Many sociologists and social workers try to counter such attitudes.

“To suggest that the poor are poor because they are lazy or can’t save money or they are dumb is somewhat self-serving,” MacMurray said. “Those views allow those of us who don’t live in that environment to dismiss it as their problem rather than our problem — to say that they’re responsible for their own failure rather than to say that it stems from the problems of our society.

“Those experiences that fit our mindset, we point out. Those that don’t, we dismiss. That way we can be content with our sense of what the world is without having to change it, even if the reality doesn’t correspond to that.”

Difficult to apply for aid

To the charge that people on assistance “game the system,” Plummer responds: “I do hear comments about people taking advantage of the system. People who say that don’t understand. When people talk about assistance, they don’t know what people have to go through to get it or maintain it. They don’t know what it does to your psyche to stand in line for food, to count on others for food.”

In order to receive and maintain assistance, clients generally must provide documentation such as proof of income and birth certificates for themselves and their children. Many of those who are impoverished also lack the computer skills and reading ability to complete application processes for assistance.

“It’s a challenge if you’re homeless or if you’re in a very transient environment to maintain such personal records,” explained Plummer.

She also pointed to the difficulty of “trying to fill out application forms when you’re illiterate.”

Plummer said, however, that despite some exceptions, local people are not “blaming the victims” of poverty for their own plight.

“People in this community have been stepping up in a way they never have before,” she said. “So much of our population is in financial trouble, and though people don’t have as much to give, they are rallying around each other and giving their time to volunteer to help the community. I have been here since 2004, and what I’m seeing is a community that’s reaching out to each other more than ever.”

Youth groups, families and individuals have stepped up to help Operation Love by building shelves, serving food and spreading hope.

“One woman is volunteering to plant a garden so that we can grow our own vegetables to serve to our clients,” Plummer said.

To gain a true understanding of those in need, Plummer insists that volunteerism is essential.

“Being around those in need, seeing the reality of what it’s really like for those living on low incomes — there’s no other way to really understand poverty.”