i⋅ro⋅ny - an outcome of events contrary to what was, or might have been, expected.

So here is something short but sweet to think about in these times of Iowa handing out free money to what seems like all... My job, working with individuals who need help finding community resources because they are "disabled" (I use quotes because I believe that term is used way too loosely these day... I can't touch my toes, I'm disabled!... anyway) and need help finding things like housing, food, clothing, etc. One of the resources I help them achieve access to is Section 8 housing. For those of you who don't know what that is, look it up. Google is a wonderful tool. The "jist" of it though is that it's a government subsidy program for individuals who need rent assistance. Otherwise known as low income housing. Only you can live in "Section 8" designated apartments and some of them are nicer than where I live now. So I'm looking up information for my clients on Section 8 housing when I find a break down of the income tables to qualify for this "money hand out". What do you think a qualifying income would be... perhaps 12, 15, 18 thousand dollars a year income for one person would warrent a government hand out? Nope... Story County's "poverty" line is at $24,440 a year for a single person. I'm proud to say that I qualify for Section 8 housing. I rake in a whopping $22,889/year before taxes. So am I going to take advantage of this wonderful government hand out? You bet I am! Do I need to? No. I live in an apartment that costs $540/month, my utility bill is about $100/month, and I spend about $400/month on gas. I still have enough money to go out to eat every once in a while and live a good life. PLEASE EXPLAIN WHY ONE PERSON CAN'T LIVE FOR UNDER $24k? Anyway... my irony is that my job is to help people who live under the poverty line to "achieve normal lives and overcome their obstacles (ones supposidly caused by living under the poverty line) by helping to find resources" ... when I myself apparently live under Story County's poverty line.

Perhaps if they laid of the crack and alcohol they would find themselves with some extra money... but I'm glad that Uncle Sam continues to put drugs and bews into the mouths of our "disabled" and "mentally ill". That's my short but sweet plug for today. Enjoy your weekend!