I really liked the objective of the MVI. I think that the government helps people in poverty in the wrong way. They provide them with funds for a period of time as long as they meet the requirements and after that time is up they're no longer able to recieve government assistance. So they're just hung out to dry really. I think the MVI has really good intentions and instead of spoon-feeding you, they really just help you get back on your feet and make life comfortable for you. That must be such an awesome feeling for some of those people. I think that one of the women in the clip made an awesome point: people serve their time and are able to come back into society but aren't accepted by society. This is a huge problem, especially if that person is seeking a job and can't get one b/c of their past. If you don't help someone move forward, they'll only be forced to stay apart of their past.
How well you think poverty is addressed currently in the United States and globablly.
I think that poverty is addressed immensly; people just don't want to be exposed to the issue if it's not something that really has to do with them. After this session I thought to myself, "does it really have to be the government that addresses this issue?" Could it start with people who can sympathize with people in poverty and are willing to make a difference in their lives. If every poverty stricken area had something like this in their communities, what would happen? How much would change and how many people would we see giving back to the community than "taking" from it?
This session brought me back to points that I mentioned in my blog post titled "Do Neighborhoods Matter." I came to the conclusion that Yes, they do matter and that's exactly how I feel about housing and community development. These things matter and as much as we ignore it, the worse it's going to get. The progress of the Urban Policy Plan seems like it's advancing and could be really beneficial to the poverty population.
Who you think is poor?
After this session, obviously people who have no other option but to live in low-income housing or people who were formerly incarcerated or that have some type of record that are denied the opportunity to work.
Neighborhoods are very important for the stability of communities and services. When people are isolated, such as in ghettos or public housing, there is a stigma attached that may prevent the seeking of services or even provision of services.
ReplyDeleteI think you made a valid point with the question "does the government have to be the one to address the issue." I feel that many Americans blame the government sometimes TOO much for their hardships. The government shouldnt be responsible for finding every single American a home to live in. However, I feel that the voucher system along with MVI are great programs. They aim to abolish low income neighborhoods and help poverty sticken families to get back on their feet.
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