“These people are lazy. They should get a job?”
“You can’t give money to homeless people, they’ll only spend it on drugs.”
“Giving to charity is pointless … nothing ever changes anyway.”
You might have heard statements like these. When faced with poverty, understanding it can be difficult, and accepting it can be even more challenging. Impoverished individuals not only battle with the daily struggles of survival but also face harmful stereotypes.
In our discussion of the Poverty Cycle, it becomes evident that poverty is not a choice; it’s a situation. Any of us could find ourselves in the position of someone less fortunate – often, a single illness or job loss is all it takes to trigger a downward spiral into poverty.
Our collaboration with organizations helps alleviate poverty’s impact, improving lives for individuals and families. Beyond individual well-being, it contributes to community stability, lower crime rates, and a healthier population in Greater Vancouver and beyond.
Together, new volunteers can help to break the vicious cycle and reduce the suffering of vulnerable individuals from poverty.
Attention: High school and university students, humanitarian clubs
Your Help Turn into Action
- Sandwich-Making for Catholic Street Missionaries crew: The CSM in Vancouver provides outreach with emotional and spiritual support to the homeless.
- Used Clothing Drives for Clothing Ministry: Chona Borres coordinates donated clothing items for the needy. These items are distributed at Church on Five and St. Joseph the Workers’ weekly community meals and the monthly Downtown Soup Outreach organized by 19twenty Church.
- Volunteering at Neighborhood Houses’ Youth Programs: supporting your local community engagement and positive activities for teens and children.
Participate to earn service hours for school requirements, develop leadership skills, and enhance your life experiences. For more details, please email us at [email protected].