Everyone knows that there are people who need help. It's a duty we all have to help those less fortunate. Many people give money, and when even small amounts are combined there can be significant and life changing results. Others give of themselves by serving meals at shelters, collecting warm coats for elementary school kids, or holding fundraisers. Inner city charities that seek to help the urban poor need our support.
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.
These organized efforts are important, because they provide some stability to those who aren't making it on their own very well. Shelters provide places to sleep for individuals and for whole families who may have lost their home. Sleeping in cars or in alleyways is a very real situation in most cities.
Providing a meal and a place to stay helps on an immediate level. Many efforts focus on longer-term help, like recreational facilities for urban youth, scholarships for talented students, or adult literacy programs. Keeping children off the streets after school may lessen the attraction of gang membership. Helping a young person get a college education can mean a better life. Learning English can help an immigrant get a job and keep it.
The organizations that provide hands-on help may be supported by foundations that make coordinated efforts possible. A foundation may be sponsored by one wealthy individual or by a corporation. Support may be financial, by raising public awareness of a problem, or by hosting fundraising efforts. Many social functions have a humanitarian aspect, even if all that most see is the red carpet.
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 may give a lot, others a little. If all you can do is give up your morning latte and drink the free stuff at the office, so be it. If all of us pull together, everything counts. Give of your time and talents even if you can give money, too. The more we do, the better things will be for everyone.
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.
These organized efforts are important, because they provide some stability to those who aren't making it on their own very well. Shelters provide places to sleep for individuals and for whole families who may have lost their home. Sleeping in cars or in alleyways is a very real situation in most cities.
Providing a meal and a place to stay helps on an immediate level. Many efforts focus on longer-term help, like recreational facilities for urban youth, scholarships for talented students, or adult literacy programs. Keeping children off the streets after school may lessen the attraction of gang membership. Helping a young person get a college education can mean a better life. Learning English can help an immigrant get a job and keep it.
The organizations that provide hands-on help may be supported by foundations that make coordinated efforts possible. A foundation may be sponsored by one wealthy individual or by a corporation. Support may be financial, by raising public awareness of a problem, or by hosting fundraising efforts. Many social functions have a humanitarian aspect, even if all that most see is the red carpet.
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 may give a lot, others a little. If all you can do is give up your morning latte and drink the free stuff at the office, so be it. If all of us pull together, everything counts. Give of your time and talents even if you can give money, too. The more we do, the better things will be for everyone.
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