A WPA-type program I'd like to see done right now to employ IT-ers.

[Waiting For Everyman]

We need to create a big government database of information, quickly...

We should be more active about helping people find jobs and relief services. I'd like to see a "clearinghouse" of information set up among all the levels of government - federal, state, local - as to job openings within the government and government-contracted jobs. (Private employers could be included too later.) That way, the state job banks could direct people better, and triage help to people who are really in imminent trouble. Also, those who have particular roadblocks to employment could get more targeted and customized help - such as the homeless for instance.

There should also be a clearinghouse of government services, which does not exist currently - I find that unbelievable. First it could be any and all government services that are available, and then to include private ones such as charities too. Even community action workers and social services employees don't know everything that's available in their own locale, much less individuals themselves who are in need, knowing where to turn for what. As it is, it takes a lot of research on the phone to find help that is needed - I can't imagine how people do it, who aren't used to that, or suited to it. People could be qualified for ANY and all assistance programs with one application. That pooled information then could show where there are holes in safety net programs and additional funding is needed.

I think our government should be more organized and coordinated about human services, programs, and benefits than it is. A lot is available but nobody knows all of it. And I think that would be a very useful way to employ a lot of very sharp IT people to help all of us.

I asked back in the '80s, when my husband first applied for VA benefits, why there was not a clearinghouse of such services, and nothing has been done on this ever since. We were not told until several years later that he qualified for very significant benefits which we knew nothing about and never would've, if it weren't for "word of mouth" from other vets. Even VA employees for instance, know almost NOTHING about the special exceptions and benefits available to 100% disabled vets because there are so few of them. All of that could be incorporated into software, to know instantly.

I think this is just the right time to do this. It should've been done long, long ago. With so many people needing help now for the first time, who know nothing about what's out there, this could be a really important thing to have in place as soon as possible.

[Why Syzygy]

1. Good idea. It's a maze.

As it stands, the system puts undue hardship on people with disabilities.

[Waiting For Everyman]

2. Thanks, WS! Yes, it IS an additional hardship for people,

who already have at least one major life crisis to deal with.

FDR's WPA put lots of white-collar people to work on projects which needed doing. I think this is one today which we could really use, and will probably never be done except under such an emergency stimulus program. It could be a positive result from this crisis which could be a permanent asset and built on afterward.

[dajoki]

3. Yes...

This has been something that has bothered me for a very long time, you are left on your own to try to find available services and benefits that are available to you. Many people miss out because of this.