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, there are those who seek to help these invisible people. Cities have large populations of homeless folk who live on the streets and exist in a shadowy world that is not easy to understand. Tourists give them dollars, church groups go downtown with new socks, underwear, and winter clothes, and other benefactors may serve meals in the parks or hand out still-warm hot dogs.

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.

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 need support to continue their good work. Foundations, sponsored by a corporation or a wealthy individual, provide support for worthy efforts. Public and private entities can funnel money, raise public awareness to needs, and hold fundraising events that attract the urban upper class.

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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