Is giving money the only way to help poor people?

1. 59

   HimanshuKatiyarposted 11 years ago

   I think giving poor people is not only the solution as giving money to poor peoples not giving them the knowledge of How to use it and earn it..
   Infact i think literacy is the only solution as they become literate they find out themselves new ways of earning a good amount of money and become rich.
   Poor peoples in india as i belong to india, are thinking that they are poor and die as a poor but they have not the thinking of becoming rich. If we want become rich and have the positive attitude then nobody can make us poor and If we have the feeling that we cann't doo anything don't believe in myself then Nobody can make me rich...
   so, the conclusion is that we should make aware the poor peoples about their thinking and talents. Then only we can remove the poverty.

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      Goodpalposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, Himanshu. There is certainly the role of mindset. Pessimism automatically comes with sustained poverty but what they need is opportunities, support in food, education and medicare and a job-centered economy.

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      HimanshuKatiyarposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      yeah you are write goodpal

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2. 89

   Gypsy Scribeposted 11 years ago

   No, it isn't. I have seen my patients in the back of my ambulance having, as far as they were concerned, the worst day in their life. Money is not everything. Nor is education. When you are at the bottom of a pit those are the last things you want. Help, obviously, but what more? Kindness. Kindness with a healthy dose of respect.

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   elizabethbergerposted 11 years ago

   I believe that you have to help people help themselves. If you give someone money to help themselves, and they do not not know how to help themselves, they do not know how to use the money.

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      Goodpalposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, empowerment is the best form of help. Still better if it comes from the State and society as an institutional measure. There is a limit beyond which individuals can't do much.

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4. 73

   itknolposted 11 years ago

   Giving money to poor people is like giving fish to someone instead of teaching him how to fish.
   
   Following this logic it is supposed from us to help, teach and feed poor people in order to really help them. Once they can "stand up on their feet" - we've helped them and all can move on with their lives.
   
   But since most people don't have the time to even eat properly, do you believe this is realisitic? Honestly, I think that the whole concept of giving money to a beggar, for example, is excusing ourselfes from the fact that we cannot afford to trully help them because we are too busy with our lifes. And, to some extend, I believe they are aware of this fact as well.
   
   Another sad truth that I believe is worth mentioning is that people are not productive when their comfort level is low. I mean, its common for someone to see a beggar and say "get a job, dammit". But let's look through those unfortunate people's eyes - you've lost all your belongings, (likely) all your relatives as well, sleep on the street, haven't eaten or baved for days... sounds like something so depressing that finding the inner strength to get back in the system would be the achievement of a lifetime. And on top of that, regular folks are scared from homeless people. What's left for giving them work.

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      Goodpalposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks, you rightly described the plight of the poor - helpless, powerless, excluded and marginalized. Remove these conditions, they are as good (or bad) as anyone else. This is precisely Amartya Sen's Capability Theory of Development!

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5. 49

   frenzelposted 11 years ago

   no, money dont last, you can also give shelter, food and work for them

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      Goodpalposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Ideally, we need to make the poor strong and capable enough to look after themselves. This is precisely what Nobal Laureate Amartya Sen's Capability Theory of Development demands. We need to shift focus from economic growth to people's capabilities.

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6. 51

   Dzakposted 11 years ago

   Most people would be satisfied with the current time to get money out of nowhere, but it does not solve their problems by themselves are not aware of what is in fact their problem. The money would be for people to make life easier, but if you do not know how to keep yourself under control we can not expect that our life will be complete. I believe that whatever you give the correct man at the time he was missing it, will be able to use in correct purpose, which leads to the fact that you helped him.

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      Goodpalposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      More than money, the poor need empowerment and opportunities to participate in the economic and social processes. Lack of money is just one of the symptoms, not root cause of poverty. There is the whole social dynamics that creates poverty.

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7. 0

   Lybrahposted 11 years ago

   I don't think so.  I think you can spend time helping out.  You can volunteer to help in soup kitchens or tutor children.  You can spend time with people, or help clean and paint houses.

