This is a list of 10 things I believe the church should be doing to help address the reality of poverty. It's time to get real; folks, our mission has nothing to do with multimedia entertainment, latte bars and bookstores; it has EVERYTHING to do with ministering with everything we have:
1. Co-op buying: Buy items in bulk. Break them down and allow the community to purchase at the bulk price. You can work with local farmers and vendors to support the local community.
2. Purchase debt: eliminate entirely or continue payments at zero interest. Work with organizations like strikedebt.org to purchase debts at premium rates -- and pass the reduction on to the community. Getting families out of debt means they can use more of their income for actual expenses and not for the finance company.
3. Microlending: For those needs where additional income is required (car repairs, for instance), pair with microlending partners to help provide options for the community that keep interest rates very low. While the goal is debt free, on a fixed income, that is not always a reality.
4. Community gardens: For many communities, this can be part of the community beautification process as well. It also helps educate people on how to be a part of their own success story.
5. Trade/barter services: If someone in your community needs car repair, find services they can barter (either directly with the mechanic or indirectly with another church member) rather than use limited cash reserves for the repair.
6. Personal Finance classes: Help teach them how to do the most with what they have monetarily and make a budget.
7. Adult education/adult literacy: provide a pathway to better jobs through education and literacy classes.
8. Free/siding scale clinics
9. Housing/Home repair/Habitat for Humanity. Help them to have safe and affordable housing.
10. Living Wage Advocacy.
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