I know it's been quite a while since I've posted anything, but in terms of what I am doing, nothing has really changed.
I am still feeding people out of my home, but have slowed way down on giving out food to people since I have lost even more hours at work - 5 more hours a week gone.
Although it was a financial blow, the flipside is not having a job at all - so I remain thankful to have any kind of employment to go to rather than being out there with millions of other people looking for jobs that basically do not exist.
Honestly, I have no idea on any given day if I will be employed by the end of that day. Our company is laying off people just like a mulitude of other companies - there are no guarantees.
I have received countless emails from people going through living hell - some of them have taken up my offer, some people just can't quite get past the idea of going go someone's home for a "handout".
My next strategy to help those people overcome that is simply to start posting one day per week - probably a Saturday - at a given time - where I will do a cookout and just wrap up food to go. I have no ulterior motives here other than to give people something good to eat. If you were to see the email I recieve - well - it could easily be your neighbors with the 3,000 square foot house and Hummer sitting in the driveway that are suffering so badly, they are resigned to eating bologna and hot dogs and whatever else is on the cheap.
Seriously - for those of you that are not hurting financially - I implore you to start talking to your neighbors and friends. People have their dignity and pride, they don't WANT to go around looking like beggars asking for handouts. It's all in how you approach the subject. Very cautiously, obviously, but there are people all around everyone at this point that show one face outside and are living in want inside of their homes. I feel especially for the kids of these families. I am not telling anyone what to do, but if you have it in your heart to help people - perhaps starting on your own street is a good place to start looking. When you look at the numbers of people being laid off every single month, it's a staggering number. Don't let the media's downplay of it fool you, a half million people plus losing jobs every month is an unbelievable amount. That's the size of a medium sized city without jobs.
I intend to continue on with this as long as I am financially able to do so. I have plenty to lose - just like everyone else - my house being on the forefront - but so far, having tenants renting rooms in my house is enough to offset the loss of hours at work. To put my situation into a little clearer perspective, I am down about a grand a month in pay. I've done what everyone else is doing - cut out the things in life you don't absolutely have to have. I even put up laundry T's with clothesline on the side of my house to dry laundry on, which has actually cause a significant savings in electricity simply for the fact of so much laundry being done here.
Anyway, enough of me, I just wanted to post an update because I know there are numerous people that are interested in this idea. I'm even more encouraged that several people have written me emails telling me they have started doing their own version of what I am doing. More power to all of you that are doing so! It matters now HOW you do it, the encouragement is that you ARE doing something!
Folks, if you don't want to do something like this, great - if you are able, perhaps you can donate some money to St. Mary's Food Bank and similar places which are seeing the largest numbers of people coming looking for food than they have ever seen. If you are not able - and you need a good, hot-cooked meal, well, my place is always open!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
Help With Food
Since the last party, I have given out quite a bit of food. People have helped out with bringing food and that's great, in fact, God bless every person that has done so!
A couple of times in the last month, I have advertised on Craigslist "Food" heading and then inside of the ad I commit to giving one family $40 worth of food. The "winning" family only need send a list of what they think they would like to receive and I go to Fry's and buy it up. Usually, the lists are full of requests for meat.
The sad truth is, many of these families are people who have had 2 - great - incomes and are now faced with NO-ONE in the house working because of layoffs. The desperate tones I read again and again are heart-wrenching. Unemployment benefits only go so far. Even food stamps are usually insufficient to get people through an entire month, more like less than half a month. I've received emails from people who are going to church food handouts and going to the food banks. The problem with most of this is the fact that a lot of it is lacking in the meat department.
This week, Fry's is having a sale on meats that is pretty outstanding. 77 cents per pound chicken drumsticks. 97 cents per pound assorted pork loin chops. $1.88 per pound super lean ground beef - that's a GREAT deal for 93% lean beef.
I was there today, they had milk on sale - GALLON containers for 99 cents! Also had shredded and bar cheese for a buck a package. What am I encouraging you, those that can do something, to do? Yes. Go to Fry's, but $20 worth of food, get on Craigslist, say what you have. I guarantee you you will have more emails than you can deal with. Many of the people include the story of how they got to where they are at, and folks, it ISN'T pretty. You can make a 20 dollar bill go pretty far at Fry's right now.
And/or, I will unabashedly ask for money to buy food for those people. I could copy and paste dozens and dozens of emails just from the ad I ran the other day. I don't want to do that because I had to reveal a person's privacy, so I won't. BTW, many of these people are families with children. I can only do so much - my finances are as limited as anyone else's - but I do what I can. If you want to help out, I am going to give out a rather unique email address I have that I hardly use: trooperrat@aol.com - if you want to help me help others, simply email me at that address and I will give you my paypal account ID.
I have no problem asking the folks that have to give if they want to help the folks that do not have, as I am not going to take a single penny of anything for myself, as is the case with several donations I have received thus far. If you have a problem with it, well, I can only say my conscience is clear and will stay that way because my intenions are pure, and if that hasn't come out by now after all this time, there is nothing I can say that would change a person's mind, anyway.
Let me emphasize that I am NOT condemning folks that have that don't want to give to those that don't have enough food to eat. That is purely your decision and your right. My point is that the people that are asking are NOT moochers or life-long beggars, draining the system and abusing government handouts through food stamps and housing subsidies. I don't even have a problem with housing subsidies or food stamps - it's just become quite obvious that there are people out there abusing the system. No, the people that I am getting email from are people who are hard-working Americans, have an excellent work-ethic, and simply cannot find jobs right now. I give out food and I see it in their faces and they even voice it: they have never done anything like that before and feel very uncomfortable with it, but, their need is so great, they will do what they have to to survive.
Anyway, hope you all have a great day and my the Lord bless you and yours abundantly in every way!
ben
A couple of times in the last month, I have advertised on Craigslist "Food" heading and then inside of the ad I commit to giving one family $40 worth of food. The "winning" family only need send a list of what they think they would like to receive and I go to Fry's and buy it up. Usually, the lists are full of requests for meat.
The sad truth is, many of these families are people who have had 2 - great - incomes and are now faced with NO-ONE in the house working because of layoffs. The desperate tones I read again and again are heart-wrenching. Unemployment benefits only go so far. Even food stamps are usually insufficient to get people through an entire month, more like less than half a month. I've received emails from people who are going to church food handouts and going to the food banks. The problem with most of this is the fact that a lot of it is lacking in the meat department.
This week, Fry's is having a sale on meats that is pretty outstanding. 77 cents per pound chicken drumsticks. 97 cents per pound assorted pork loin chops. $1.88 per pound super lean ground beef - that's a GREAT deal for 93% lean beef.
I was there today, they had milk on sale - GALLON containers for 99 cents! Also had shredded and bar cheese for a buck a package. What am I encouraging you, those that can do something, to do? Yes. Go to Fry's, but $20 worth of food, get on Craigslist, say what you have. I guarantee you you will have more emails than you can deal with. Many of the people include the story of how they got to where they are at, and folks, it ISN'T pretty. You can make a 20 dollar bill go pretty far at Fry's right now.
And/or, I will unabashedly ask for money to buy food for those people. I could copy and paste dozens and dozens of emails just from the ad I ran the other day. I don't want to do that because I had to reveal a person's privacy, so I won't. BTW, many of these people are families with children. I can only do so much - my finances are as limited as anyone else's - but I do what I can. If you want to help out, I am going to give out a rather unique email address I have that I hardly use: trooperrat@aol.com - if you want to help me help others, simply email me at that address and I will give you my paypal account ID.
I have no problem asking the folks that have to give if they want to help the folks that do not have, as I am not going to take a single penny of anything for myself, as is the case with several donations I have received thus far. If you have a problem with it, well, I can only say my conscience is clear and will stay that way because my intenions are pure, and if that hasn't come out by now after all this time, there is nothing I can say that would change a person's mind, anyway.
Let me emphasize that I am NOT condemning folks that have that don't want to give to those that don't have enough food to eat. That is purely your decision and your right. My point is that the people that are asking are NOT moochers or life-long beggars, draining the system and abusing government handouts through food stamps and housing subsidies. I don't even have a problem with housing subsidies or food stamps - it's just become quite obvious that there are people out there abusing the system. No, the people that I am getting email from are people who are hard-working Americans, have an excellent work-ethic, and simply cannot find jobs right now. I give out food and I see it in their faces and they even voice it: they have never done anything like that before and feel very uncomfortable with it, but, their need is so great, they will do what they have to to survive.
Anyway, hope you all have a great day and my the Lord bless you and yours abundantly in every way!
ben
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Switch
So, I've totally changed my thinking about this situation and have been posting ads for free, cooked meals on any day that anyone wants to come. This seems to me to be more useful to those that have lost their jobs and are scratching and clawing to get by.
The meals I am giving out are not soup and crackers.
The thing that is happening that I am really liking is the fact that many people have now emailed me and said they are going to start feeding people that live in their area as well.
I am still considering doing another party - perhaps at a nearby park. However, it's much easier to execute such a thing at home with everything at hand instead of having to load everything up into the car and haul it over there.
So - I'm still not sure what I'm going to do about that and since I have started a different approach to this situation, I'm not feeling very pressed about it. There is 1 family and several individuals that are coming over today for dinner.
The people that are writing are seriously hurting. I'm not talking life-long moochers of the system, I'm talking about people with extreme work ethics who have been laid off from their jobs. These people would NEVER in normal times ask anyone for anything. One of the people that has come over here was obviously having a problem with their own view of taking handouts. As I have repeatedly stated - I make this a painless process. I am all about preserving the dignity of folks that are hit upon very bad times.
My statement for repayment someday is simply this: pay it forward. I don't want to be repaid, I want those people to see an opportunity when they are back on their feet to help someone out in whatever way and help them instead. This is the mentality of the society my parents grew up in - people that went through the Great Depression. This is the America that I know and love. Politics and harsh, personal opinion need to take a backseat when considering whoever it is that you know or know of that could use a helping hand - but that's just my opinion.
ben
The meals I am giving out are not soup and crackers.
The thing that is happening that I am really liking is the fact that many people have now emailed me and said they are going to start feeding people that live in their area as well.
I am still considering doing another party - perhaps at a nearby park. However, it's much easier to execute such a thing at home with everything at hand instead of having to load everything up into the car and haul it over there.
So - I'm still not sure what I'm going to do about that and since I have started a different approach to this situation, I'm not feeling very pressed about it. There is 1 family and several individuals that are coming over today for dinner.
The people that are writing are seriously hurting. I'm not talking life-long moochers of the system, I'm talking about people with extreme work ethics who have been laid off from their jobs. These people would NEVER in normal times ask anyone for anything. One of the people that has come over here was obviously having a problem with their own view of taking handouts. As I have repeatedly stated - I make this a painless process. I am all about preserving the dignity of folks that are hit upon very bad times.
My statement for repayment someday is simply this: pay it forward. I don't want to be repaid, I want those people to see an opportunity when they are back on their feet to help someone out in whatever way and help them instead. This is the mentality of the society my parents grew up in - people that went through the Great Depression. This is the America that I know and love. Politics and harsh, personal opinion need to take a backseat when considering whoever it is that you know or know of that could use a helping hand - but that's just my opinion.
ben
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Update
Food handouts and people coming over for food to eat - already cooked stuff - is slowly gaining interest.
A few factors that are causing people not to come that otherwise would are first: wondering whether I'm a nutcase/kook/the next mass murdered and second: human traits: pride and dignity definitely get in the way.
I'm a pretty laid-back person, I make the process as painless as possible.
A lady that had come to the party just stopped by here - they moved here from out-of-state not long ago and her boyfriend just found a job 2 days ago.
In the interim - they don't have much to eat.
They came here because there were no jobs where they were at.
Those stories are endless at this point in time - the news is reporting statements that the end of the freefall may be near. All nice and well, tell that to the almost 700,000 people who lost their jobs last month.
I also had the idea the other day of simply taking a person to Fry's (a grocery chain in Arizona) last week and get them $40 worth of food. The replies to that Craigslist ad were endless. I had it up less than 24 hours. Probably only needed to have it up 20 minutes! I just posted the ad and then went to bed, went to work and didn't get to check email until I got home. I truly wish I could have helped all of them - especially considering some of the stories that came with the replies of families that are cash-strapped, not eating well - or hardly at all - a lot of desperation out there.
Anyway, I won't be doing that again as I can't really afford to do that, I just wanted to do it once. There have also been some offers from people to bring food over. Anyone wanting to do that I will gladly accept it and give it out to those that stop by.
As for another party - just not sure yet. I've kinda busied myself giving out food both by having people over that are hungry, have them sit down and eat and also by simply giving stuff away. I have toyed with the idea of a "Park Restaurant" - having something like I had at my house - excepting doing it at a park. A lot more work that way, yes, but I imagine more people would be inclined to come since it isn't at a private residence.
ben
A few factors that are causing people not to come that otherwise would are first: wondering whether I'm a nutcase/kook/the next mass murdered and second: human traits: pride and dignity definitely get in the way.
I'm a pretty laid-back person, I make the process as painless as possible.
A lady that had come to the party just stopped by here - they moved here from out-of-state not long ago and her boyfriend just found a job 2 days ago.
In the interim - they don't have much to eat.
They came here because there were no jobs where they were at.
Those stories are endless at this point in time - the news is reporting statements that the end of the freefall may be near. All nice and well, tell that to the almost 700,000 people who lost their jobs last month.
I also had the idea the other day of simply taking a person to Fry's (a grocery chain in Arizona) last week and get them $40 worth of food. The replies to that Craigslist ad were endless. I had it up less than 24 hours. Probably only needed to have it up 20 minutes! I just posted the ad and then went to bed, went to work and didn't get to check email until I got home. I truly wish I could have helped all of them - especially considering some of the stories that came with the replies of families that are cash-strapped, not eating well - or hardly at all - a lot of desperation out there.
Anyway, I won't be doing that again as I can't really afford to do that, I just wanted to do it once. There have also been some offers from people to bring food over. Anyone wanting to do that I will gladly accept it and give it out to those that stop by.
As for another party - just not sure yet. I've kinda busied myself giving out food both by having people over that are hungry, have them sit down and eat and also by simply giving stuff away. I have toyed with the idea of a "Park Restaurant" - having something like I had at my house - excepting doing it at a park. A lot more work that way, yes, but I imagine more people would be inclined to come since it isn't at a private residence.
ben
Friday, April 3, 2009
Impromtu Parties
Folks, I'm just going to start throwing impromptu, short-notice parties. Another almnost 700,000 people lost their jobs last month. That's insane. I read about families all over the place suffering greatly. I can't handle that. I can do my own, small part - and I'm going to do it whenever I can. I give away food here and there on Craigslist. After the last party, I advertised some leftover stuff and the first family was here in less than 25 to 30 minutes after I posted the ad, asking for the food. I wanted to honor those that gave money and food towards the party and give it to people that really need it.
I have no idea where any of this is going to end. I don't believe anytime soon. In the interim, families that were living off of good/decent/whatever incomes are now on unemployment benefits and probably food stamps. You pay your bills - if you can do that on unemployment - and there isn't going to be anything left over. Food stamp benefits are awesome for those that need it - but doubtful enough to last an entire month.
As long as I'm still employed and bringing in a paycheck along with having tenants - I will do what I can. And again, I want to thank everyone that brought food for the party. Much of it was devoured - most of the rest of it was given to hungry people. Your food did not go to waste and it helped some people - if ever so temporal.
ben
I have no idea where any of this is going to end. I don't believe anytime soon. In the interim, families that were living off of good/decent/whatever incomes are now on unemployment benefits and probably food stamps. You pay your bills - if you can do that on unemployment - and there isn't going to be anything left over. Food stamp benefits are awesome for those that need it - but doubtful enough to last an entire month.
As long as I'm still employed and bringing in a paycheck along with having tenants - I will do what I can. And again, I want to thank everyone that brought food for the party. Much of it was devoured - most of the rest of it was given to hungry people. Your food did not go to waste and it helped some people - if ever so temporal.
ben
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Report
Funny thing happened yesterday right before the party was set to begin. The regulator valve on my propane grill stopped working. That grill is only 4 months old! I raced down to the Target where I bought it - they refused to give me one off an existing grill - they don't sell the regulators for the grills they sell. The manager absolutely refused to sell me one off an existing model. Grummmmmmmbbbbbling. I was very fortunate that Ace Hardware was right there and - I found out - yes, they sell those valves.
Racing back to my house, there were already 15 people showed up. Got the grill going, the guy doing the music had his equipment set up and he started cranking out the tunes. Excellent music, great voice. I'm propping this guy cause' he wants to try and get into doing gigs at whatever kinds of events, and yes, he's very good. I believe he was a contractor doing drywall - that kind of industry has totally tanked right now. Very talented individual - if anyone has something they need some live music for, I would definitely recommend him and can send you his info if desired.
At the heighth of attendance, there was about 75 people in the house, in my side yard and out front, plus news people. People brought all kinds of food. Attendees were both from Craigslist and from my local community.
One of my agendas that I came up with after I started this "project" was also accomplished. I was trying to get enough people from my immediate community together to start up a Neighborhood Association (much different than a Homeowner's Association, they're started up to help the people in the community).