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8. 56

   ultimatecrowdfundposted 11 years ago

   I've always found that giving time is much more rewarding.  Most charities charge an administrative fee and a fundraising/membership fee on all donations.  For example, a charity might charge a 10% fundraising fee and a 15% admin fee leaving 75% of your donation going to the actual program.  When you donate your time, 100% of your donation will go to the cause.  Spending time with a favorite cause can also be contagious and your friends or family could decide to join you.  When you donate money you are mainly left with a tax deduction.  When you spend time helping someone you will definitely remember the experience...and so will the people that you help.

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      Goodpalposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Whether charities or not, any thinking revolving around money can't solve the problem of poverty. Charity can at best give you "moral high." "Know the poor" and poverty will be gone in no time! So involve with them as you rightly said.

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   Billie Kelpinposted 11 years ago

   At the core of poverty in America is the disparity of wealth, the lack of true profit sharing, greed that ceases the wealthy no matter from what station of life they started.  There is one and only one way to adequately help the poor and that is to fight for changes in corporate structure and attitude.  Companies like Zappo Shoes seem to be going for a whole new hierarchical system. The need for corporate change needs to be shouted from the pulpit.  It's very discouraging to hear that Boeing was recently able to get the union to agree to not striking for 10 years. 
   
   It doesn't have to be this way. 
   
   Until we say "no" by voting for policies of fairness to employees; until we agree that NO ONE can live decently on the minimum wage as it is set now, until we stop supporting companies who have unfair policies to its workers and start praising positive change when we see it in corporations, there will be poverty.  Again, it just doesn't have to be this way.  If we change our thinking, we can change a system that has become off-kilter

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      Billie Kelpinposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      "ceases" is supposed to be "seizes"  Ugh!!!

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      Goodpalposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, Billie, you have rightly touched upon the core issue. The world needs a just system of politics as well as business. Why 1% humans (who are the richest) control almost half of wealth?

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10. 60

    dugger62posted 11 years ago

    If we have it we should give it..
    
    Luke 11:11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?
    
    We help the world by ending deception and give Our Heavenly Father's Truth
    
    HOW DO WE GO TO OUR HEAVENLY FATHER IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH ?
    
    LET US WORSHIP YAHUAH IN TRUTH AND IN SPIRIT...... john 4:23-24 !
    
    you can't worship our heavenly  Father in the Flesh,  GO WORSHIP HIM IN SPRITH AND IN TRUTH !
    
    ---->>>> BY  FASTING 3-4 DAYS  NO WATER NOR FOOD !
    
    DENYING OUR FLESH, AND REPENTING ,
    
    AND PRAYING TO YAHUAH IN YAHUSHUA'S NAME AND THUR YAHUSHUA
    
    AND STAY IN YAHUAH'S LIVING WORD ALWAYS FOR IT IS OUR LAMP UNTO PATH  AND A LIGHT UNTO OUR FEET...
    
    ---->>> YAHUAH WILL REVEAL HIS TRUTH TO YOU ! 
    
    YOU NEED NO MAN TO TEACH YOU  1 john 2:27 !     
    
    
    
    YAHUAH SAID :
    
    Joel 2:12
    
    Therefore also now, saith the Living YAHUAH,
    
    turn ye even to me with all your heart,
    
    ---> and with fasting,
    
    and with weeping,
    
    and with mourning:
    
    
    
    YirmeYAHU (aka jeremiah)  17:5 This is what the Living YAHUAH says
    
    "Cursed "  is the one who trusts in man,
    
    who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Living YAHUAH

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11. 90

    Room of My Ownposted 11 years ago

    Giving money can help provide basic necessities such as food, clothing, shelter, educational opportunities and medical care. That said, I also think that kindness, compassion, empathy, and understanding are gifts that can be given without spending any money. For example, what is the point in giving to an organization that provides services for people who are disadvantaged if you yourself can't smile at, say hello to, or get to know the person living on the street in your own neighborhood? Sometimes just the act of acknowledging someone and reminding them that they DO matter can provide an esteem-building boost that can make a world of difference in that person's life.

