No matter your religion or economic background, there is something you can do lesson poverty in your own home town. The good news is that helping others with their education, their career or even their next place to live, doesn’t have to cost you more than a little of your time.

Here are some helps to get you going:

• Teach a free class that you’ve organized yourself. Libraries often offer a space to teach free classes and you can help folks who are struggling to get back on their feet. Encouragement for those who are suffering is often the best step in getting them to make changes in their life.
• Housing isn’t always an easy option, but there are creative ways to house those who are poor. Offer a room in your home that you’re not using. In return for shelter, ask for help with outside duties or inside chores.
• Take food or your own help to someone in need of household fix-ups or lawn mowing. Make it feel like a privilege to serve someone in need.
• Be aware. A recent job loss or death in a neighborhood family will give you an opportunity to help. Find out if the family is doing to make adjustments and see what you can do to help.
• Jobs for those who need them take creativity and a bit of an open mind. Instead of sending someone off with a five dollar bill, enlist their help for an afternoon in exchange for food.

Get educated about poverty in America by perusing sites dedicated to the subject; find out what others are doing and join in. You won’t be disappointed about the help you give nor the change that has occurred in your own life.