Poverty By Craig Cottrell

December 3, 2010 By: Craig Cottrell



EASTON – With Presidents Obama’s push the US Federal Government will hopefully vote again on whether or not to extend welfare and benefits.

On November 24, 2010 Republicans shot down the idea of an extension to the welfare benefits for those who have used up their time limit. In the current economic climate the unemployed in urban areas cannot find jobs. With unemployment benefits running out, many US citizens are left homeless. Obama is pushing for another vote in congress; will the republicans shut it down again?

Jessica Bellwood, 28, is a social worker in Hartford, CT and currently has seen an incredible increase in caseloads ever since the economy tanked.

“Many homeless people are coming to Hartford from New York because there is just no work. There are so many people who are past their time limit on unemployment and have been actively searching for months, there is just no jobs.” Bellwood was convinced about the fact that unemployment benefits need to be extended in order for people to get off the streets.
Nationwide citizens are struggling with the lack of unemployment benefits. Local Brockton resident Dominic Gruderez, 32, said, “Yo we strugglin’, hustlin’ to do anything for money.”
Gruderez said that he has not been able to get work in five months. He stays in the local hostel as long as he gets there in time to secure a bed. If it weren’t for the hostel, he would have nowhere to go.

He ended his statement by saying, “It’s real out in these streets, we need help!”
An organization in Easton that answers the call of the poverty in Brockton is My Brother’s Keeper. This Christian based organization provides direct relief to families that cannot afford furniture for their homes. My Brothers Keeper provides them with donated furniture that they collect. Their policy is “If you wouldn’t want it, we wont take it.” They only provide good quality items for these families in need. In some unsafe urban communities in Brockton, they want the kids to stay safe indoors. By providing them with a nicer living environment, children can stay safe at home with nice furniture.

Brain Presalice, 20, is a sophomore at Stonehill College and has been volunteering at My Brothers Keeper for five months now and recently been on many deliveries to families who are about to lose their welfare.

“On the last three deliveries the people receiving the furniture were explaining to me how they are about to loose their unemployment and disabilities aid. Their living conditions were definitely below the poverty line and all the families seem to be in desperate need.” Presalice seemed very concerned for these family’s futures.

The argument that Republicans are defending is that they are tired of illegal immigrants receiving benefits that are for the citizens and the increase of a financial burden on the already broke government cannot happen. What the Republicans fail to see is that many US citizens are in serious need and they still need help. We need to prevent the people who lost unemployment and welfare aid from losing their homes. Hopefully Obama can follow through and get Congress to extend relief to our struggling US citizens.