Do you think I am wrong?

[SandrA9810]

We have a 140$ a month cell plan through AT&T (lowest min possible for family plan, and four lines). And while the budget is tight, it's seen as a need because that's the only communication. And before, we were out more than home and shared a car. So being able to contact each other was important.

Sure the family unlimited texting probably isn't needed, but it made things easier. I could text when I was on break, she could text when she was on break, because there was no way we'd ever be on break at the same time.

But each month it was put in the budget. And it got paid. Now the issue with "smartphones" is AT&T requires you to have a 30$ unlimited data plan. But they're offering those phones for free or really really cheap. Which makes it all the more tempting to get for some one on a small budget.

It's very easy to think "hey you're poor, you don't need this". But if they're there for budget help. You have to get them to see what's important, what's a want. And how to plan for the wants. I'm sure there are some that will turn away from the help that they need because you're making them feel like you're taking everything away from them. I'd be a bit skeptical of some one else telling me what's important and what isn't in my life.

And just because there's a penalty, you have to multiply that by however many lines there are. And if any phones were recently purchased during a free upgrade time, you'll also have to pay for the phone at retail value. So depending on the length left on the contract, it might be cheaper to pay for the service than cancel.

 

[OceanAnnie]

In our area, I have seen ads for free cell phone service for those that really need a phone for emergencies. (those that qualify for food stamps, the elderly & such) I think they give 200 free anywhere minutes per month.

No one should be paying that much per month for a phone when they are homeless! My only other question would be is the phone work related or just recreational?

IMO...The children should be paying for their own phone. It isn't a necessity. My DDs both age 16 pay for their own prepaid phones. If they do their chores, I buy them a $25 gift card for their phone about once a month.

You can't eat a cell phone! You can't live in one! You could possibly rent a room with the $140 a month. I say get rid of the phone.

The above was the first thing that came to mind. I think that $140 could go to better use. At the very least suggest a basic, lower cost plan. Near homelessness calls for drastic measures IMO.

 

[dclfun]

If these people are taking grant money, then that's taxpayer money that is going to help them to stay in their homes so yes, it's everyone's business. Without knowing someone's personal situation though( cost of cancelling phone plans, reason for having the cell phones, etc.) it's hard to pass judgement so I'd say that rather than having a stipulation be that assistance recipients rid themselves of their current cell phones and plans, that it be handled on a case by case basis. Anyone can fall on hard times- think how you would want to be treated if you did. I'll never forget one example that was shared with me 15 years ago- it was regarding a lady buying a birthday cake with food stamps and the woman behind her that commented about her poor choice in how to spend those stamps. Turns out the cake was for her almost five year old little girl who was dying, so they were celebrating her 5th birthday a bit early. The family was on food stamps because the Mom had quit her job to be home with her daughter. So yeah....you never know what someone else is going through.---Kathy

 

[Polyluvr]

If these people are taking grant money, then that's taxpayer money that is going to help them to stay in their homes so yes, it's everyone's business. Without knowing someone's personal situation though( cost of cancelling phone plans, reason for having the cell phones, etc.) it's hard to pass judgement so I'd say that rather than having a stipulation be that assistance recipients rid themselves of their current cell phones and plans, that it be handled on a case by case basis. Anyone can fall on hard times- think how you would want to be treated if you did. I'll never forget one example that was shared with me 15 years ago- it was regarding a lady buying a birthday cake with food stamps and the woman behind her that commented about her poor choice in how to spend those stamps. Turns out the cake was for her almost five year old little girl who was dying, so they were celebrating her 5th birthday a bit early. The family was on food stamps because the Mom had quit her job to be home with her daughter. So yeah....you never know what someone else is going through.---Kathy

exactly what she said- unless we have walked in someone else's shoes, we really shouldn't be judging. JMHO

 

[Muushka]

Thank you everyone for the feedback. Hi E

As someone who grew up well below the poverty level (no welfare back then either), I have a very good understanding of wants and needs. But at the same time, as I mentioned, I can be a bit skewed. I will make the suggestion to the director soon. Again, thank you

 

[eliza61]

Also I'll play a little devils advocate. I know a lot of people who come into my churchs food bank, are so woefully uneducated. A lot of single moms that come to my church really don't have skills that I think are so simply (clipping coupons, shopping out of season, things like that)
Heck how many people here don't know about budgeting and making list.
I know a lot of people are big dave Ramsey fans and isn't one of the things he advocates is finding out where every dime goes too.
Maybe before requiring they surrender their cell phones (that could be considered as a punishment) could they get some budget training and then see how much they could save without those fancy plans.

I know when we did this with our cable bill, we were shocked how much we pay for that junk. We just never thought about how much that stupid premium plan was costing us and we still complained about nothing being on TV. We cut that puppy down to the bare basic package comcast offers.

