I have worked in non-profits over ten years now and my experience has showed me, we are constantly searching for a quick fix. I view it as placing a band-aid over a festering, puncture wound; neglecting to properly address the cause of the wound and properly treat it. Surprisingly, most of the time, individuals in the community non-profits act in service of other people of color. Albeit, I understand the markets I’ve had experience in: Washington, DC, Atlanta, and la Verne and Ontario – have demographics of minorities. Whereas, D.C and Atlanta was comprised of African Americans; in the remaining cities the population was majority Latino and Black - which still counts for the minority. All my experiences have culminated in this fundamental understanding: poverty is a business.
There are wealthy people in Executive positions, in organizations that have been active for decades. Which begs the question: how do they exude generational wealth but only extend the bare minimum to their underserved clients? Simple: poverty is a business. If we devised realistic solutions to heal the socio-economic divides, institutional and systemic racism; disparate access to health care, and break generational curses will these non-profits still exist? Absolutely not. There wouldn’t be ‘social ills’ to raise money to bring awareness to these plights.
Capitalism breeds materialism, there isn’t anything necessarily wrong with desiring quality items. However, I remember one time I was having my clients, teens exiting their childhood and entering adulthood. Their Christmas list consisted of UGGs, iPhone’s, Victoria secret clothing etc., - all items representing a perception of financial stability and inclusion into the ‘cool’ circle. Upon instruction by my supervisor, I coached my clients into asking for gifts $50 and under – limiting their expectations and setting realistic goals. This organization has been running for over 10 years and through my efforts, my budget exceeded our actual needs. We say we want to help and heal our community but how much healing are we willing to do if we don’t promote financial literacy to impoverished communities? Another example is the permanent supportive housing – housing’s first (what kind of model?) model. Shelter is a basic need and corresponds with Maslow hierarchy, but what tools of financial literacy are we giving them while under our care? How are we showing them they can be self-sufficient when bodies in a program equate to the pay you receive for that program to continue to run? Resulting in a ‘Catch 22’.
Some would say well that is materialistic, and I agree getting UGGs, iPhone’s, and Victoria Secret is materialistic, but what about wanting to fit in and what happens at school when you wear knock off clothing? How does that impact the psychological well-being and self-esteem of a person who is already homeless, grappling with self-identity; doesn’t have a support system and is in a program that states they want you to become self sufficient? My answer is confidence. The belief in one’s self is foundation to achieving your goals. It’s the start of setting goals. How can I have a goal and believe it’s attainable if I do not believe I am worthy of what the world has to offer?
Personally, I don’t believe people who have a home to come to, no shortage of food, and stability can fully comprehend this dichotomy. There are times where I truly ask my counterparts of other races, why are you here? Do you truly grasp what the oppressed people are dealing with? I think before we try to assist the oppressed we must understand the nucleus of the problem and extend from there.