You’re correct about people needing help. Too often they are given short shrift here on Freep. One other aspect of our social programs is they attract non citizens. Literally a person living in some 3rd world hell hole can shop around to see what nations social benefits suit them and either emigrate of sneak in.
I’d like to see some non government groups offer micro loans to the unemployed and under employed to start small one man or family businesses. Loans of about $5000 dollars and a 3-6 month minimum wage stipend paid weekly. Let these folks start businesses like landscaping, maid service, mobile car wash, food cart, t-shirt business, ebay selling,catering, computer services, handy man services, etc. This would be a way to get people working again, and eventually they could hire others.
A big problem is these people’s credit is shot now, and they don’t have family or friends with financial means to help. Also a little encouragement and knowledge of government regulations would go a long way. It would be so much better than giving subsistence hand outs that get folks trapped in the system.