I was a former recipient of public aid. Through a series of events I had to receive General Assistance (public aid for single people). I also found myself homeless. I slept in shelters and ate at church soup kitchens.
I only received $165 a month from public aid and $91 in food stamps to live on. I could not live in a single-room occupancy building for a whole month on that amount. I would be there for two weeks, then back to the shelter for the rest of the month.
I tried to find jobs. Occasional day labor was all that was available. I was determined to get out of that situation. Through my belief in God and many people`s help, I rebelled against the conditions, thoughts and hopelessness that surrounded me.
During all of this, my public assistance wasn`t enough, but it helped me to keep going and stay alive.
Now Gov. Edgar is talking about reducing the funds for public aid. This will only bring more despair and hopelessness beyond what words could express. The many who still receive public assistance today will have their lives absolutely destroyed if more cuts are made.
