Posted on 02/28/2008 5:56:24 PM PST by Sub-Driver
Google gives homeless free voicemail
By staff writers
February 29, 2008 11:42am Article from: NEWS.com.au
EVERY homeless person living in San Francisco will be given a phone number and voicemail to help them get back on their feet, Google says. The internet giant has promised to provide the life-long services to the city's entire homeless population in order to help them get a job and build self-esteem.
Senior project manager at Google Craig Walker said the free services could one day be rolled out across the US, allowing every homeless person to list their own number on job applications.
“We're firm believers in the power of technology to improve the daily lives of individuals and communities as a whole, and we recognise that access to phone and voicemail services is one way (to) help San Francisco's homeless stay connected with family, friends, social workers, health care providers, and potential employers,” Mr Walker said.
“While we're excited to bring this technology to our local Bay Area community, our ultimate goal is to provide these invaluable services to cities and shelters across the country.”
San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom said the new project would change the way the homeless see society, msnbc.com reported.
“How do you communicate as a homeless individual?” Newsom said.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.com.au ...
They’ll find someway to trade it for MD 20/20.
Like others here, I´m wondering what good voice mail is without a phone.
I believe that in a totally free market, this would be the norm, and the private sector would be much more effective in helping the needy.
Someone once pointed out that when the government tries to take care of the poor, people do less because they believe it is the government´s job.
You probably call it from a pay phone or the flophouse phone to retrieve your messages or you borrow a phone from someone.
What about anybody?
What's to stop any of us from getting free voice mail from Google?
I guess all you have to do is say I'm homeless with no bank account, no credit card, no nothing.
In fact, I'll bet even illegal immigrants sleeping in fields can get it and check for messages from their folks back in Mexico or from other illegals in the USA.
...or is that not quite what they're looking for?
So you think EVERY homeless person is a shiftless, lazy person?
And of those people on the streets for many years, none will EVER find any redemption?
I would reevaluate your assumptions.
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