Thanks for your comments. As a small business owner I employ on a part-time basis some younger guys (mid to late twenties). College educated, smart guys, had good jobs but now just lousy part-time jobs. Of course being young they can deal with it okay by living with their folks, etc. But I (and you) obviously don’t want the government telling me who I should hire and at what wages. (Or have the government tell me to lower the thermostat and give the savings to the poor!).
On the personal level, we have increased our giving to various charities for food, housing, etc. The need is huge right now. But based on your comments, I may need to look into how to help some aquantices out on a more personal level. But how to approach them without making them feel bad, etc.?
One friend I am trying to help is too proud to take help. He is literally dying a poverty death. No food, now has a fever, has no money to buy his medicine.
The options are to call the local fire department for a welfare check if you think they are that bad off. Explain the situation to the fire department.
If someone is just in bad financial straights, you have to remember when people feel like the world is closing in ont them financially they get overwhelmed, can't find direction and don't know which way to turn first. In that case, you try to help them prioritize.
For example, a friend that was losing his house was fretting over being late on the property tax payment. I had to explain to him he no longer needed to pay that bill.
Some people will just not accept help. Try a couple of times and then just let them know you are there if they need anything.