Startling, was the recent Dominion Post report that one in five Kiwi children are now in families who are reliant on the benefit.  Such children may be “starving in the age of recession” and child health is described as “a basket case”.

And a similar picture extends across the board – to schooling, nutrition, accommodation, transport, leisure, domestic violence, policing etc.  And families on a benefit are acutely aware of this. They face it in their daily grind of struggling to survive.

Prices for basics continue to rise beyond the amount of their benefit. So it becomes a question of what is next to cut out –  power, accommodation, telephone, car, doctor visits, dental care, technology, appliances, holiday breaks, sports, school activities, birthday gifts, fruit, milk, babysitting etc – the list goes on. Such decisions are not neglect, they are decisions necessary to make ends meet.

Opportunities for extra-income have “recessed”. Work and Income exercise tight emergency benefit rules. In the main, relief from Church charities is limited to a few hand-outs.  (Scrutiny of their public appeal and op-shop incomes against the amounts actually distributed is surely warranted.)

Then there is the despair from low self esteem. Not for society’s poor are the paid counselling services, self improvement courses, advocacy training, artistic development, public entertainment, travel, holidays or shopping therapy.  The services that reach out to them are aimed at ensnaring – loan sharks, gambling parlours, fast food and liquor/drug outlets.

Then there is the pain from being labelled bludgers and cheats – outcasts who should be punished. Similarly accused politicians, financers, professional abusers, legal-aid lawyers and public heroes “spin” out of scandals to remain socially acceptable. Their families and colleagues stand by them.

The signs of hope may not be so clear. There are some, but many more are needed.

When public leaders proclaim their humble origins, poor mothers (and most parents are solo mothers) glimpse hope that their talented children, given the chance, might also reach their full potential.

The rise of the Maori party gives hope that at last there may be an effective organisation that empowers and represents the concerns of the poor – Maori and non-Maori alike.

Service providers such as Mental Health pursue empowerment for the lives of their members.  Their consumers now have full participation on the very Boards that govern their lives.

Community workers are gaining the respect of the disadvantaged and marginalised.  Poverty diminishes spiritual health. Genuine caring and support raises up the spirits and hope of the poor.

The AA organisations existing to overcome dependencies (eg alcohol, drugs, gambling, over-eating, debts etc) evidence that recovery is possible. But that requires will and motivation – a decision to recover and human support.

A community based course in New York links up “have” and a “have not” in partnerships forged through overcoming joint challenges.  They then commit to an ongoing mentoring relationship.

The poor will not accept either punishment or pulpit.  No, but they welcome caring people who will stand alongside and then commit to walking together.  Is that a true Christmas present opportunity?

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