Reddit reviews When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor . . . and Yourself

Hands down the best book on Poverty Alleviation is "When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor . . . and Yourself" https://www.amazon.com/dp/0802409989/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ENCPDb8XM4AQ4

It is LIFE CHANGING

Hey, if you've got the skill, maybe construction would be great!! I think I'll make an updated suggestion... and that is to not go where you think they're lacking numbers; rather, go where you're skills contribute the best.

And to you're second point - yes, you're definitely on point which is great. You're being very cognizant and thoughtful of the population you're trying to serve. The idea you're bringing up has been a common complaint in development work for years now. Don't know if you ascribe to a particular faith, but When Helping Hurts by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert is a wonderful book that would address many of your concerns. It is written from a Christian perspective so bear that in mind if that does not interest you. There are so many other great resources though that are secular that point to the same ideas. There are ways to make a short-term mission valuable/helpful, and maintain the dignity of everyone involved! I can dig around for them when I'm at home if you'd like?

For those here with the desire to help, check out When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor . . . and Yourself

Nice piece! Beyond Good Intentions and When Helping Hurts are a couple books which deal with this issue.

I really admire what they're doing. Debt and poverty are difficult problems, because while on the surface they appear to be strictly a lack of material resources, in truth they're often also grounded social/personal/pyschological issues, and material poverty is merely a symptom or indicator. I read a book a few weeks ago called "When Helping Hurts - How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor or Yourself", and it went very in-depth into why strictly material approaches ("this person/organization is short on cash: give them cash") rarely work in the long-term, and how true long-term change requires a change of thinking and lifestyle, which is much more difficult, though doable with commitment and time. Often "stop the bleeding/poverty alleviation" efforts, such as after Hurricane Katrina or Haiti, are done with good intentions, but end up causing more harm in the long-term than they do good.

The book is written from a Christian standpoint/worldview, but much of the content applies to non-religious charitable giving, charity work, and NGO relief efforts as well.


That being said, I do admire and appreciate what this group is doing, sort of spontaneous gifts of debt relief, and it's encouraging to see. Here's hoping there are more who will follow their aspirations!