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       Goodpalposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       You are absolutely right. If people learn to be kind, compassionate and understanding poverty, along with other social ills, will simply vanish. Charity is just a short term relief, not a permanent solution.

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12. 51

    mohiuddinbd80posted 11 years ago

    Giving money isn't even a way to help the poor if it was then the various charities should have solved the proverty problem ages ago.
    
    Here on TV every day we see terrible pictures and hear the mournful voiceover asking us to save a child from lack of clean water, starvation, or illness usually somewhere in Africa.

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13. 61

    magictrickshqposted 11 years ago

    I have seen many great charities use teaching as a way to help the poor. Depends on the situation of course. But in some poor countries education is a great way forward for the next generation who can then help their parents with the money they earn in new found professions.

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       Goodpalposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Education is perhaps the best form of empowerment of the poor. It helps them come out of poverty on their own.. It is like "teaching to fish" than giving fish!! The poor need empowerment, not charity.

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14. 52

    DennyMinnposted 11 years ago

    Yeah , I agree with P. J. O'Rourke , because you give money to poor people ,may be can alleviate their poverty in a short period of time ,but never make them out of poverty .

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       Goodpalposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Yes, charity doesn't remove cause of poverty, just its symptom like hunger or clothing. As you said, it only perpetuates poverty.

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15. 50

    amoladixitposted 11 years ago

    Yes poor people need to survive so that they will require food home education and so many things all this need money. so it is very obvious
    to give them money.still it is questionable that how they will use it for better.
    as far as whole poverty is concerned it depends on people choice.

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16. 53

    ahsankhan142posted 11 years ago

    Its not the only way but its the best way < I Think
    Ahsakhan12

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       Goodpalposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Why is this the best way, Ahsankhan?

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17. 58

    Angela Kaneposted 11 years ago

    No it isn't, people can also give them clothes, old items, old cars they are no longer using or allow them to stay in a second home they may own at a reduced rent so it can work within the person's budget.

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18. 69

    cebutouristspotposted 11 years ago

    Depends.  Giving money to start a business/livelihood that would generate a recurring income then yes.  Giving money as a means to supplement their nutrient intake then no.

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19. 61

    thishumilityposted 11 years ago

    No, because of money there is poverty, I mean money is only a certain measure of wealth. The same thing as money means ownership and possession. If I will say learn to understand life and discover the truth that is STOP yearning for all those material and earthly things and learn to live as simple as possible, be contented with what you have, and mainly just simply learn to look around and be happy and satisfied since mother nature provided us everything. Therefore poverty is only a matter of insight and the problem is how to make those people who think they needs help because they are supposedly poor....

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       Goodpalposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       So, it is all a matter of attitude. The question is: How to develop this attitude in people?

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       thishumilityposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Only those who are willing to learn will gain knowledge on the other hand those who cannot understand or just not willing to learn the only thing I can say is "blame yourself". Therefore poverty is not a big issue in this life.

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20. 78

    yourbodyweightposted 11 years ago

    Its not all about the money even a smile could help him, trust me.

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21. 0

    articleshomeposted 11 years ago

    Absolutely true that you can't get rid of poverty by giving people money. When we give money to poor people, it depends on how much help somebody can provide to a poor people.
    For medicine
    for education
    for clothes
    for shelter
    for food or money for any other reason is good help if that person, used  the money for some good reason as I listed above.
    But If he used this money for alcohol, drugs and gamble then given money is making him more poor.
    In my opinion financial help is good if the money is used for something good. I have seen some poor people with the help of money today they are living much better life than before(without others' financial help)
    There is no doubt that money is not everything, but money plays an important role in our day to day life.

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       Goodpalposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Don't you think empowering them with knowledge and skills and assimilating in the mainstream society will solve their poverty forever. Money or charity are just like bandages, not cure of the disease!

