Thursday 25 May 2017

How To Support Inner City Charities

By Nancy Watson


Helping the poor is a duty in most religions and philosophies. In any case, it just makes sense. If society as a whole is healthier, everyone benefits. Anyone can find something to give, whether it's money, time, or talent. Inner city charities help focus giving on specific needs, which can be basic requirements for existence or assistance in achieving skills that mean a better future.

Inner cities have problems that are easy to ignore. Affluent people tend to congregate in up-scale areas of downtown or escape to the suburbs. 'Urban renewal' projects have revitalized many areas. However, many poor people were dislodged from their homes to make way for the high-rise apartment buildings, trendy restaurants, and upscale shops. Although their situation might have been far from ideal before they were forced to move, many ended up worse off than ever.

Fortunately, every city has its saviors who hope to help those who desperately need it. The homeless who live on the street need places to go, food to eat, clothes to wear, counseling to cope, and opportunities to thrive. Tourists may give them a dollar here and there, storekeepers may let them earn a meal or sleep on a grate, and the museums may let them come in to warm up or cool off. However, it's the year-round, night-and-day organizations that really serve this population.

The true work in the inner city is done by those who labor year-round, who offer help night and way on a face-to-face, personal level. These efforts need the support of those who can give money and time. Missions house lonely individuals or whole families down on their luck, keeping people from having to sleep in their cars or on the streets. Food banks provide regular help in the form of groceries and household essentials.

Often the meal that a shelter or mission provides is the only one the truly poor get. Recreational facilities for children keep them off the streets after school, mean that they won't have to go home to an empty house, and make gang membership less attractive. Having the hope of a college education can keep youngsters in school and give them the future they deserve. Learning English can help an immigrant get and keep a job.

There are many organizations that provide hands-on help. There are also foundations, often sponsored by one or more wealthy individuals or by corporations, that support these organizations with funding and by raising public awareness. Public or private entities give directly and also sponsor fundraising events that are part of the urban social scene.

People can help by writing a check (it's important to make sure the recipient is an effective and responsible group), donating new or used clothing, giving time to a food bank or shelter, or tutoring someone who needs academic help. The first step is realizing that there is a need that can be met. The second step is deciding to do something that will make a difference.

Some people can give a lot in a magnificent gesture. Others may decide to skip their morning latte and give that money to a deserving cause. Those who cannot give financially may be able to do even more by giving of their time and talents. The more people who help, the more people who are helped. It's as simple as that.




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