Welfare is a joke. I've been on it, and it sucks the ass of your daddy.
The times that I have been on it in the past were short: a month at the most. I was in between obtaining employment and continuing my education, and for that time, I didn't care in what form I was able to recieve the necessities: check, coupons, work exchange program, whatever.
The worst thing about welfare is the stigma that is attached to it.
Yes, I was broke. Yes, I had a child. Yes, I wasn't married.
But there were so many other variables that are not known before people will begin to make personal judgements upon me.
I've worked since I was 15. I have a great work ethic. I am more employable than many of the same social service workers that I have met in my past. I have volunteered my precious time to good causes including literacy programs, shelters, arts initiatives, and tutoring university level students not to mention parental involvement with my girl's school and activities. I am educated, and have had part time jobs while going to school full-time during my university years. I have earned my honours degree in both Native Studies and Cultural Studies and have had the opportunity to do some interesting research in various fields. Before I had my girl, my average was a 67%, when I finished it was 83%. I even won a Critical Theory award from my university. I wasn't just hiding out in school, I was working my ass off!
So why welfare? Because I am a single mother and live in a community where job opportunities are scarce. And it's not just the job opportunities, but it's the childcare availability combined with many other issues that aren't excuses but facts.
In my case, unplanned parenthood was probably the root of my fiscal problems, but it's not to say that I wasn't using precautions either. It was a fluke, but it was the best goddamned fluke in my life. I'll take poverty over not having my daughter, any time.
You know, I get all edgy when people start to reveal too much of themselves online, but at the same time, maybe having people explain from a personal point of view might make debates of homelessness, poverty, welfare, etc., more than just volleying statistics around.
Welfare sucks, from a participant point of view as all. We aren't all spending checks on gameboys and gin and tonics. Some of us are doing our best to support our children and use welfare as it should be used: a temporary measure designed to aid in need. And you aren't going to know who we are unless you ask, listen or open your eyes.
