The Department of Human Services, aka DHS, provides welfare to the citizens of the State of Michigan. And from what I have seen, it is not just another job, it is a personal commitment.

I had the privilege of visiting a DHS office a few years back. It was Friday and I noted that everyone was wearing blue jeans. They told me that every Friday is blue jean day. Then they asked me if I wanted to buy a ticket for their 50/50 drawing. Since it was only a buck, I thought “why not”.

When I asked them what they did with the money, they said that they use it to buy supplies. When I asked what kind of supplies, they said it was emergency supplies like food and clothing.

This surprised me as I thought that the State would provide food and clothing. They said that the State does provide these but sometimes people walk into the office for the first time and have absolute nothing. So, the office lets them go shopping, so to speak, in their storage area.

OK, but again I asked why the State doesn’t provide these emergency supplies. They said that the bureaucracy doesn’t allow them to do that because there is no way to account for the food. So, rather than take the chance that someone would steal a can of beans, the bureaucracy will not fund such food banks.

But, the faithful and dedicate staff at these offices contribute their own money to help the poor. As I said, it is not just a job, it is a commitment.