the Credit Bureaus After the Collection Agency Fails to Validate Your Debt

http://www.creditinfocenter.com/rebuild/debt_validation.shtml

http://creditboards.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1925&st=0

http://www.creditinfocenter.com/rebuild/statuteLimitations.shtml

http://www.creditinfocenter.com/forms/sampleletter7.shtml

[Uncle Sinister]

71. I was homeless until fairly recently.

I've got a roof over my head now, but still dirt poor. I'm lucky, here in Portland, we do have some subsidized housing, took me about a 6 month wait to get a crappy little downtown hotel room, but it's free, and beats the crap out of dooways and shelters. But I managed to hang on to my battered laptop while I was on the street, and I get free wi-fi right from my hotel room. (how cool is that)

I made regular use of the library computers while I was homeless, but you're limited to an hour a day there, and that time was for work and research, no time to forum.

We've got way better public health than most cities (still not nearly good enough, but having recently seen public health in California, I'm counting my blessings. I've got my own doctor that I see regularly, and most of my medications are paid for (I had a heart attack last year, so this is a biggie for me)

I do a lot of volunteer work for a rockin organization, Sisters Of The Road
http://www.sistersoftheroad.org/

I get my meals free there about 5 times a week and they've got a political organizing group called the Civic Action Group, made up of current or formerly homeless people. We recently organized and lead a MLK day march to city hall demanding the city repeal it's "move along" laws (it hasn't). We're in the process of organizing a candidates forum for the upcoming city council race where the candidates will answer questions about their plans for dealing with homelessness. (4 of the 9 candidates have committed to attend so far.)

I'm also on the board of our neighborhood association where my role is to be the squeaky wheel on a board packed with NIMBY business folk and condo owners. Right now they're trying to block a proposed day access center for the homeless that is desperately needed.

We estimate that 1500-2000 people are going to sleep on the street in my county tonight, and the number is steadily rising. One out of three families in town is literally one paycheck away from the streets, social service againcies are closing their doors, and the availability of affordable housing is dropping like a rock. Oh yeah, and no jobs.

Portland does way better than most cities, and I'm grateful. We've got a moderately progressive city government, and a moderately aware populace, who want to do the right thing as often as not. Still, in their heart of hearts, I think most folk wish the homeless would just quietly go away.

Unfortunately, any way you slice it, it's going to get worse before it gets better. There's going to be more foreclosures and more layoffs and more rental units converted to condos. And unfortunately, here in Portland, people moving here from all over the country broke and no job, because they know it's easier to be homeless here than most other places.

Having been homeless, you really do start appreciating the little things, though. Hot water, clean restrooms, a warm, dry, safe, bed.

Anyway, thats my 2c, a roof is a good thing. :toast:

[undeterred]

73. thanks for sharing your story

and I think you're right, because there are more people fighting for a roof over their head everywhere.

the best to you, my friend :hi:

[bobbolink]

74. Thank you, Uncle Sinister, and I'm so glad you have that roof, hot water, and warm bed!

There's so much to reply to in what you've said, but what stood out to me is your position on that board! That sounds lonely, and possibly contentious, and I hope you quickly find some support there! Thank you so much for taking that on!

As far as getting worse... the upside of that is, the more muddleclass people find themselves in this pickle, the more the prejudice will change, and the more (I hope!) people will start to understand the huge and crying need for more housing! It's sad that it takes that, but.... even liberals aren't doing well at fighting for housing!

Thanks for sharing your story!

:hug:

[NMMNG]

75. Thanks for posting your experiences

We recently organized and lead a MLK day march to city hall demanding the city repeal it's "move along" laws (it hasn't).

I hate those &%#@!ing laws, along with the other ones like "feed the homeless get a fine" and the like. Maybe if society did more to help people certain peoples' delicate sensibilities wouldn't be offended by seeing homeless people on the street. But instead they want to punish the victims of their own callousnesses so they can pretend the problem doesn't exist. Cognitive dissonance can be such a b*tch.

Portland does way better than most cities, and I'm grateful. We've got a moderately progressive city government, and a moderately aware populace, who want to do the right thing as often as not. Still, in their heart of hearts, I think most folk wish the homeless would just quietly go away.

