"SWEET" CHARITY

"I want to live for something. I don't want to live to get charity food to give me enough strength to go back to get more charity food."

Betty Smith

In this case"charity" can apply to faith-based (or other) charities, government  programs or corporate grants. It seems job fairs, job training programs and "home saving" programs basically refer people to other programs but don't do much to address some of the root causes of poverty--mental and physical health and substance abuse. Sure, they supposedly help people find jobs but what kind? Answering phones? Handing out cheese samples? Folding sweaters? The Census Bureau tempts people with temp jobs but I haven't heard of any of them actually leading to full time employment with the Federal government or any contract agencies.

And what about holding people accountable? Saying "you've been in this program for six years, why haven't you found a job yet? Or quit drinking, doing other drugs, getting out of whatever situation is holding you back?" A former professor told me about people who have taken every course in the college catalogue so they can retain their student status and keep getting benefits. Not sure who's to blame.