Almost all of us would rather give financial help than need it. Still, life can knock you down hard enough that you need help getting back up. Here's how to find it.
By Donna Freedman
MSN Money
The time to swallow your pride is not the day the electricity gets cut off.
Most Americans have never cashed an unemployment check, used a food bank, visited a public health clinic or even clipped coupons with zeal. We like to think that we can take care of ourselves, that we're the kind of people who offer help rather than take it.
That's a swell attitude to have -- until you're looking at a hungry child or an eviction notice. Don't let this happen. Public and private agencies will help you eat, pay the rent, keep the utilities on and get your kids immunized.
Pride shouldn't get in the way of survival. State and federal programs operate with the taxes you've been paying all these years, and private programs exist specifically to help those in temporary need.
Here's what you can expect as you test the public safety net. And remember: When times are better, you can give back.
GO HERE to read much more.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Yeah right!When my husband got laid off several years ago I applied for all that stuff and got denied because-get this-we still had a monthly income of $800.Never mind that after rent that left us with a mere $150 for food and utilities for an entire month.If hubby stopped working the one or two days a week he was able to get we would have had no income and they would have "approved" us.Ironic.Had I kicked him out the agencies would have bent over backwards to help me and my daughter out.The current welfare system is poisonous to families and people who actually want to better themselves.We would have never survived without our families!
ReplyDeleteYes they are there to help, but it's amazing how many people DEPEND ON THIS HELP AS A WAY OF LIFE rather than working. There are more than you'd imagine. A good percentage of them do work under the table and there's no way to verify this and they use this money to "have fun" because they know they can get food stamps, rental assistance, etc. and there's nothing left for those that really need the help.
ReplyDeleteScrew teh poor. If they were true patriots, they would either learn to live off the God-given freedom this country has been provided, or kill themselves before they drain the taxpayer money too much.
ReplyDeletePalin in 2012!!!