Poverty in the county I'm from

[stormkeeper_lovedoris]

I saw this news video story, about poverty in the county that I grew up in. Poverty bothers me whether it's suburban or urban, whether it's where I'm from or on the other side of the world. This video did particularly move me though, I guess because the people in it who shared their stories never expected to need a food pantry. Here's the link. It's 9 minutes long.

Comments

[shar-bernadotte.livejournal.com]

I haven't watched the video yet, still half asleep...

Who really expects to need a food pantry? Driving down 183 by the overpasses, there are a lot of people standing on the street corner holding signs. Always really nice people. I used to chat with some of the homeless people in NE when I lived there when I came across them in the parking lots and what-not. Still remember the three in the Wal-Mart parking lot on a cold February day, One-eyed Jack and his two companions. Always had a soft spot for the homeless.

[stormkpr.livejournal.com]

Always had a soft spot for the homeless.

Me too!

We're similar on this.

[denisia.livejournal.com]

A couple of the volunteers at work also volunteer at a local food pantry. They've mentioned that they used to have maybe 30 or 40 people waiting for food every week--and now they have 100 or 200. And they also have less donations because everyone's hurting right now. It's scary out there.

[stormkpr.livejournal.com]

This really makes me sad. Poverty has always bothered me.

[denisia.livejournal.com]

I agree, it's sad to think that so many live in dire straits. Frankly living close to the poverty line and worrying about money for most of my adult life hasn't been that pleasant.

[stormkpr.livejournal.com]

Yes, I read once words to the effect of "there's a reason poverty is described with adjectives like 'grinding'". It's got to be wearing on the soul to spend time worrying about money for necessities.

[shar-bernadotte.livejournal.com]

I always have a ton of coins in my car...I usually dish them out to the people begging on the corner...lol. I am thinking about taking that up because I still haven't found a job and my bank account is in the dwindling stage. But once the VA benefits start coming in, I'll be fine until I find a job...