After some searching I found a place that looks like a good fit for me, so I'm excited about that.
Is this true? I'm not doubting you I'm just interested in hearing the background behind this.
And thank you for the suggestions, I think especially helping the parents of special needs children sounds like a great help.
Here in the USA food is cheaper as a percentage of income than what most of the world experiences....because food is a commodity and under market pressure to be at certain levels.
Most of the modern world's families operate on average at the rough equivalent of $12,000/year income. (Real estate is much cheaper) Groceries still cost the same...so does energy because these are global commodities.
And if your Groceries still cost $300/week for a small family it means that somewhere between a third to half of your weekly income goes to feeding yourself instead of just a very small portion. (Which is common here in the USA with an average income of $80,000)
That's why I say we have the best fed homeless in the world. We have homeless people who are actually overweight. (Those without chemical dependency issues but instead have mental health issues)
Also, I've traveled extensively to various countries...poor people are everywhere. Every country except America has very skinny poor....just saying. (Not hard to tell when their clothes are literally rags...even the prostitute's)
Most families (globally) that have a house with a yard will have a garden to help alleviate the cost of food....not because it is a hobby or for better flavor tomatoes. Those who live in apartments usually work out a deal of some kind with those with land to garden some groceries PLUS they will have planter boxes on their balconies to grow things.
Then....
On top of this most large cities like Nashville have several churches that have ongoing mission projects to feed and clothe the poor.
I have worked with and around many of these. There is homeless designated food going downtown at a minimum of twice a day every day of the week on top of the Rescue Mission that provides a multitude of services including beds.
Those people who hold up signs saying "will work for food" are lying....they just want money for their chemical dependency. I've offered more than one a job (needed the labor on a regular basis)