Of course they do. But if they'd fix the system they'd get their wish. Has anybody explained that to them? ;-)

[casstheturtle]

77. yep

No job, subsidized low-income housing, use food programs when I can get into them, disabled, chronically ill, and so used to being treated like an undeserving lazy ought-to-be-grateful non-contributing piece-of-shit nothing that I often forget I'm not. Fell from the middle class due to disability. I've got a home but it's been physically unlivable in the past due to housing people not following regulations and nobody caring, telling us we ought to be grateful for all we get even if it was killing some people and putting others in the hospital or onto the streets, because all the helpers' reputations are more important than the lives of the people they help.

Been lurking for years. Joined the board when I watched people seemingly enjoying having a crap-fest on a homeless DUer for not being some perfect middle-class picture of gratitude and pointing stuff out that should either be obvious to people, or taken into account once it's pointed out instead of shooting the messenger for being poor and aware of how the assorted do-gooder solutions won't actually help anyone substantially. This all finally pissed me off too much so I joined so I could post about this stuff as well. Our perspectives are obviously necessary here even if they're hated.

[undeterred]

83. Welcome to DU

You are loved and accepted in this forum. The mainstream here doesn't get it.

I have a friend who went on disability as a temporary measure for vertigo. She was supposed to retrain for a job that didn't cause this, but it hasn't happened. I am afraid she will never go back to work and be stuck in the same situation forever.

There is not much of a safety net and it is full of holes.

[w8liftinglady]

79. I have many patients who are living multi-family or taking care of grand-and great grandkids

they frequently have to bring the kids to the hospital because there is no one to take care of them.I have fed many a kid and spouse who had no food,no money for a hotel room.This is in a small Texas community.

[AccessGranted]

80. I Have Been All 3 Of Those Things Several Times

And I am sane, college-educated (BS in IT, no wonder), drug and alcohol free. Life happens and sometimes it totally sucks moose ass and is totally out of control. Good thing I'm a survivor.

[fizzgig]

81. i'm jobless

lost my job three months ago and am having a hard time finding work. i've got a b.a., but the job market in my city is pretty crummy right now and who is going to hire me for a receptionist position?

i'm not impoverished by any means, my unemployment covers my bills and there are people i can turn to for help, should i need it, but i'm worried about whether i'm going to find a job before it runs out.

[bobbolink]

82. I hear WalMart is hiring. I'm not intending to be snarky...

The people I know who work at Wally World all have good degrees, and had good work histories.

What they are saying is that Wally is now planning on the engineers, etc., who are now losing their jobs to be their future employees.

Great life, eh?

I'm sorry for your anxiety, although you say you aren't too stressed about it yet.

Having lived in my car for a long time now, and no hope, all I can say is good luck to others to not land in my situation.

[TexasBushwhacker]

86. What about any kind of job at a good company?

Kind of the "mail room" philosophy - Would you accept a receptionist or another entry level position with a company that you like? That way you get your foot in the door and people get to know you. Many companies have a "hire from within" policy, so you would have first dibs on applying for those positions?

Temp work can also be a good way to stretch out you unemployment benefits. I once worked a "temp" job for 2 1/2 years! The company had a hiring freeze and they used temps to fill in the "gaps". I hoped that it would lead to a permanent position, but I found a permanent job before they offered me anything. Actually, I've done the "temp until" thing twice. Once you've done it for a while you start to get longer assignments. If you want, you can ask for "temp to hire" positions only.

If you have a BA, is it in a subject area that could be used in the field of education? Elementary school teachers are needed everywhere and many urban school districts have programs for people who don't have teaching certificates to earn them while they teach. Don't assume that the pay is bad. Most districts proportionately more the first few years to attract people to teaching. For example, a beginning teacher may make $38 K, but a teacher with 5 years experience only makes $40K.

[julios]

84. Hey!

I'm new here! First reply!

I'm broke!

Really though, I work A LOT and I'm usually mostly broke. They always tell us to save money but for someone like me that's like a bad joke. Save money? What money? Oh the money I just paid my rent with.

[Political Heretic]

87. I have lived below the poverty line.

I'll post an entry from my journal about poverty sometime.

[Lyric]

88. It exists. My family is poor.

We get Food Stamps and Medicaid, but not TANF--it's too much of a hassle to keep up with the insane requirements, even though I would probably be eligible otherwise.

Lots of us get our internet free, either through libraries or via free public wi-fi.