 

[Colleen27]

I think this is one of those things that can't be decided in general or at first glance (as with the couple on food stamps - you don't know how long ago they bought those phones, what their circumstances were at the time, or what they are spending on the plan now). But for people who are in a program seeking help, looking at their expenses relative to their circumstances should absolutely be a part of helping. Around here, Safelink with a limited number of minutes is available to the poor at no cost, TracPhone and the like are relatively inexpensive for those who don't qualify, and for those who really need a higher-end plan because it is a primary phone or whatever, MetroPCS unlimited plans are $40/mo.

I don't begrudge the poor a cell phone. The reality of modern life is such that if you're applying for work you need a phone, and with as competitive as the job market is right now, getting the call right away on a cell rather than expecting the employer to leave a message and wait for a return call can be the difference between getting the job or losing it to someone more immediately available. Landlines are nice, but given the choice between one or the other I think the cell is the most practical, especially for people who are in unstable situations like near-homelessness, because with a cell phone you don't lose your number if your living situation changes abuptly.

 

[Ka' eo]

This sounds like a policy decision for your (I assume) non-profit. You may find resentment from folks if you are asserting your will alone, without backup.

I have to say of all the things I see folks spend money on, for teenagers in poverty, a cell phone is the one thing that equals the playing field with the other kids. Being a teenager and being poor is horrible. Given security issues, etc. I think it could be important.

However, sexting, texting during class and the fact that kids are talking on their cells instead of doing school work or even sleeping, I would question it for any teen.

Talk to your organization and see if a policy can be put in place in order for them to qualify for services. $140 plan does seem excessive, even if it is a family plan. Tough issue......

 

[A Mickeyfan]

If the place where you are working is providing them a landline, then no, you are not unreasonable to ask them to give up their plan. I have 3 cell phones on my plan, I have the cheapest plan I can get for them. I pay only $91 for all 3 phones & that is with tax! If these people insist on having expensive plans, then in my opinion, they do not need your agency's help.

 

[mamaLori05]

I didn't read any of the PP's, but my opinion is that they definately DO NOT need cell phones. They can get a landline very cheap from their local phone company. It won't have all the bells and whistles, but it will work. Cell phones are a luxury, as well as cable! If they can't afford the real necessities like food and clothing, then they do not need a cell phone! Their children DEFINATELY don't need a cell phone!

I get very irritated when I volunteer at a soup kitchen and overhear some (not all) of the people we are serving talking about their high end cable, or the night out on the town they had the night before, or they bring out their Iphone or Blackberry and start texting their friends. Makes me sad!

 

[Chelley00]

I actually got an email today of Mrs. Obama serving soup at a homeless shelter, and one of the guys in line for food was taking her picture with a Blackberry Curve

 

[ceecee]

We all have Tracfones for emergency only. People survived for many, many years without cell phones at all and certainly not the expensive kind.

 

[rockundergirl]

Let me start out by saying I only read the first two pages of this thread, so If i repeat something I'm sorry .

Do you mean that the families cell phone plan was 140 dollars? If that's for at least 3 people i think that's reasonable.

I don't think your wrong. How ever IMO cell phones have become a near necessity. I understand that we lived for a long time with out them, but when new inventions come out, our culture changes. For example you can't buy salted beef anymore because your expected to have a refrigerator. Children's daycare/school now expect you to be reachable. With this job market picking up your phone when your called for an interview can make all the difference. I know when my office is doing interviews, its like a joke to call us back the next day because we already have 15 interviews set up. Also for example, I don't even have a home phone, I only use my cell. Just a few things to think about.

 

[jodifla]

If I were near homeless, my cell phone is one of the FIRST things I'd want to hold onto. You want a job in THIS economy, you better be reachable darn-near instantaneously.

People who have lost their jobs after 20, 30, or 40 years of employment have a lot of nice stuff. It's amazing that people can't get this through their heads, and how they begrudge people who have fallen on hard times, often through NO fault of their own. Many people have housefuls of nice stuff and clothes....that will bring them close to nothing if they sell them. It's like everyone wants people who need public assistance to sell their clothes and buy rags to wear instead.

And you'd have to run the numbers to see if having them cancel the cell phone at this point made sense. And you'd need to take a close look at the family's individual needs -- does the DH need a high end phone for the job. My DH sure does. Just because we didn't have one 20 years ago, doesn' t mean employers want their employees to have them now.

Your institution should have guidelines about what people can have or not have to get assistance. If I were a supervisor and had an employee running to me too often about how this family had too nice of a cell phone plan or borrowed too nice of a car to come in or were wearing too nice of clothes, I'd think maybe I had the wrong employee helping those who need help.l

 

[Muushka]

Sorry if I am repeating myself, but here goes:

The families that are in the program have jobs. That is a requirement.

