The Welfare State: Obamaville

From the Chicago Tribune:
Raphael Brown, of Berwyn, says the fierce April storms that led to flooding through the Chicago area forced him to throw out about $5,000 worth of furniture and electronic equipment.
"I didn't have any choice," said Brown, 54.
On Friday, he was among thousands of low-income residents affected by flooding to apply for government food vouchers. He was awarded $200 through the federally funded Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Between Monday and Thursday, $7.6 million in what are known as SNAP benefits were given to nearly 61,000, according to the Illinois Department of Human Services, which is administering the program.
"The crowds have gotten larger each day," said department spokeswoman Januari Smith.
To qualify for the benefits, residents must live within specific ZIP codes and meet certain income restrictions. A one-person household with a net income of less than $1,549 per month could receive a maximum of $200 in benefits, according to state officials.
By 11 a.m. Friday at the West Garfield Park location for applications, the line stretched down Chicago Avenue and around Pulaski Road. Many had arrived early in the morning to get in line and sat on lawn chairs and plastic crates while they waited.
Those who didn't make it by a 1 p.m. cutoff were given tickets to come back next week.
Toni Palmer, 53, went to a Melrose Park location to apply at 6 a.m., but when she saw the large crowd, she decided to try her luck in West Garfield Park.
"They had so many people out there. It was crazy," she said.
Palmer said she is hoping for a little financial assistance after a flood in the basement of her two-bedroom bungalow destroyed clothes, books and a freezer with extra food in it. She estimates the freezer cost about $250.
"I hope they will give me something to replace my food," she said as she stood in line, with dozens of people ahead of her.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-flood-aid-20130622,0,4900163.story
How screwed up must your life must be if you are willing to stay outside, wait in line for hours in lines blocks long just to receive $200 or less in food vouchers.
If they are willing to work that hard to get just $200, maybe they can work that hard at a job.