Indianapolis storm victims get unruly over food stamps

[Fenway]

INDIANAPOLIS -- Chaos erupted outside Family and Social Services Administration offices in Indianapolis Friday as storm victims lined up to receive emergency food stamps.

The state has been giving out the stamps for the last six days, but police were called to some offices Friday as people waited in line for hours, Call 6's Rafael Sanchez reported.

The FSSA office at 4720 Keystone Avenue was overwhelmed by demand, and several people got confrontational. Lines began forming as early as 5 a.m.

"I was seriously affected by the storm. I lost everything, and I'm listening to people in line and they really didn't even need it," said Nikki Loyd. "They weren't even affected by the storm."

Watch the video

The offices at 3500 Lafayette Road were also swamped by requests for help as people from all over the county waited their turn.

The calm broke when employees told them that they would take applications for people who live in eight zip codes in Lawrence and Warren townships -- areas most affected by storm damage.

Tempers flared and workers quickly lost control of the situation. Police were on standby to calm a crowd quickly becoming unruly.

"Today, if you're not in these two zip codes, sorry about your luck," said Debra Pankow. "This is just crazy."

Officials told Sanchez that the confusion was created by a manager's e-mail about what documentation people had to provide to prove that they qualified for help.

Because of the extent of recent storms, assistance is being doled out on the honor system. People are signing an affidavit that says they are telling the truth. Anyone who would like to report fraud can call 800-446-1993.

Saturday is the last day storm victims can apply for emergency stamps in Marion County. One office will be open -- Community Alliance at 8902 E. 38th St. It will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Chaos Erupts As Storm Victims Try To Get Food Stamps - Indiana News Story - WRTV Indianapolis

[Bigum1969]

These are some seriously stressed out people. I'm surprised this hasn't happened more.

[indyjoe]

When you see stuff like this over not real widespread or long duration emergency, I feel less paranoid about any preparations I make for emergencies. If we lost the power grid for a week, far too many people would lose their head and many would die in the ruckus.

[abnk]

F*cking savages!

[Disposable Heart]

Any one remember what the British square is? Pretty effective at dispersing a mob run amok!

Seriously though: We bought flood insurance on our home, even though it hasnt flooded at all. Many of the "storm victims" are victims only of their lack of preparation. Sorry to say, but they will get very little sympathy from me. Flood insurance doesnt come very expensive either. Your choice (at least with our provider), a six pack every week or flood insurance? Food stamps? Im not sure I want my tax payers money going towards people that cant (edit, WANT) to fend for themselves.

The unprepared people will riot simply because they are nothing more than chimps with opposable thumbs. Now if you dont mind, I am going to hoot and throw things around my cubicle for a while.

[Indy_Guy_77]

Yeah, becaue the "honor system" works sooooooooooo well with folks who are used to getting "something for nothing".

-J-

[Disposable Heart]

Originally Posted by Indy_Guy_77

Yeah, becaue the "honor system" works sooooooooooo well with folks who are used to getting "something for nothing".

-J-

+1. Terrible thing.

What may work is a CCC program again, but wouldnt work due to too many "contractors" complaining about lower wages paid to storm victims to rebuild their communities.

The Civilian Conservation Corps built roads, national parks and other municipal structures in the early 1900s during the depression to give people a job, but also pull America up a little. Worked great. But now, we have too many contractors and construction workers that would definitely be out of a job (or would sue due to what they see as unfair market practices by the CCC).

Think about it. All the homeless and folks who are given handouts WORKING for their handouts. Would teach them something about work ethic and inject this same ethic into a group traditionally associated with laziness. I had to work hard for what I have, why not them?! talk about a hand up, not a hand out. They would rebuild the same communities that have given them so much.

Just my

[nighthawk80]

Yep watched the videos. All I have to say is, it's really sad when you don't even need help, yet you are out there takeing from people who really needs it. They are scum.

[flagtag]

Just think people. This is just a sample of what is going to happen in the future. Things are going to get a lot worse here before it gets better.
Prepare now so you won't have to worry about something like this happening to you - but keep it to yourselves or these types of people will come "knocking" on YOUR door.

[Crystalship1]

Originally Posted by nighthawk80

Yep watched the videos. All I have to say is, it's really sad when you don't even need help, yet you are out there takeing from people who really needs it. They are scum.

Yep!!

"I was seriously affected by the storm. I lost everything, and I'm listening to people in line and they really didn't even need it," said Nikki Loyd. "They weren't even affected by the storm."

Un-frickin' believable!!!