I was not asking that they have no cell plan, just one that is more reasonable.

First time info:

This is a 4 month program and budgeting is mandatory, Every single penny spent is accounted for.

Once the 4 months is up, they need to have enough money saved to get an apartment on their own.

I plan on bringing 2 others with me to discuss the issue.

I ran the numbers, the savings would be more than $1000 and that includes getting a cheaper cell.

Also I'll play a little devils advocate. I know a lot of people who come into my churchs food bank, are so woefully uneducated. A lot of single moms that come to my church really don't have skills that I think are so simply (clipping coupons, shopping out of season, things like that)
Heck how many people here don't know about budgeting and making list.
I know a lot of people are big dave Ramsey fans and isn't one of the things he advocates is finding out where every dime goes too.
Maybe before requiring they surrender their cell phones (that could be considered as a punishment) could they get some budget training and then see how much they could save without those fancy plans.

I know when we did this with our cable bill, we were shocked how much we pay for that junk. We just never thought about how much that stupid premium plan was costing us and we still complained about nothing being on TV. We cut that puppy down to the bare basic package comcast offers.

Yup E, that is why they are in the position that they are in. And that is why the budget sessions are mandatory. It is up to their team to help them to understand that every single penny counts. And it is our responsibility to be sure that they save that money needed to secure an apartment.

Once they are out of the program, where they will have to pay their own expenses, that $140 a month would be a very large chunk of change. And if it does not seem like a lot of money to them when they get out, we did not do our jobs.

This sounds like a policy decision for your (I assume) non-profit. You may find resentment from folks if you are asserting your will alone, without backup.

I have to say of all the things I see folks spend money on, for teenagers in poverty, a cell phone is the one thing that equals the playing field with the other kids. Being a teenager and being poor is horrible. Given security issues, etc. I think it could be important.

However, sexting, texting during class and the fact that kids are talking on their cells instead of doing school work or even sleeping, I would question it for any teen.

Talk to your organization and see if a policy can be put in place in order for them to qualify for services. $140 plan does seem excessive, even if it is a family plan. Tough issue......

Actually, being a teenager and poor, I think would feel a lot better about themselves if they had a roof over their heads. To me that is a lot more secure than being able to call friends. Sorry to be blunt, but this situation really irritates me. Thinking this might be my last family.

 

[OceanAnnie]

<<Snip>>

Once they are out of the program, where they will have to pay their own expenses, that $140 a month would be a very large chunk of change. And if it does not seem like a lot of money to them when they get out, we did not do our jobs.

I think the above is key. It is a lot of money. There are other less costly (not to mention free) options. Bottom line, when you don't have the money, you have to make some budget cuts. It sounds harsh, but it's reality. You don't spend what you don't have.

 

[Muushka]

I think the above is key. It is a lot of money. There are other less costly (not to mention free) options. Bottom line, when you don't have the money, you have to make some budget cuts. It sounds harsh, but it's reality. You don't spend what you don't have.

This is the second time in a row we are having this problem. The last family never did understand that a cell plan that expensive is a mistake. I even said out loud 'if you get anything out of this program, I hope it is that you will never sign onto an expensive contract for anything that you can live without'. Fell on deaf ears.

 

[mamaLori05]

I also want to add that my DH and I are 30. We only use our cell phones in emergencies. My DH is a very successful Manager in IS (which is a highly techy field) and we both have a basic cell plan (I believe it's $5 and pay by the minute). Our cell phone bills are never over $30. If something breaks down at DH's work, he needs to get it fixed ASAP, or the company will lose a LOT of money. Somehow we manage to get by with just our basic phone plan. I don't think he would be where he is today if they were upset about us not having a high end cell phone plan!!!

I guess my point is, you don't need a high end cell phone plan to make it in the world today. You can still be very successful at your job without it. I have NEVER heard of anyone getting fired because they didn't have a cell phone, or because they didn't have a high end cell phone plan.

 

[MrsPete]

I was not asking that they have no cell plan, just one that is more reasonable

And this is perfectly reasonable.

Everyone needs communication. A phone is the most common, most logical form of communication. But no one needs a fancy, expensive phone or the expensive, lots-of-minutes plan.

 

[MrsPete]

I have to say of all the things I see folks spend money on, for teenagers in poverty, a cell phone is the one thing that equals the playing field with the other kids. Being a teenager and being poor is horrible. Given security issues, etc. I think it could be important.

This is very true of my students at school. A phone is the #1 teenaged status symbol. I'm not sure it's not MORE IMPORTANT than cars to some kids. It's definitely more important than clothing.