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Homelessness and poverty.
Homelessness and poverty are two of the most pressing issues of our time, affecting millions of people around the world. As reported by Yahoo Finance, the number of homeless individuals in the United States alone has been steadily increasing over the past decade, with over 552,000 people currently without a permanent place to call home (Yahoo Finance, 2022). It’s a crisis that not only has devastating consequences for those affected but also has far-reaching implications for our society as a whole.
The root causes of homelessness and poverty are complex and multifaceted, but they often stem from a lack of access to affordable housing, stable employment, and quality education. As a result, many individuals find themselves caught in a vicious cycle of poverty, struggling to meet their most basic needs and often feeling powerless to change their circumstances.
So… what can be done to address this issue? According to MrBeast, the popular YouTube star and philanthropist, ideally governments should take the lead in building more affordable housing units and implementing social programs to support those in need. As he stated in a recent interview, “Governments should be building homes, not content creators” (Yahoo Finance, 2022). In addition to government support, there are many ways for individuals to make a positive impact.
For example… organizations such as shelters and food banks rely on donations and volunteer work to provide essential services to those affected by homelessness and poverty. Community-led initiatives focused on education, job training, and mentorship can help empower individuals to break the cycle of poverty and build a brighter future for themselves.
However, addressing homelessness and poverty requires a multifaceted approach that involves not only individual action but also systemic change. Governments must prioritize affordable housing, healthcare, and education, “while also providing support services to help people get back on their feet.” Businesses can also play a critical role by providing jobs and training opportunities, “as well as donating resources and expertise to support local initiatives.” ^^, homelessness and poverty are pressing issues that require immediate attention and collective action.
By working together, we can create a more just and equitable society that provides everyone with the resources they need to thrive. AsMrBeast so eloquently put it, “If we all work together, we can make a difference and create a world where everyone has a place to call home” (Yahoo Finance, 2022).
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Jimmy Donaldson has in the past been criticized for using the $700 million fortune amassed by his work on YouTube to right social inequalities. But the 26-year-old , who goes by the online moniker MrBeast, has a question: What would you have him do instead?
The creator posted on X this week about the backlash he has received on videos such as ⁘I built 100 homes and gave them away⁘ and ⁘1,000 blind people see for the first time.⁘
But the content creator —who has launched a philanthropic arm of his brand—is determined to keep up the work in the same vein as many high-net-worth individuals before him.
Posting on the Elon Musk–owned social media platform formerly known as Twitter, Donaldson wrote on Sunday: ⁘When we help people (curing 1,000 blind people, building 100 houses, 100 wells, etc) people get mad and say I shouldn’t be doing this and governments should.
⁘Yes, ideally a YouTuber isn’t the one fixing these issues but I’m not just gonna stand by and do nothing.⁘
MrBeast’s blindness video , posted on Jan. 28, 2023, sparked a debate about the ethics of influencers making content about philanthropic deeds. Donaldson was accused of “making content out of people who can’t see.” Others added: “Now you have to be filmed for a YouTube video to get vision.”
The influencer , who sleeps in his North Carolina studio to cut down on driving time to the office, hit back in February 2023 . Again posting on X, he wrote: ⁘Twitter – Rich people should help others with their money.
EvenDonaldson, who has grown his business empire with the likes of burger brand MrBeast Burgers and snacking brand Feastables, has questioned before why individuals are stepping in to bridge inequalities that should, in theory, be addressed by governments.
