What can the average American do to help the poor and indigent here in USA?

Question

What can the average American do to help the poor and indigent here in USA?
Question Details: besides give money to them or the so called non-profit organizations that never really help anyone. are there real groups that really help or do we as a people need to form one? please no silly answers.

Answer 1

I think it's important to find a local organization that really does help. There is a charity here, for instance, where 100% of the donations goes to the cause. The cause is providing clothes, coats and shoes to disadvantaged kids. I give to that charity because I know each dollar I give is accounted for and goes to where they say it will. Do some research on your local charities. I'm sure you can find one that is worthwhile to donate time or money to.

Answer 2

Start giving to what very few charities available that help support the poor/indigent in the US might encourage more people and organizations (including the government) to start helping the people here at home instead of spending more time and money helping people in 3rd world toilets that mean nothing to us.

Answer 3

It is easy to throw around the word "help," but in reality, there are two distinctly different groups, perhaps three or more; those who wants to better themselves through their efforts, those who do not want to or have no desire to better themselves, and those who cannot, either medical or physical (and mental) limitations.

You cannot group them all in one and offer one solution.

Typically, those who wants to better themselves will find the solution themselves regardless of obstacles. For those people, assistance in whatever they need, when they need them will be sufficient. Motivated people will find the solution themselves.

People who do not want to better themselves or not willing to put forth an effort, I'm sorry, I have no sympathy for them.

People with conditions that prevents them from being self-sufficient needs care. Unfortunately, I do believe here in US, real assistance to those people in need are very lacking. Yet, problems are so large, small scale project won't sufficiently address the needs. Yet, state or federal programs are often inefficient and ineffective.

I think, donating money and TIME to existing organizations such as Red Cross, and other volunteer organizations are the best way. We do not really need any more groups providing fragmented services.

Answer 4

One thing we can all do is stop glorifying the wealthy. Instead of watching E entertainment television and programs like Sweet 16 on MTV, we should be reading and informing ourselves on the huge economic disparity in our country. Instead of incarcerating poor people, we should demand that they receive the same quality education wealthier people receive (even though some wealthy people clearly don't benefit at all from their "education" --George Bush, anyone?). If we all stopped trying to keep up with the Joneses and stopped glorifying cars, clothing, etc., we would have more money to give to progressive organizations that help poor people prepare themselves to compete in our society.

Answer 5

I agree with Lakeview on this one.