&gt; It&#x27;s completely consistent to say that you have an obligation not to actively hinder someone someone from obtaining food&#x2F;shelter&#x2F;etc., but no obligation to provide it to them.<p>Preventing someone from making use of food and shelter that exists <i>is</i> actively depriving them of it. If there is a (negative) right to freedom from interference with the acquisition of food&#x2F;shelter&#x2F;etc., it conflicts with the (positive) right to exercise exclusive dominion over particular items as &quot;property&quot;.