What kind of help do people really need in these trying times?

United States
May 24, 2009 1:29am CST
I really want to start an organization where those of us who are struggling, which seems like most of the USA right now, can help each other out. I want your opinions. What kinds of help do you see people needing most or do you need most right now. examples: food, adult clothing, kids clothing, shoes, laundry soap, dish soap, toilet paper, pet food, childcare while job hunting, rides, etc... what help do you need that doesn't seem to be out there? If you were to build an organization of this type what would you like to offer?
2 responses
@katsmeow1213 (28719)
• United States
24 May 09
People need all that and then some. I personally would not start any organization such as this mainly because in my area, people take advantage of things like that. Some people don't need any sort of help, but they get it anyways and then spend their money on video games and other type things. I knew a family with 10 kids that were recieving so much money from government aid. The kids ate cereal for dinner every single night, but the dad had a membership to X Box Live which costs money every month. They had 2 vehicles which they were financing, and at the time we could only afford 1 car which didn't even fit us all, it was only enough for hubby to go to and from work, but we weren't on any government assistance, we didn't even qualify.
• United States
24 May 09
I do agree that a lot of people take full advantage of the government giving them money and they they can spend it however they want to. In a way I do agree with starting an organization because you aren't giving money you are giving products like the clothing and toiletries...etc. Another good thing to offer would be to offer assistance with resumes so then people who are job hunting can have a good resume set up for them...
• United States
24 May 09
Resumes is a good idea, however if you give people things like clothes or food, they'll accept it whether they need it or not, and then will spend their money on other non-essentials. In the end they've taken something away from a person or family that really needs it just so they could have extra spending cash. That's not fair at all.
• United States
24 May 09
this conversation is getting very interesting to me. I would be curious then what do you think should be done for those who are struggling Kat? Do you think that these types of programs should all close? Personally I don't think it can be helped that dishonest people exist. There will always be people out there who will take advantage. However I can't see stopping these programs all together. I have been very fortunate. Right now we are having a particularly difficult time and I have lost another 5 lbs due to not eating so that my kid can eat. But we have some very good neighbors in this park who see our struggle and have brought us food today. Not everyone has people in their lives who can or will do this for them. Do we ignore those people and let them starve? So I'm curious what other options there are out there or what there SHOULD and should not be?
• India
24 May 09
can u tell me something more-- i did not get u. i have become unemployed recently, so i am deperate to do something now. waiting for ur feedback.
• United States
24 May 09
So what would you say are your immediate needs? I'm not offering anything here. I am trying to get feedback and learn what people think their needs are or what they percieve others needs to be. For instance my neighbors today donated cereal to us. I haven't had anything sweet to eat in over a week and this was a huge deal to us. Often times food cupboards or other places that provide help do not give things that honestly help or give any real joy. So I want to know from REAL people in struggle what things they percieve that they need. For instance right now my son really NEEDS a new pair of sneakers. I can't afford to go buy any but I pray that someone will help us with it. He also really needs at least 2 new pairs of shorts. I need 2 pairs of shorts as I have lost so much weight that my clothes do not fit. My husband needs socks. We need a bag of dogfood. Ok there is more but you get the idea. so What do YOU need?
• India
25 May 09
Ok --so u want my feedback. If u ask me than I would say that I need a good job desperately. rest I can manage once I get the job i know but at present I want to involve myself into some work which will give me a good salary every month. where u from. i am from india.