HEA 447 Social Experiences Blog

A 2018-2019 Reflection of Being Low-Income & Being Accepted for Food Stamps      This social experiment was rather special to me because back in 2018-2019, I lived at the 150% poverty level line (as a household of 1, not married, no roommates, no kids) and received supplemental nutrition assistance (food stamps). I was 19-20 years old working as a cashier at Food Lion in Fayetteville, NC. I made exactly $9.50 at the time, and I remember being so excited because it was the highest hourly wage I had ever earned. In 2018, the federal poverty guideline for a household of one at 150% was $18,210 annually—and back then I made $18,240 annually.   It was a part time job, so the manager worked with me to keep me under that limit so I would qualify. That meant I would work around 36 hours weekly but did not receive benefits because I wasn’t technically fulltime. I remember struggling so badly to afford my rent and any necessities. I lived by myself in a tiny 600 sqft apart...

     I have been studying abroad in Wales, in the United Kingdom this semester. I live in a fairly small town and throughout the past few months have been noticing the resources and information posted around town, as well as within my class curriculum, appealing to high-priority need groups. I live less than five minutes from two community kitchens and have been fortunate to get to know multiple people locally who have lived experience with, or working history addressing homelessness. Additionally, there is a great reuse centre in town that hosts repair cafes for fixing up old or dysfunctional tools. The prominence of programs for those facing homelessness, as well as a policy focus on prevention and local cooperation led me to decide to dig deeper into the laws that governed housing authority and compare it with the United States.     Within the past 15 years, a flock of new acts and memos have been put forth that have fortified the protections for tenants, est...

  During my social experience, I volunteered at a nonprofit organization called 'Nourish Up.' This organization is dedicated to addressing the pressing need of hunger in our communities. They work relentlessly to establish that individuals and families in underserved areas never face the fear of going without food. Nourish Up stands out for its integrated approach to active hunger. They provide meals and strive to create a supportive environment for those in need. They believe in nourishing the body and the spirit and showing compassion toward those they serve. This commitment to fostering community and support ignited my passion for helping others. I was particularly drawn to the organization because of its compelling mission to uplift our neighbors. I resonate deeply with their vision of a community where no one feels shame or fear about accessing food. Their work goes beyond merely providing meals; it promotes dignity and respect for individuals facing food insecurity. Throu...

Azellette Williams 12/01/2024 447-02 SOCIAL EXPERIENCES   50, 30, 20 By: Azellette Williams   Money makes the world go round. A dime adds to the dollar. What you need and what you want makes 80, the last 20 goes to college. "$78.62.". That's how much it costs to live daily, allegedly, for me and my son. Anyone surviving off that truly?   I know none. My journey to the concrete jungle alone in my -reel life, is about $50.00 every two days. So that "$78.62", I got to split 3 ways.  See, "Gas, home, and food is how it goes. And that last 20 is food now, so college on hold.". Cause food is important, and education is too. But right now, in this instance food has to do.  It did for my mom, her mom, and hers too. So, my son, I am sorry, but it will have to do for you. But this isn't your future, it doesn't have to be. Your mom made some mistakes with the 50, 30, 20. No fault of her own. Family had no concept of money. Never had it. Not obtained.   A...