Could Free Handouts Be Hurting the Poor?

The majority of so called “anti-poverty” programs are actually designed to keep people in poverty. We treat the symptoms of poverty with band-aid solutions while neglecting to explore programs that prevent and treat underlying issues.

As a result, we have created an entire under-class that has no hope, no motivation and inadequate support moving beyond a poverty lifestyle.

 

If we really want to help the poor, we need to do more then give them a free handout. While that solution works fine for a crisis situation – it will only hinder the growth of those who live in chronic poverty.

We need to get into the trenches and make significant life investments. This includes challenging core belief systems while providing basic life skills. It is in this context that those we help will more fully encounter the love of God.  As they experience meaningful support they begin to have a vested interest in their personal growth. From here they can begin to see God’s vision for their life. This will always include the call to be a positive contributor to the world at large. It is here that provision is supplied.

Unfortunately, a large number of people living in American poverty have no desire to take responsibility for their life. Therefore, few want help out of poverty – they only want greater satisfaction while staying in it. But this is not helpful for the individual and it is toxic for society at large. Victims of a poverty and entitlement mindset must embrace the call to become active contributors, not merely passive consumers of society at large.

In addition to investing in genuine growth and change for poverty victims, we need to take on the systems that currently keep people locked in such lifestyles. Many social support systems “penalize” people who attempt to move beyond poverty. There is a gap between qualifying for social supports and genuinely being in a financial position of self sufficiency. Many people fall into this gap, face unmet needs with added stress, and then determine that it is not worth the effort to try to improve their financial condition. It is here that the church has the greatest opportunity to creatively fill in the gap – meeting needs of those who are genuinely pursuing responsible living but still need help in the process.

If the church does not move beyond a “benevolence” approach to meeting the needs of the poor in this country, I fear we are merely harming the very people we claim we want to help. We need a vision and strategies that include empowering (not simply serving) the poor. We need to advocate systemic changes that will actually undergird those moving in the right direction while minimizing supports for those who refuse to make wise, responsible life choices.