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       Au faitposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Nothing is guaranteed to help forever.  Lots of people with college degrees are living in tents in the U.S. right now unable to find work.  Just because you know how to fish doesn't mean there is a need for fisherman at any given time anywhere.

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       Goodpalposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Au Fait, you have a point. So, what is the solution in your view? Is something wrong with the system that 15% live in poverty in the "wealthiest" country in the world? Free market economy always has ups and downs.

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22. 87

    Sherry Hewinsposted 11 years ago

    I like the idea of Heifer International. They give people an animal, like a cow, goat or chickens. Raising these animals improves their circumstances, and they are required to pay it forward by giving some of the animal's offspring to another needy family.
    
    Of course, this still requires money to buy the animals and to administer the program.

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       Goodpalposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Great Idea!! Nobel winner Muhammad Yunus's idea of empowering the poor through microcredits has revolutionized anti-poverty efforts across the developing nations as well as in "rich" nations like the US. Poor people need empowerment, not charity.

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23. 60

    Maricarmjoloposted 11 years ago

    No. You can help them by giving food. By doing that you will be sure that the money you gave them will not be spent on vices like smoking and drinking alcohol.
    You can also help by giving time to them. Have a conversation with them. This will make them feel that they are not alone.

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24. 52

    LindsayJennposted 11 years ago

    No , I don't think so , except money , there are also other ways to help poor people , such as take attention to them , In spirit to support them ,encourage and help them to start a business etc .

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25. 68

    amiebutchkoposted 11 years ago

    I think the best way to help a poor person would be to get them a job that they could be successful in.

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    Traci Ruffnerposted 11 years ago

    I think, if you really want to help the poor, you should give your time rather than just money.  Many poor people are in the situations they are in because they lack community.  Often they lack the social skills necessary to make friends and build a safety net around themselves.  I know that if something were to happen to me financially, I have family and community that would not allow me end up on the street.  That is what many poor people are lacking.

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       Goodpalposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Community and family support are really wonderful. The wave of individualization has washed away these assets. But people are social beings and need these things in society. There is more to human life than money.

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27. 59

    Lilanie Angposted 11 years ago

    A big "No". Giving money is just a temporary means of helping poor people. But educating them on ways and means of how to earn money will definitely help them in the long run.

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28. 62

    sparklingcrystalposted 11 years ago

    I think another way to help poor people is to educate them. Some poor people take advantage of the fact that someone can just give them money, therefore they won't make an effort to work at all. But by teaching them and educating them, it will help them develop their minds and skills making it easier for them to find jobs.

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       Goodpalposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Yes, education is empowering. Poor need empowerment, more than anything. That's the best way to get them out of poverty.

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    alln2fashionposted 11 years ago

    Money is temporary, but if you discover why that person became homeless is key. Depending on the answer it is then you can take steps to help the person to move toward finding permanent shelter and establishing themselves.

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    Craeftposted 11 years ago

    My girlfriend and I are as poor as poor can be. If it weren't for her parents, we would be on the street, though we are trying to improve our situation.
    
    This needs to be said:  WE DON'T WANT GIFTS!
    
    Instead, she's trying to sell her creations and I am, while trying to find a job, attempting to do some freelance design work. Yes... it is giving money to us, but we don't want it for nothing. We would prefer to do something in return for it, hence her trying to sell her crafts and me trying to get design work.
    
    Technically, the only gift I want is a karmic break. I want the chance to show that I can work to earn my living; preferably in my field of study, but basically anything that I can physically do. Or even better, the chance to open my own business... but sadly... that takes the afore mentioned money.
    
    Because my girlfriend has MS, there's not much she can do in terms of steady income (again, hence her crafts) but at least I could, if given the chance.
    
    So:  tl;dr:
    I don't want a gift of money. I want the gift of chance to earn my own.

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       Goodpalposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       You have really analyzed your poverty as a truly wise man. I sincerely wish you well. As you rightly said, charity (gifts) are not the sustainable solution of poverty, opportunities are The trouble is: we are just growing the economy, not developing.

