Homeless shelters are reported to be overflowing, and it is tough finding a job that pays more than minimum wage. So far 2,900 people have signed authorization cards expressing their interest in joining the organization. They have plenty to be upset about. Being Raised Wisconsin's workfare workers are almost exclusively mothers with young children. There are still too few options for affordable child care and infant care.
Transportation is also a significant barrier to meeting work requirements.
But for W2 workers, any time missed is taken from their benefits check. In the neighborhoods of Milwaukee, one story has become particularly symbolic. A mother who could not afford to pay her utilities, and could not find affordable child care left her young children and infant home with an adult acquaintance. While she was away at a community service assignment a space heater ignited a fire that killed all of her children and left her without a home. Other mothers describe the two hour commutes necessary to get children to school and day care, and themselves to job search classes.