So, agreeing that race can (in some cases) be a good predictor of need, we can agree that the opposite is not true? Case in point, the OP had need, but got no help because he was the 'wrong' race. If your goal is to create lasting racial division and engender feelings of racial inequality and unfairness, race-based discrimination (in the form of benefits) seems to do the trick - here we are, years later, and it still bothers him.