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31. 50

    SJcowgirlposted 11 years ago

    There are actually alot of ways to help poor people. Making them meals, donating clothing and other items, helping them get out of or cope with their situation, helping them clean, doing repairs for them in their homes, etc.

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       Goodpalposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       You really have a kind human heart that you can think of so many ways to help the poor. Presence of a poor is an opportunity to serve our own selves. When we help them honestly, we are actually healing our inner self. It is foolish to be cocky.

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    Globetrekkermelposted 11 years ago

    Not at all. Although that helps.the best  is giving your time because that is the hardest thing to do.

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33. 60

    ravenlt04posted 11 years ago

    No. I used to do social work in a low income area. My clients benefited more from actually receiving the items they needed like clothing or food. They appreciated my time and attention above all else.

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34. 71

    Kemet Musiqposted 11 years ago

    No Way! We need to teach the less fortunate survival skills. Don't feed the poor and homeless, teach them to feed themselves. Teach them how to become self sufficient. So that there money goes a long way. Invest your money in education centers and alternative food and energy sources. We must create a society where food and energy is a public good that is maintained by the community.

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       Craeftposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I think I know your intent, but that came off as kinda rude. I know survival skills, the law may have a problem with me hunting squirrel in the city. I could survive fine in the woods. We don't need survival skills. We need a way to make a living.

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       Goodpalposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Any role of system in poverty, Kemet?

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       Kemet Musiqposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I mean like cultivating and preserving produce. Creating energy efficient buildings using new technology. Networking and communication. Addiction relief etc. Survival skills in the new world of information and science.

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       Craeftposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Kemet:
       I grew up on a 240 acre farm. I know agriculture and how to hunt. 0 of that helps in today's society if you want to be PART of that society or if you're urban. I also work tech (including SEER). And are you assuming that all poor are addicts?

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       Kemet Musiqposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Well your a smart guy. Did I say that all poor people are? I offer solutions to problems. I don't think throwing money at a problem makes it better. It just prolongs it. You can make what is called a greenhouse. They work anywhere, even in winter.

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       Craeftposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Kemet: I would TOTALLY be down for that. If you offer the supplies, I will make it in a HEARTBEAT. In fact, it's already in my plans if I get out of this rut (full bio-system with rabbit hutches). I don't want money... just opportunity.

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       Kemet Musiqposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Good luck man. Opportunity comes in the form of struggle. Find your struggle and you will find your opportunity. I am doing the same thing in my city. I am excited about the future. Anything is possible. Its only a matter of space and time.

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    Shil1978posted 11 years ago

    It may be a short-term solution and a life-saving one for some, who may be in dire straits due to starvation or sickness. However, the long-term way to help the poor is certainly in empowering them through education or helping them acquire the skills necessary to acquire a job; however, money does play a part in that too. So, maybe the answer to that would be part money in the short-term and in the long-term money that goes into financing their education or acquiring technical skills.

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       Goodpalposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I wonder why there are so many poor and homeless in a rich country like the US? Why isn't there a system to empower people? What stops from having a system where people are assured work?

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    Zeeshan Aminposted 11 years ago

    I think the best way to impart a skill that can be used for earning.

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       Goodpalposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       And it must be really difficult to do it, looking at so much poverty? Why even the US has homeless and extremely poor people? Even people with skills get kicked out to road. Something must be fundamentally wrong with the system.

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    Traci Ruffnerposted 11 years ago

    When discussing the issue of "how to help the poor", many well meaning individuals fall short of understanding how complex the issue is. We need to stop trying to fit all of the poor into one group. read more

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    the cat lover 101posted 11 years ago

    No it's not the only way.you can give then expensive stuff,furneture,clothing,ect.But,if you want to you can give them money

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       the cat lover 101posted 10 years agoin reply to this

       money can hurt so it's a good idea not to give them money

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       Craeftposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Money can hurt?
       No money can hurt more. We live in a society that requires money, unfortunately. Now I'm not saying go out and give the impoverished hundreds of dollars or anything, but that comment could be considered somewhat offensive to the poor.

