It seems like a whole new system needs to be invented, built on lifting people up rather than tearing them down. A system that supports.

Only under a Bernie Sanders or Jill Stein presidency with progressive down candidates will this change. However, local communities could create these safe spaces too.

My brothers and I support my sister who is disabled. She gets a disability check and we pick up the rest of her expenses. We can only do that because we get rent money from our family farm our parents left to us. If we didn't have that, she could be homeless. She lives in the farm house. She was homeless for a while when she was younger (the family didn't know she was though!). Most people don't have family who are able to support them.

The republicans act like family and churches are supposed to take care of the poor. That is crap. If they could do it, they would be doing it already.

This is something I like about the Leap Manifesto. https://leapmanifesto.org/en/the-leap-manifesto/ They propose solving the climate crisis by taking care of everybody. By creating a system that lifts and supports everyone.

today, as the poet wrote. 'Cause that's what you get with this welfare deform; the fact that "we" deign to give you any benefits at all is a kindness which "we" expect to be accepted cheerfully while "we" demand your ungrateful little slacker butt be put through the ringer to prove you're "truly needy."

Seems like this guy belongs to both parties now:

[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fq91Nzq7LF8]

help in dealing with "the system." When Welfare Reform was passed, it included funds to pay for people to help clients become employed. In NM it's called New Mexico Works. I worked for New Mexico Works. Part of my job was assisting clients in finding employment. Any idiot can check your paperwork to make sure you're fulfilling the work requirements for SNAP. The REAL job is that of an employment agency (employment counselor). If all they're doing is checking your paperwork, they're not doing their job. That's where Legal Aid can help you.

Side note: What I found most appalling were the many jobs that were supposed to be for "training." Some paid nothing, like an intern program. Better definition: indentured servitude.

Note#2: I worked for NM Works in 1997 or 1998. The program regulations may (probably) have changed over time. But it's worth checking with Legal Aid to find out.

coordinate with VR. They all have regulations, and I've been out of it for too long to know all the applicable regs. Back in the olden days (early 90's), people with disabilities were categorically eligible for Food Stamps (now, SNAP). I don't know if one has to have been approved for disability benefits to come under that umbrella. Someone at VR can answer that for you. Don't be afraid or embarrassed to utilize your disability to take some of the pressure off. In fact, exploit it. The benefits are there for hungry people. Withholding food is cruel and unusual punishment, prohibited per the Constitution. I wish I was in Brevard Co so I could walk you through it. It quite a web, even for the robust. Having a big mouth and a little knowledge is most beneficial. Find someone with those qualities and let them help you. Start at VR.