In a World Driven by Profit and Greed, Donovan’s Approach Highlights the Value of Every Individual
I just watched the recent Invisible People podcast with Mark Horvath interviewing Mark Donovan, a businessman and entrepreneur who founded the Denver Basic Income Project. This initiative gives cash to qualifying homeless people in the Denver area to help them get back on their feet. Selected individuals can receive up to $1,000 a month, plus they are given a basic phone with data and minutes that they can use to contact help, services, potential landlords, and employers.
One aspect of Mark Donovan’s discussion that truly resonated with me was his recognition of the untapped potential and talents of the individuals they assist. As I’ve often emphasized in my column, just imagine the remarkable contributions these individuals could make to our world if they were not burdened by the relentless struggle of housing insecurity and homelessness.
Several factors can push individuals toward homelessness or housing insecurity. In today’s world, low wages, sky-high rent, and the exorbitant cost of basic necessities—such as healthcare and groceries—contribute to a perfect storm of financial instability. Many people live paycheck to paycheck, unable to build savings or make investments that could enhance their financial security, unlike those with greater wealth.
Rethinking Education for Financial Literacy
If I were to redesign our education system, I would prioritize the inclusion of practical courses that equip students with real-life skills. Instead of mandating algebra for those not pursuing a science track, I would introduce courses in math and finance that are directly applicable to everyday life. This kind of education could empower high school students to make informed financial decisions and plan for a stable future (though I would not encourage wealth-hoarding behaviors).
I would have greatly benefited from learning the basics of financial management and credit. Instead, I decided to never sign up for credit.
I’ve seen many friends get caught in the cycle of credit card debt, not from splurging on luxuries like stereos or big-screen TVs but from essential expenses like costly vehicle repairs and other necessary life costs. They end up needing more time to pay off their debts, accruing interest, and facing additional expenses like unexpected medical bills. While some friends were reckless with their credit, most used their cards responsibly for essentials and emergencies. Yet, despite their best intentions, many ended up with significant credit card debt, along with student loans and mortgages.
The Dilemma of Credit vs. No Credit
Is having no credit worse than having credit card debt? I don’t know. I cannot rent an apartment without a good credit score, and I can’t rent a vehicle without a credit card. On the other hand, I don’t have debt collectors constantly harassing me or the burden of owing untold thousands of dollars that I could never pay off constantly weighing on my back. I’d say it’s a wash.
However, let’s focus on the core issue: numerous factors can lead to poverty and homelessness, but there are limited mechanisms to help people climb out of these situations. Once someone becomes homeless or chronically housing insecure, it often triggers a downward spiral into deeper difficulties. While some individuals may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope, they do not represent the majority. As is pointed out in this podcast, there are lots of housed and employed people using those substances, too. Even if, like me, you’ve never used drugs or alcohol, it doesn’t mean you can navigate the horrors of homelessness on your own.
I liken it to being in quicksand—the more you struggle, the deeper you sink, and few people ever manage to crawl out of the pit. The few who do manage to get out and back on their feet usually get a big assist to help pull them out of this horrible trap. A project like the Denver Basic Income Project illustrates this.
The Value of Support
A person who can get back on their feet can be an asset. They can become a contributing member of society. However, that can’t happen without help getting back on their feet in the first place.
People who are stuck in a situation like mine are often chronically ill in some way. They may have started that way (as I did). Or, poor health may have developed as a result of brutal, constant stress, chronic lack of sleep, poor nutrition, and exposure to non-hygienic surroundings.
Pulling yourself out of this mess with poor health and no money is pretty much impossible.
For those who can be supported, stability can lead to improved health and opportunities to pursue goals and careers. I once believed this possibility was within reach for me. However, after years of relentless stress, my health has deteriorated significantly. Despite my efforts to stay healthy, I am now in a fragile state.
In periods when my illnesses were almost in remission, I managed to do part-time work as an aide and companion to the elderly. Some might view my contribution as small and insignificant and, by extension, my worth as minimal. Unfortunately, society often overlooks those struggling, leaving many feeling like burdens. This makes it hard to understand why there should be investment in helping people like me.
A Vision for Compassionate Leadership
Mark Donovan’s work serves as a beacon of hope and reason. In a world often driven by cruelty and greed, imagine more leaders like Mr. Donovan guiding us rather than greed-driven corporations fueled by profit. His broader vision is precisely what our world needs—compassionate leadership that sees the bigger picture and values every individual.
