Nothing is more frustrating than being told what you need by someone who has never lived your reality. A cash-first approach respects people’s dignity and understands that every family’s struggles are different. When money is tight, I don’t need someone deciding what’s best for mem—mI need the ability to make the right choices for my family, whether that’s paying rent, buying fresh food, or keeping the lights on. Cutting benefits only pushes people further into hardship. Real support means trust, not control.