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Yes we do, but they are charities, and generally related to religious organizations. My experience with homelessness and lgbt issues taught me that relying on
by Loughla 7y ago
Yes we do, but they are charities, and generally related to religious organizations.
My experience with homelessness and lgbt issues taught me that relying on the charity of others, and not a formal social safety net, will only drive marginalized people further to the margins. Relying on someone else wanting to feel good about themselves to get what you need to survive isn't a good model.
- mox1 7y agoAnd food banks tend to provide groceries, which is good for people with fridges and pantries..not as helpful for homeless or people living in their cars, friends couches, etc.
- 3fe9a03ccd14ca5 7y agoI’m sorry you feel this way. The food bank I’ve volunteered with “in order to feel good at myself” literally just puts a bag of groceries in your trunk, or as much as you can carry.
- JoeAltmaier 7y agoHave to have a trunk...even carrying groceries works only if you have someplace to put them. Don't get me wrong - bless you for your good work! But there's a difference between helping folks with some problems, and helping the homeless.
- Loughla 7y agoThat statement isn't intended to be mean or hateful. It's a statement of fact. Our current foodbank system is reliant on people wanting to help. There is no obligation. Many do it because it makes them feel good inside, and that's fine. The rest of my argument is still valid. Relying on charity for human survival is not a good system.
- JoeAltmaier 7y agoOur town went into lockdown. I talked with Craig, a homeless guy I see occasionally. He said first day, kind young people came by with gloves, vitamin C tablets, some kind of facemask. After that - nothing. Its been weeks now. Charitable organizations can run down once the volunteers have done enough to feel helpful. Not a good thing to rely upon, not in our modern society.