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    zduckmanposted 10 years ago

    Giving money can help in the immediate short term. Meaning yes, money does help if someone cannot afford food or shelter, however this is a temporary fix, and a Band-Aid on the wound.
    
    The adage "give a man a fish ...he eats for a day, teach a man to fish....he eats for a lifetime" comes to mind. We need to place a higher value on community and on education, because when the lowest rung of civilization does well....it lifts all others up as well, creating a culture of abundance. When the focus is on the top rung of civilization doing well....all others are held down and oppressed, creating a culture of scarcity.

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    pmarinovposted 10 years ago

    I believe that giving money is not the way to help the poor. As bad as it sounds, they get use to it and they won't help themselves. I would in myself give money towards something, like finding a job, get education or a class, find shelter give food. There are better things to do than give the poor money! That's my opinion

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       Goodpalposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       You rightly pointed out charity is not the solution of poverty. Empowerment and just economic system are the right solution.

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41. 0

    Thoushallnotkillposted 10 years ago

    In a perfect world , there would be enough jobs for everyone. No minimum wages that keep people depending on food stamps and other assistance programs.  In a perfect world, there would not be homeless and despair and want.  There would not be crimes against humanities.  There would not be racial divide, religious persecutions, etc..  But we don't live in a perfect world.  We have let our manufacturing leave our country creating a void of middle class jobs.  Reducing family income  and savings .  Lower middle class is now the upper poor!  How does this change for us all?  We have college degree  kids working at McDonalds because there are no jobs for them in their chosen field..  What does McDonals pay per hour and do they let you work 40 hours/week, or do they limit you to part time as so many other stores and restaurants do this!  How do we change this, how do we create new middle class paying jobs?  Why? Why?  Why? Instead of debating , lets start doing!  In my honest opinion, It is our government that keeps it this way!  It's set's us  up to keep the wealthy powerful and the rest of us, barely getting by.  I truly don't believe that all the homeless, all those on SNAP, all those getting unemployment insurance are doing so because they prefer this to work ?. it is those in power that  want us   to live like this.   .30cents more an hour from a mom and pop shop isn't going to change the despair!  But creating substantial means of employment will!  Bring our manufacturing back, stop letting the wealthy hide money over seas to avoid taxes, etc.. Maybe then we will be on the right track towards a solid economy.   I have elderly clients that were business owners, have master's degrees , use to own property and are now living off social security , food stamps and medicare!  Now if that's not depressing to you, there is something wrong with your humanity button  The switch is off!

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       Goodpalposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       You are basically referring to imperfection of system. It certainly is. Here is a sane answer from a unknown small country in Himalayas, called Bhutan!
       
       http://goodpal.hubpages.com/hub/Bhutans … -the-world

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    Tommi Baileyposted 10 years ago

    Giving money is absolutely not the only way to help the less fortunate.
    As a single mother, I am on a tight budget, and I am always looking for ways to teach my children the importance of helping others.
    In many cases, giving your time is just a valuable as giving your money.
    Once a month, we volunteer at the local soup kitchen.
    During the holidays, we volunteer with the angel tree project.
    Any clothes, toys, furniture, etc that you no longer use are always a welcome donation at thrift stores.
    My family and I organized a "free" yard sale at a local homeless kitchen. We called around for canned food, toiletry  and clothing donations, cooked several big pots of chili, and set everything out like a yard sale. Then we invited everyone to come eat some chili, gave them bags of toiletries and canned food, and had them pick out 2 outfits each.
    It's not about a, "hand out". It's about humanity, letting people know that we are all on this planet together, and having or not having money doesn't make you any better or worse than anyone else.

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       Goodpalposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Brilliant! You really know the important of community and caring for others. World will become a better place only if more and more begin to think like you. Have a good day!

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    Chuckposted 10 years ago

    Giving money to organizations that help the poor is one way to help. However, you can also volunteer time, skills or expertise as well as goods such as food, books, clothing or other materials or equipment that can be used by those in need or by others to help improve the lot of those who are less fortunate.

