
The biggest problem with this country is that we are handing all of our money to the wealthiest people and giving little to those who need it. We don't suffer from poverty, but from the lack of distribution of wealth to a starving nation. How can we change this? Ideally, we could redistribute the wealth so that is is far more even, as can be seen in the graphs above. However, this likelihood of this happening is slim. So where do we go from here?
Unfortunately, a majority of those who wish to help do not have the funds to do so, but there are many other ways that can benefit those in need. Let's start by focusing on the 10% of the homeless population that are aging out of foster care. There are so many ways that people can help young adults as they make their transition from being supported by the system to being dropped at the doorstep of a homeless shelter on their 18th birthday. One way many do not even think about is adoption. Even though these individuals are technically adults, they can still be adopted and most of the time it is free.
If adoption isn't for you, also consider being a surrogate family for a young adult aging out of the system. This would include being a mentor to the teen as well as providing a place for them to stay when they have nowhere else to go. It would be like being their family, but without the legal documents stating the child as your own. Similarly, you can provide a job. These are both ways that lack a sort of commitment, but focus more on being a friend and confidant to someone who most certainly needs it.
Finally, you can support a foundation that is working to provide transitional housing, mentoring, or therapy for such individuals. Most times, foster kids do not leave the system unscathed, and need support as they make their transition. They lack the necessities needed to survive. By giving not only funds but also materials to foundations who already provide services, you can give back to those who need it the most.
(To find a group to support, click this link. Resources for aging out.)
Some foundations provide therapy and counseling, others are looking to provide housing or just funds in general. There are so many ways to give to those who are in need. Make the sacrifice. Help redistribute the wealth by giving what you can.