What Can We Get From Helping the Needy?
Published March 26, 2023
If you think about it, poverty has existed ever since society was formed. And it will continue to exist for as long as the concept of economic and social hierarchy exists.
With that, why should we help the needy? If poverty is not something we can resolve, why bother?
While there is nothing wrong with these questions, I think what we should be asking ourselves is how we can help the poor and needy.
You see, the only reason why we should help the needy is because we can. You should need no other reason than that. Helping others should be voluntary and not because we’re expecting to get something in return.
That’s not to say, however, that we cannot get anything out of helping others. There are lots of benefits we can get from helping the needy. But that should not be our motivation. Instead, treat them as a bonus, or the icing on the cake, if you will.
That said, we’re listing down some of the benefits of helping the needy as well as what you can do to help them.
Benefits of Helping the Needy
Some of the benefits we can get from helping the needy are:
1. You can make a difference
Making a difference doesn’t necessarily mean taking huge steps like solving climate change or eradicating poverty. Sometimes, it can be as simple as giving a homeless person some spare change. Or sharing your meal with a neighbor in need.
Every act of charity can make a difference. As Margaret Weiss once said: each of us can cause ripples as we move through our lives. No matter how insignificant our actions may seem, it has the potential to change another’s life for the better.
2. It improves society as a whole
When you help the poorest of the poor, you’re raising the standard of living for society as a whole. It may not completely close that wide gap between the rich and the poor, but it can narrow it down. It not only benefits the economy but also improves society as a whole.
3. It makes you happy
Have you noticed that when you help someone, you feel elated? No, you feel more than just elation. You feel that elated satisfaction followed by an exhilarating kind of happiness that can only come from doing good. It makes you feel like you have a purpose.
4. It helps you see life from a different perspective
Sometimes, we get too wrapped up in our own bubble that we fail to see the sufferings of others. We become so focused on our own problems and struggles that we forget others are struggling too.
Helping someone can help you get out of that bubble. It helps you view the world from a different perspective. You’ll learn to appreciate your blessings rather than wine about the things that you lack.
Simple Ways to Help the Needy
Want to help the needy? Here are some simple ways you can try:
1. Practice empathy
Empathy is more than just putting yourself in other people’s shoes. It’s about walking in them, feeling what they feel, and seeing what they see. It helps us understand people rather than judge them outright.
Start by focusing on our similarities rather than our differences. Take the time to get to know others, especially those with different beliefs than you. Throw your biases out the window and unlearn all the stereotypes that you’ve been told. That’s how you can truly empathize with others.
2. Support a cause
Whether it’s promoting access to safe drinking water or raising awareness on social justice issues, most movements ultimately benefit the poor. That’s why supporting a cause is one of the easiest ways to help the needy.
If you don’t have the time, no worries. You don’t necessarily have to march the streets or lobby congress (though those would be great) to support a cause. There are lots of other ways you can show your support, like donating to these causes or promoting their fundraising activities. Even simply educating people about them would be a huge help.
3. Share your meals
If you can afford to eat three full meals a day, then you’re very lucky. That’s something that billions of people around the world can only dream about. So if you want to help the poor and needy, start by sharing your meals.
Simple things like giving out blessing bags for the homeless or sharing homecooked meals with a neighbor in need can go a long way. Or, if you have excess canned goods in your pantry, you can also consider donating them to food pantries, soup kitchens, and other organizations that help the poor.
4. Donate what you’re not using
Got a lot of things that are just gathering dust in your basement? There are lots of people that could be needing them right this very moment. So instead of just throwing them in the trash, consider giving them out to those in need.
Remember, however, that donating to the poor isn’t an alternative to a landfill. You can’t just donate anything that you’re planning to discard. Make sure that you’re donating only those items that are still useful. That means no stained or worn-out clothes, broken toys, or anything expired.
5. Donate your time
Foods and stuff aren’t the only things you can donate. You can also help the poor by donating your time.
Many charitable organizations rely on volunteers to get things done. Try to reach out to the local charities in your area to inquire about any volunteering opportunities. You can also help out in charity or fundraising drives in your community. Or, if you can, invite your family and friends to mount a fundraising yourselves.
6. Be kind
If you don’t have the time or resources to do volunteer work or donate things, even simple acts of kindness will do. Try listening to or talking to someone experiencing homelessness or going through a tough time. A kind word or an encouraging note can already brighten up their day. Even a simple smile can go a long way.
Just remember to treat others with the same respect and kindness that you want to receive yourself, and you’re well on your way to making a difference.
Donate To The Poor & Homeless Of South Florida
Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen has fed the poor and homeless in South Florida over 900,000 hot meals since 1993. Our tax deductible non profit organization also accepts and distributes donations such as clothing, toiletries, shoes, bicycles, and more. You can donate to help the poor and homeless through our website.
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About The Author
Judy Ponio is a professional writer and devoted Christian. She has a passion for writing about topics related to morality and helping the poor and homeless. She is the lead author for the Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen blog.
Correct Digital, Inc is paid by private donors to provide website digital marketing services to this non-profit organization.
