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By Nancy Watson


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.

Stable, permanent organizations are most effective because they function year-round, night and day offering dependable aid. Shelter is a huge problem for those down on their luck. The loss of a job may mean eviction for non-payment of rent, even for families with small children. Shelters and missions open their doors to those who otherwise might have to sleep in their car or in doorways and alleys.

Other groups help provide recreational facilities for youth, giving them a place to go after school and perhaps reducing gang membership. They give scholarships to deserving students, giving them their ticket to the world. They found and staff adult literacy programs, offer legal help and counseling, and open daycare centers. Helping a young person escape poverty or an immigrant find and keep a job is a life-changing thing.

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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