Why Support Inner City Charities

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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.

Most of us help in some way. We give at church, hand a homeless man or woman a dollar on the street, donate used clothing to a worthy cause, or take socks and underwear to people living under a bridge. We give to United Way.

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 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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