In light of yesterday’s article at the NYTimes, maybe some will have a new appreciation of this. The article summarizes a memo (downloadable here pdf) in which Wal-Mart’s board of directors propose ways to hold down spending on health care and other benefits. Ways that those of us who have been among the working poor are all too familiar with. Ways that have been in practice for years – not just at Wal-Mart, but at other employers. Practices that are passed down word of mouth. It’s practices like these that make it near impossible to move from poverty to working class, from working class to middle class. Wal-Mart just got caught putting it in writing. Good. Hopefully this will shed some light on what we have gone thru and what others face every day. I’ll have much more to say, relating personal experience in a later Philly Future post.

As for now – I’m looking forward to tonight and the Young Friends of Project H.O.M.E. event we are participating in. If you’ve been following Philly Future recently, we’ve been trying to raise discussion and interest about the event and in Project H.O.M.E. itself, for the important work they do in our community. More at PhillyFuture:

This evening, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m., the first ever Project H.O.M.E. Young Friends Event will be happening at the University of the Arts. It will be a great opportunity for concerned folks in the Philadelphia area to come down and have the opportunity to meet some of the movers and shakers behind Project H.O.M.E., a hometown organization that has helped more than 7,000 individuals break the cycle of homelessness and poverty since 1989.

The evening will include light supper and drinks, a silent auction, as well as performances and artwork from some of the people taking part in Project H.O.M.E.’s extraordinary programs. WXPN’s Michaela Majoun is the emcee, and among the others in attendance will be at least half of the Philly Future team.

This is a perfect chance to come out and learn more about a great organization, share some great conversation, and further a good cause while you’re at it. If you haven’t already made reservations, you can still get in at the door for $50. And it’s all for a truly worthy cause, so if you can make it, why not come down? And even if you can’t make the event, perhaps you can afford to part with a few dollars for the cause. If so, please consider a donation to Project H.O.M.E.