poverty
On the Edge or Off the Cliff
By Bonnie Kristian at Christianity Today
· July 1, 2026
· 1 min read
I’ve been writing about issues of poverty for four decades. My brief period of television presence came in the 1990s as the sower of “compassionate conservatism,” a plant that sprang up quickly only to have a thorn-choked death in the early 2000s. But for the past four years, the problem of homeless
Key takeaway My brief period of television presence came in the 1990s as the sower of “compassionate conservatism,” a plant that sprang up quickly only to have a thorn-choked death in the early 2000s.
Why this matters
The issue of poverty, particularly homelessness, remains a pressing concern in the US, with many individuals and families teetering on the edge of stability. The concept of "compassionate conservatism" emerged in the 1990s as a potential solution, but its decline in the early 2000s left a void in addressing poverty. The problem of homelessness has persisted, with many people struggling to access basic necessities like housing and healthcare. As the US continues to grapple with poverty, faith-based organizations and nonprofits, many of which are ECFA-accredited, play a crucial role in providing support and services to those in need. These organizations often rely on charitable giving and donations to fund their programs, making responsible giving a critical component of addressing poverty. By supporting verified nonprofits and staying informed about charitable needs, individuals can help make a meaningful difference in the lives of those struggling with poverty.
About this story
Original reporting by Christianity Today . Christgiving surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: poverty ·
Published: July 1, 2026 ·
Source: Christianity Today ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? I’ve been writing about issues of poverty for four decades. My brief period of television presence came in the 1990s as the sower of “compassionate conservatism,” a plant that sprang up quickly only to have a thorn-choked death in the early 2000s. But for the past four years, the problem of homeless
When was this published? This article was first published on July 1, 2026 by Christianity Today and curated for Christgiving readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Bonnie Kristian at Christianity Today. To learn more about how Christgiving selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more poverty coverage from Christgiving, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .