A few years ago the local public radio station profiled a person making minimum wage in California (where the minimum wage is higher than the federal minimum). In the case of this specific person it was the exact opposite. Pretty much her entire paycheck went towards rent for her studio apartment. Food was payed for by food stamps, and then she relied on food banks when those ran out. Her transportation was walking.
I think a lot of people don’t realize how complicated all of these issues are and how varied access to services really are–so much depends on state, county and city programs and gender and immigration status and criminal background…it’s A LOT.
I work tangentially in affordable housing and shelters. A very real fundamental change will need to happen in this country for us to even begin to improve the situation.
The article said she had a computer desk. Since the picture shows a makeshift desk that implies she has a computer. Probably not an easy item to have at a shelter due to theft issues.
As for getting on the roof she should have dragged a tree branch with suitable stubs for climbing that she can then pull up at night and store nearby when she’s working.
Sad.
As sad as it is, I find it kind of cute, and very resourceful. I’d consider hiring her.