Social assistance applications that is provideded for indigent people in fight against poverty: Province of Sakarya social assistance and solidarity foundations case

Poverty is a multidimensional problem that must be fought not only for individuals and groups living in this situation but also for the whole society. Poverty is also related to the notion of indigence. If a person is in need, it is necessary to intervene to prevent this situation from becoming a problem reflected in other segments of society. There are many state institutions, private organizations, NGOs, and local governments that play a role in combating poverty. These institutions also use the "social assistance" tool in combating poverty and indigence. In this study, social assistance was discussed and the relationship between poverty and neediness was tried to be established. In this context, family/children's social benefits are also included. Social Assistance has been studied in some countries in Europe with its applications within the framework of welfare regimes. EUROSTAT and TURKSTAT data were also used. Again, the legal basis and historical development of social assistance have been the subject of the study. In the field research portion of this study events in Turkey with the help of social welfare organizations, made a formal interview in which SAS Foundations in Turkey aimed to discuss the issue. For this reason, the SAS Foundations in 16 districts of Sakarya province were interviewed with 1 personnel authorized from each foundation, 1 citizen who received aid from foundations and 18 citizens from 16 districts who did not receive assistance. At this stage, a semi-structured in-depth interview method was made in all districts of Sakarya Province, and a study was conducted with 50 people to contribute to the literature. Qualitative research process has been adopted with the literature review on the subject. However, there is additional statistical information. The interviews were coded with the content analysis method and as a result of the findings, similar and differentiated answers in the statements were evaluated. When the obtained findings were analysed, it was determined that there were different opinions in these three categories. Foundation employees stated that they work devotedly for a successful and effective social assistance system. In addition, they consider social assistance as a function required by the social state. Citizens who receive assistance from foundations stated that they cannot survive without social assistance. However, they stated that increasing the amount of social assistance relatively would have a positive effect. Citizens who did not receive assistance from the third and last category of foundations approached the issue differently. In their statements, the distribution of social assistance is not efficient and fair in the current situation. In addition, these foundations focus on the distribution of some in-kind assistance. At this point, suggestions have been made such as making social assistance more equitable from citizens who do not receive assistance, tightening the controls, carefully selecting the employees in these institutions, and increasing the amounts given.