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    mochirajacksonposted 10 years ago

    I tend to agree with P.J O'Rourke. Giving money can be helpful in the short term but, once it's been spent, the person is back to square one. It is much better to teach poorer people how to get out of poverty by helping them improve their skills so that they can get better jobs that pay more and by teaching them how to manage the money they do get so that it goes further.

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       Craeftposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Mochira:
       I think I see where you're coming from with that, but as a poor person with 3 degrees, I feel it to be an ignorant statement... "teach poorer people how to get out of poverty...etc". "Teach them how to manage their money" kinda offensive.

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       mochirajacksonposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Hi Craeft,
       Sorry, didn't meant to offend you. I do volunteer work and most people who come in want help with managing their money.  Most can't afford food. I haven't yet met anyone in this position who has a degree so thank you for bringing this up,

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       Goodpalposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       I can understand your anguish Craeft. It is the system that is at fault. It is a shame if a nation fails to look after its own people and their well-being. GDP growth alone is not development. It only helps the rich corporates fill their coffer.

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    Mr Medposted 10 years ago

    not really . u can also help him by being gentle and kind to him . by making him smile , be positive .... etc

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       Goodpalposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       You are right, but if poverty is systemic, individual efforts are not sufficient. Here is a great example from a small country on how to look after people: http://goodpal.hubpages.com/hub/Bhutans … -the-world

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    Snøwmanposted 10 years ago

    If you give a man a fish you feed him for a day, if you teach a man to fish you feed him for a lifetime. So no, giving money is not the only way to help.

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       Goodpalposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Yes, teaching how to fish is the best way. In common language we call it empowerment, capacity building or in Prof Sen's words, enhancing people's capabilities. Mere GDP growth does not work; development goes beyond growth & must focus on people.

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    itssarahjposted 10 years ago

    Well most people "pacify" them by giving them some change or practical things to get by. Getting rid of poverty is going to take a lot more than pacifying.

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    Crissyliteposted 10 years ago

    One can always give his time and try to make a difference in other ways...
    outreach
    education
    social justice
    opportunity

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       Goodpalposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Wonderful, you appear to have strong feelings for suffering of others. If injustice is removed from the socio-economic system there will be no poverty.

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    manatita44posted 10 years ago

    Giving of money does not help people. Giving is an inner thing and comes from within. Actions by themselves have no power. What matters in action is a vibrant awareness of the power of God. That is to say, actions becomes powerful, when there is sincerity of purpose; purity of intent. This kind of action gives tremendous joy.
    
    Consider the following statements:
    
    “Wherever you go, go with inspiration and aspiration.
    Whatever you do, do with love and concern.
    Whomever you see, see with purity's beauty
    And responsibility's glory.”- Sri Chinmoy.
    
    "Anything that you do to become soulfully one, devotedly one, unreservedly one, unconditionally on with the Will of the Supreme, is selfless service. If you can do the highest form of meditation on the psychic plane, mental plane and vital plane, then you are doing the best form of selfless service. _ Sri Chinmoy.
    
    So if you wish to 'serve' poor people, (note not help, that is God's domain) then pray for them, meditate on their behalf using my inspired aphorisms from Sri Chinmoy as a guide. In other words, I am simply asking you to serve others, whether through smile, words, laughter, money and so on, in a spirit of love and inner surrender to God. Hope this helps.

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       Goodpalposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       "...sincerity of purpose; purity of intent..." You just nailed down the reason of so much poverty! It is the absence of human traits of kindness, justice, serving people in need and so on that is responsible for poverty even in rich societies.

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    Greg Deanposted 10 years ago

    Absolutely not. In fact, money solves very few problems. in some of the countries I have traveled to, being a beggar is big business for corrupt people. They drug children and force disabled people to lay in the street begging for money. They then collect the money at the end.
    
    You may be better off assisting to build orphanages, or buying survival packs such as blankets and food, socks and shoes.

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