American Poverty Solutions: Baby Steps

What follows is 99 Ways that YOU, yes YOU, can end poverty. If 100 million Americans completed even HALF of the 99 Ways, the world could be radically changed. I sincerely hope that the 99 ideas listed will inspire you and others to help end poverty. Most are simple ideas like handing out bagged lunches to local homeless veterans or offering free transportation and childcare for a single parent family. Other ideas, such as offering free legal counsel or psychological services, encourage professionals to use their expertise to help struggling families and individuals get back on their feet.

99 SHORT LIST
(This list may be copied as needed non-commercially)

1.Donate socks, shows, and new underwear.
2.Distribute bag lunches.
3.Host a homeless dinner weekly.
4.Offer bus services to church potlucks.
5.Give away the shirt on your back.
6.Invite a hungry family to dinner.
7.Pray.
8.Offer employment.
9.Help with childcare.
10.Host an open pantry.
11.Give free after school programs.
12.Offer free hair cuts.
13.Have an open clothes pantry.
14.Offer free medical services.
15.Give free legal council.
16.Offer job training.
17.Tutor in English.
18.Teach computer skills.
19.Council in basic office skills.
20.Get involved in youth programs.
21.Donate toiletries to women's shelters.
22.Donate toys, diapers, and baby essentials to family shelters.
23.Give of your time.
24.Listen.
25.Mentor troubled teens.
26.Foster a child.
27.Adopt a child.
28.Counsel a troubled teen.
29.Report child abuse.
30.Report domestic violence.
31.Donate school supplies
32.Offer to wash laundry.
33.Hand out toothpaste and a toothbrush.
34.Give out gift cards.
35.Invite a struggling family to dinner.
36.Give out water.
37.Offer free psychological services.
38.Write your politicians.
39.Become an activist.
40.Run for office.
41.Vote.
42.Sponsor a child.
43.Volunteer overseas.
44.Volunteer locally.
45.Train migrant workers in basic job skills.
46.Tutor migrant children.
47.Donate your car.
48.Give mommy-and-me classes at a local shelter.
49.Write about poverty.
50.Create art about poverty.
51.Start a website about poverty.
52.Spread the word about poverty.
53.Put your money where your heart is.
54.Protest against social injustice.
55.Write a letter to the editor.
56.Blog about poverty.
57.Podcast about poverty.
58.Pay the rent for a poor family.
59.Bring dinner to a shut-in.
60.Offer companionship to the elderly.
61.Take a shut-in to the doctor.
62.Check in on your neighbors.
63.Offer free housing.
64.Help a child with their homework.
65.Bring dinner to a veteran.
66.Lend a listening ear to a depressed friend.
67.Organize a food drive.
68.Organize a clothing drive.
69.Host a local job fair.
70.Prepare the unemployed for job interviews.
71.Offer free resume' services.
72.Share your story.
73.Pay someone's medical bill.
74.Have a "free" yard sale.
75.Host a fundraiser for a local shelter.
76.Make a film about poverty.
77.Have a free church flea market.
78.Host a battle of the bands as a fundraiser.
79.Pray for the oppressed.
80.Give away a Bible, hope, and a meal.
81.Sponsor a child's education.
82.Donate to disaster relief.
83.Volunteer for disaster relief.
84.Bring a Christmas or birthday gift to a shut-in.
85.Donate clothes and necessities to overseas missions.
86.Volunteer at an AIDS clinic.
87.Volunteer at a pregnancy help center.
88.Love your family.
89.Buy groceries for a needy family.
90.Offer a free transportation.
91.Fundraise for a local shelter with a marathon.
92.Donate your Christmas presents to a shelter.
93.Hire the unemployed for odd jobs.
94.Help an immigrant family.
95.Invite shut-ins to your family gatherings.
96.Give 10% of everything to charity.
97.Practice kindness.
98.Love your neighbor.
99.Do 10 things to end poverty this week and spread the word.