The party was a total blast, I had a great time. People stayed as late as 8:00 pm. I was thinking of doing another party - but - it's going to start getting warm and an outdoor party really isn't the greatest thing from my perspective, but that's just because I'm working outside a lot. Actually, I was thinking of having another party possibly at a local park somewhere. I imagine more people would come just for fact of not having to come to a stranger's house.
Anyway, I want to thank everyone that helped out. People brought food, drinks, entertainment, a cool cop car and I'm hopeful that everyone that came had a good time as well.
ben
Racing back to my house, there were already 15 people showed up. Got the grill going, the guy doing the music had his equipment set up and he started cranking out the tunes. Excellent music, great voice. I'm propping this guy cause' he wants to try and get into doing gigs at whatever kinds of events, and yes, he's very good. I believe he was a contractor doing drywall - that kind of industry has totally tanked right now. Very talented individual - if anyone has something they need some live music for, I would definitely recommend him and can send you his info if desired.
At the heighth of attendance, there was about 75 people in the house, in my side yard and out front, plus news people. People brought all kinds of food. Attendees were both from Craigslist and from my local community.
One of my agendas that I came up with after I started this "project" was also accomplished. I was trying to get enough people from my immediate community together to start up a Neighborhood Association (much different than a Homeowner's Association, they're started up to help the people in the community).
The party was a total blast, I had a great time. People stayed as late as 8:00 pm. I was thinking of doing another party - but - it's going to start getting warm and an outdoor party really isn't the greatest thing from my perspective, but that's just because I'm working outside a lot. Actually, I was thinking of having another party possibly at a local park somewhere. I imagine more people would come just for fact of not having to come to a stranger's house.
Anyway, I want to thank everyone that helped out. People brought food, drinks, entertainment, a cool cop car and I'm hopeful that everyone that came had a good time as well.
ben
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Party!
Okay, in a little less than 6 hours we're going to be cooking and eatin'!
I want to thank the 4 individuals that have donated varying sums to help out with this party. It is VERY much appreciated, more than you know!
Just a couple of notes for those that are coming that might check the blog before they leave:
Plenty of parking up and down my street - just please do not block anyone's driveways.
Again, I have limited chairs - if you have lawnchairs, just bring your own if you are inclined to be sitting because I just don't have that many. Everyone will be invited into the house - for whatever room is available - as well, I'm just thinking this is definitely going to be more outside than inside type of deal.
Weather is good - beautiful, actually, today - couldn't have picked a better setting on the dial! - and thank God all the wind has died down that even shut down Sky Harbor the other day!
Also, the news will be here. They have assured me that they will not put anyone on TV that doesn't want to be. I think they did an excellent job of the story and believe they will do what they say they will do. They are very professional and respectful people, at least with my experience with them, so you really don't have to worry about that if you don't want your face plastered all over TV! lol. Quite amazingly, this story is being shown all over the country. Even more amazing - well - the thought of the news media getting involved never even crossed my mind, just didn't think this story would generate that kind of interest!
Anyway, look forward to seeing everyone that has RSVP'ed - and if you are just stopping by here and want to come, either leave your email address in the comments section of this post or find my ad on Craigslist and reply to it and I will send you the address.
Have a great day, everyone!
ben
I want to thank the 4 individuals that have donated varying sums to help out with this party. It is VERY much appreciated, more than you know!
Just a couple of notes for those that are coming that might check the blog before they leave:
Plenty of parking up and down my street - just please do not block anyone's driveways.
Again, I have limited chairs - if you have lawnchairs, just bring your own if you are inclined to be sitting because I just don't have that many. Everyone will be invited into the house - for whatever room is available - as well, I'm just thinking this is definitely going to be more outside than inside type of deal.
Weather is good - beautiful, actually, today - couldn't have picked a better setting on the dial! - and thank God all the wind has died down that even shut down Sky Harbor the other day!
Also, the news will be here. They have assured me that they will not put anyone on TV that doesn't want to be. I think they did an excellent job of the story and believe they will do what they say they will do. They are very professional and respectful people, at least with my experience with them, so you really don't have to worry about that if you don't want your face plastered all over TV! lol. Quite amazingly, this story is being shown all over the country. Even more amazing - well - the thought of the news media getting involved never even crossed my mind, just didn't think this story would generate that kind of interest!
Anyway, look forward to seeing everyone that has RSVP'ed - and if you are just stopping by here and want to come, either leave your email address in the comments section of this post or find my ad on Craigslist and reply to it and I will send you the address.
Have a great day, everyone!
ben
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
