By Haidar Alzubaidi
We work to earn money. We earn money to live well when times are good and keep our needs met when times are bad. If possible, most people try to earn more than they need, the more the better. The ultimate goal, the grand dream of most, is to attain generational wealth. But why go so far?
To ensure that we can live in comfort and dignity regardless of the state of the economy around us, and to pass down that security to our children and grandchildren.
But what happens when the money runs dry? What about those who don't inherit our great fortune? Is it acceptable that some of our grandchildren live in comfort and luxury whiles others struggle and suffer in the streets?
While it is a common thought in our society that the way to provide for our families and secure our children and grandchildren's futures is to be economically successful as individuals, this simply is neither the only option nor the best one. Instead, building strong social safety nets ensures that even the least fortunate among us are afforded a reasonable measure of dignity and protection.
The fact of the matter is, no matter how successful you are, there is no better way to ensure that you and your loved ones will always be provided for than lowering the poverty floor. As things stand, far too many people endure the harsh realities of unaffordable food, unattainable housing, and the need to constantly hustle for survival. The exhaustion of such a lifestyle - working multiple low paying jobs or struggling on the streets - reduces social mobility and creates a vicious cycle. How many people are prevented from living up to their potential due to lack of sleep, poor diet, and bad health due to the stresses of poverty? How many are overlooked as people pass by them on the streets they have no choice but to call home?
The facts back this up. According to the Center for American Progress "regions with weaker safety nets have higher rates of hardship and worse economic outcomes overall". So next time you pass by a person struggling from homelessness, stop to consider that that could be you, your friend, your child, or your grandchild. Wouldn't you want society to help out our most vulnerable people in their time of need?
Read more at:
https://www.cbpp.org/research/housing/policymakers-can-solve-homelessness-by-scaling-up-proven-solutions-rental
https://www.americanprogress.org/article/weak-safety-net-policies-exacerbate-regional-racial-inequality/
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