If anyone is looking for a good book to read
I just finished "Maid" by Stephanie Land.
"Maid" tells Stephanie's story of being homeless and a single mom, trying to raise a toddler, keep a roof over their heads, work as a house cleaner, and navigate the complicated and often times frustrating maze of social services in Washington State.
Her heart wrenching story includes examples of how the so-called "safety net" isn't much of a net, and in many cases, sets poor people up for failure. Of how just one misstep, missed paycheck, car repair, or missed paperwork, could turn her life upside down for the worse. "Its so exhausting to keep proving that you are poor," she states at one point.
Plus what it feels like to face shame, humiliation, and judgemental attitudes from landlords, employers, medical providers, and store clerks.
I know it sounds like a depressing book, but Stephanie's story was so compelling I couldn't put it down. I think this should be required reading for all politicians, especially those on the side (cough, cough) who think all poor people are lazy, shiftless, stupid, or dishonest.