A Face of Poverty We Don’t Always See

The LA Times is publishing a four-part series on poverty and how it affects children. Its impact is astounding. Volunteering at the LA Mission, I’ve seen poverty up close. But typically, the people I interact with are adults. The first article in this series describes how in the suburbs, poverty is harder to see, but it’s still there. Instead of in tents and cars, multiple parents and kids are living in single-family homes. Families of four are staying in one room, and even garages.

For me this series was a reminder of how far-reaching poverty and homelessness is. Even when we can’t see it outright, it’s there. It’s also a reminder for me of how important giving is.

Another day? Another ask?

But this is the challenging situation. There are so many needy causes out there. Poverty and homelessness is just one. According to Grant Space, there are more than 1.5 million nonprofit organizations in the United States alone, including public charities, private foundations, chambers of commerce, fraternal organizations, and civic leagues. Most organizations have a fundraising arm, which facilitates multiple asks throughout the year, and especially in December when end-of-year-giving gets an added focus. With all this demand, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed, or like wherever you turn there’s another solicitation.

I get it. With the added financial pressures of the holidays, I think feeling cynical amid all the need is common. There are so many asks, and we can’t say yes to everyone. Therefore, with every ask, we feel guilty at best, and just plain broke at worst.

Still, when I read stories about kids not being able to go to school and falling behind because they picked up scabies at one of the nightly discount motels they’ve been forced to live in, I cannot not emphasize the importance of giving. It is my hope to not burden others, but to inspire others, because I know the need is so great.

3 ways to make a difference

I drilled down to three rules of thumb when it comes to giving that may alleviate the stress of multiple asks and the desire to have the most impact.

1. If you’re being pulled in multiple directions, give where your heart tells you. Pick however many causes or populations that most resonate with you and focus your giving in that specific direction. You’ll be able to concentrate your donations, and you’ll become more in tune with the programs and activities of that organization or charity.

2. Another thing that discourages people from giving is the perception that they have to give a ton of money. This I cannot emphasize enough: Every gift counts, no matter the amount. If multiple causes pull at your soul, know that it is okay to spread out your gifts among many organizations. Everything adds up and every donation makes a difference.

3. Finally, consider what giving looks like beyond just writing a check. Organizations have different “wish lists,” and there are needs that transcend financial donations. Reach out and see if the organization needs supplies, volunteer hours, equipment, or your expertise. This can open up new opportunities in philanthropy and giving at a higher level than what you want to do monetarily.

Stories like the one on poverty and the children of LA are not few and far between. This one and others affect me personally, and there are countless more that resonate with all of you.

During the holidays, I encourage everyone to give — or do — what we can. It is a hard time of year, with multiple solicitations and multiple good causes. But they are all good, and they all need support.

Happy Holidays and God bless you all!

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