In the midst of what is becoming one of the longest government shutdowns in recent history, the tragedy is that when the government doesn't do its job, the American people suffer the consequences. However, the positive side is that these times provide us with an opportunity to shine where government has failed. This is this week's Happy Friday theme.
Thirteen percent Mississippi residents (1 in 8) are Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. While among these 384.8 thousand citizens there is undoubtedly a percentage who are simply milking the system, among this number there are working families with children, families who care for their elderly relatives, and people with disabilities who legitimately need help. With a shortfall expected in SNAP benefits starting November 1, food assistance organization Extra Table will step in to fill the gap by doubling food distribution to its 66 food pantries across the state.
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Hattiesburg, Massachusetts, Mayor Toby Barker said it best: “The closure is a reminder that the community must come together to support each other.”
Community support should not only be about filling gaps caused by government actions. This should be the default for those in need. Perhaps if Mississippi continues this way, they can reduce the number of residents dependent on government food assistance. The best part is that Utah and Kansas, two states with some of the lowest percentages of SNAP recipients, are also taking advantage of the opportunity to expand their assistance to citizens through their network of food banks and farmers. You can read more about this Here.
Here's how you do it: Give away food, not trash.
In the free state of Florida, even though the state is doing the right thing, the unemployment apparatus is broken and the citizens are failing. The failures that exist in this system have already made things worse for one woman. dangerous circumstancesThis was reported by local NBC News channel WPTV.
A Port St. Lucie woman is facing homelessness after waiting five months for the Florida Department of Commerce to determine her eligibility for unemployment benefits, highlighting ongoing systemic problems with the state's reemployment assistance program.
Lena Hothi was laid off from her job as a hotel maid about five months ago and applied for reemployment benefits in Florida in June. Despite weekly visits to her local CareerSource center in Fort Pierce, where staff connects her directly with the Florida Department of Commerce, she has yet to receive a resolution on her claim.
“I waited five months for them to decide whether I would get these benefits or not,” Hoti said. “No one can give me a straight answer. And it's a little frustrating.”
I was single for 32 years of my adult life and did not have children. Like Lena Hothi, I worked hard to find and keep a job, and I worked to live below my means. But an unstable economy can derail those plans, and childless single women are low on the totem pole for receiving government assistance of any kind.
Re-employment benefits in Florida are capped at $275 per week. For Hothi, who rents a bedroom from his family in an apartment in Port St. Lucie, the money represents a critical lifeline.
“I need to pay rent, and if I don’t have that money, I’ll end up on the street,” Hothi said.
She has about two weeks before she must leave her current residence.
“I’m looking for shelter or something, but there’s really nothing in this area,” Hothi said.
Along with WPTV, Fox 29 (WFLX) also picked up Hothi's story and featured it on its evening newscast.
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In addition to her job and housing problems, Hoti's car broke down and she can't afford to fix it. So she relies on friends to take her to CareerSource for job searches and to local food banks so she can buy groceries.
After the story aired, one news viewer, who wished to remain anonymous, approached to cover Hoti's rent payments. An anonymous donor told WFLX News:
“It really hit me hard. And I felt obligated to try to do something to help her,” said the viewer, who wished to remain anonymous to avoid potential scams. “Unfortunately, in the current climate of the world, I think good things can turn into something bad for a person who is trying to do good.”
“I'm not rich by any means. But when I looked at my finances, I thought, I'm comfortable enough that I can do something for someone else,” the donor said.
This gesture gives Hoti more than just a roof over her head while she deals with ongoing problems with the government.
Americans are generous givers, both. individually and corporately. And we are especially pleased to help meet needs, as demonstrated by this gracious benefactor.
“Honestly, very grateful,” Hothi said. “It gives me hope that maybe I can… I think every little bit of kindness that any of us can give to anyone is worth it.”
This personal incentive also removed barriers to her getting a new job. On WednesdayHoti passed the interview. Fingers crossed that door will open for her soon.
Editor's note: The Schumer shutdown is already here. Instead of putting the American people first, Chuck Schumer and the Radical Democrats forced the government to shut down health care to illegal immigrants. They own it.
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