Lots of people cannot deal with people in need of assistance, because they smell. One reason could be they cannot afford deodorant or soap. Why not, you say. Food stamps can only be used for food. Any money left after covering expenses, like phone or utilities, may go for gas for the car to drive to work or quarters for the washing machine. How about toilet paper. Toothpaste. Lysol. Tampax. Err, diapers.
As a hopeful, soon to be member of the Board of JumpVT, I collect deodorant from my synagogue for distribution to the clients. Think about giving sundries, in addition to money, when you do tzedakah. If you smell bad or look bad, nobody going to hire you.
Thank you very much for sharing this. I have subscribed to your RSS feed. Please keep up the good work.