[undeterred]

89. I don't know what TANF is.

I have been going to a food pantry for 6 months and living on unemployment comp- I just started working again but I have so many bills to catch up on I don't know where to begin.

Funny that its illegal to drive without car insurance, but its ok to live without health insurance. I know someone who has extreme pain in one of her teeth right now- she works 2 low paying jobs and has no insurance. She doesn't even feel like she can afford to pay a dentist to extract the tooth. So, she is just living and working in pain. But her car is insured.

[curse of greyface]

90. Jobless 11 months checking in. nt

[Acryliccalico]

91. We are still here!

just slow to reply. I am poor. On SSI, just filled bankruptcy and had to pay a lawyer 2 of those SSI checks to do it, because of $20K in credit card debt. :cry: Last month and this month all I had to live on was $37.00 so I have not been on the computer too much. I have noticed though that the lines at the pantrys are twice as long as they were last month. :scared:

[bobbolink]

92. Sorry for all your are going through, Acrylliccalico!

There isn't much attention given to people who are on SSI.... we're the "old" poverty, and what's sexy is the "new poverty".

:cry:

[undeterred]

93. I am sorry for your situation.

I hope things turn around for you. :grouphug:

[jwirr]

94. Being poor I have always wondered the opposite: Are there any

really rich people on DU?B-)

[undeterred]

96. When I hear that someone just gave the maximum amount

to a political candidate- well I can't imagine what it would be like to be able to do that. Some people here think tightening your belt means only eating out twice a week, or cutting back on cable television!

Others of us are happy we still have the heat on and a roof over our heads. And some are living right on the edge of homelessness.

[MzYvonne]

95. Still have a job

But I am about to be evicted in December

[undeterred]

97. Ouch. I hope you have somewhere to go.

Do you? :hug:

[MzYvonne]

98. No

I tried to get help from my family, no success. But I still will have my car. Thanks for your concern undeterred

[sarcasmo]

100. Jobless, as of April 24th 2008, lucky for us my wife has income, for now.

[Political Heretic]

101. I am... but I don't feel like writing about it

[bobbolink]

104. I understand. There are too many who are willing to "shame" us.

Protect your self and strengthen yourself.

And I hope you will find some support here.

[Why Syzygy]

106. "People who are mentally ill, who are uneducated, people who are alcoholic or have addictions"

use the Internet at the library. And receive mail addressed to "Postmaster General".

[mentalslavery]

107. what do want to know? Define experiencing poverty from

the inside.

[Bonobo]

108. I am afraid/embarrassed to complain...

I can't complain. I make a lot of money. I don't know where it all disappears to. All I care about is my kids, so I give it all to them but am too careless I guess.

So I feel wrong to complain. But there is worry. Stress. Always worry and stress. Always. I am self-employed and have been for 14 years. The money doesn't stretch like it used to. I think food is costing a lot more and in 14 years, I have not been able to raise my prices, only lower them (I am a translator and the competition from the world due to the internet has been crippling.)

So I feel I can't complain. I KNOW it is all relative, but the stress is bad.

Today my wife told me, in tears, that she thinks I should get a full-time job and try to keep translating "on the side".

But I don't think there are and real jobs here in Western Mass that I could get that would be worth it... Fuck.

Not getting younger, just more worried about the future.

[Why Syzygy]

109. You make a lot of money?

You're right. If you want to complain, this probably isn't your audience. The group is called, "POVERTY". Not, money management.

[Bonobo]

110. It's relative.

Depends on where you live, how many you support, etc.

Go jump in a lake, ass.

[Why Syzygy]

111. I was agreeing with you. You're wrong. nt

[Bonobo]

112. Jeez, I'd hate it if you disagreed.

Sorry, it has been a bad night. Sometimes all we can do is hope and I think we are most of us in the same boat.

[Why Syzygy]

113. I never said you don't deserve a hearing.

Just that people with no place to live, who skip meals or depend on the kindness of others, are not the ones to give you that hearing. Just imo.

Perhaps someday, if god forbid, you should find yourself in the same situation, your priorities would adjust. It might serve you well to modify spending habits before you have to face that day.

Once you don't even have a quarter to make a phone call, shopping loses a hold on you.

[Bonobo]

114. I hear you loud and clear. Thanks. nt