Sheesh. Reminds me about that old Royko column about the 80-year-old Wisconsin farmer who sold honey. Anyone remember that one?
It is very hard for some people to ask for help, and those people won’t use social services until they have absolutely no other choice and are already so far in the hole there’s no way in hell they’ll every climb their way out again. In these cases, someone needs to step up to the plate early on, be an advocate, and make social services go to the recipient.
And I’m not just talking about government aid. Catholic Charities, Lutheran Social Services, Salvation Army - while all religion-based, these organizations will help anyone regardless of creed. And there are dozens more like these.
bernse, I don’t know if you are willing or capable, but make a couple of phone calls and see what you find.