Read this article:
http://homelessness.change.org/blog/view/michelle_obama_serves_soup_nation_misses_the_point
What do you REALLY think about the homeless? Remember this is a place to be honest but respectful.
DISCUSS
Monday, March 9, 2009
Homelessness?
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3 comments:
First, How often do we draw lines between poverty and homelessness. I think so rarely we look at these. Just because someone can't afford housing (the most expensive thing to do for an individual), doesn't mean they're "dirt poor."
Second, Think of an individual who has money to buy food, has a wordrobe and perhaps a cellphone but is just short a hundred bucks a month in their budget to make rent. and then there's the one who makes rent but not much else.. We don't consider that these people may have the same pay... Because of people's priorities or choices we make so many assumptions when it's not our place. Maybe it's just me being a social worker, but it's our job to help individuals make their own choices and get the resources THEY WANT.
Don't get me wrong, there are extreme cases of people blatantly screwing the system, or consistently making bad choices, but as far as an agency or individual is concerned they should receive the same treatment as long as it is not putting anyone else in harm.
Lastly, in class we always talk about what we'll do in case situations. We previously brought up what we would do if we were getting welfare for a family who has a brand new flat screen tv in their home. We don't know and don't need to know what or how they have that. and should not judge or change our services because of that.
Perhaps it was a gift, or this is their ONLY source of entertainment because they cannot leave their home in a dangerous neighborhood. And who are we to say they don't deserve to have the same things others have.
I guess that's all I got..
First of all, who said that he had a cell phone plan?! He could have had a prepaid and how do we know the phone actually works? Another thing is not all homeless people go to soup kitchens. Personally if I knew Michelle Obama was going to be at a local soup kitchen I will be there too.
Personally, I think it is rude that people are criticizing the homeless man like that. We should really consider all of those possibilities plus, the cell phone could be pre-paid. I just think it is rude for them to criticize someone when there is something more important on hand here. It is more important to realize that our First Lady is encouraging volunteerism. As a homeless person, it must seem like such a privilege to encounter her.
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