But even little changes can make a big difference. And when we work together, each small effort can help to turn the tide. The stories in Portraits of Hope are great examples of how we can find permanent solutions to poverty.

Want to help? Here are some easy things you can do. To add your own ideas, click here.

1. Learn more!

Do you know who’s affected by poverty? Or what it’s like to make the tough choices that living in poverty demands? Take the poverty tour for a better understanding.

2. Connect with a group:

Identify proactive groups in your own community that are addressing the issue of poverty. Many are organizations initiated and led by poor and low-income people. They are looking to empower themselves and create permanent, community-based solutions to poverty and need your help. Find out about how you can get involved with CCHD projects in your community; contact the CCHD director in your local Catholic diocese.

3. Take out your checkbook:

Money is always needed. Once you find a community-based group that is working to break the cycle of poverty in your community, make a donation directly to them. Or, you can make a donation to the Catholic Campaign for Human Development’s national headquarters and they will add your contribution to the annual pool of grant money that is distributed on the basis of need.

4. Listen before you leap:

Ask before you donate things to an organization. Often they are overloaded with certain items and in desperate need for others. Find out what they need the most: Clothing for job interviews? Home furnishings for families? Books and used computers for school-aged children? Call the organizations or agencies in your area for a list of their most wanted items.

5. Deliver a letter, the sooner the better.

Once you know the facts about poverty, share what you've learned with others. Write a letter, a column for a newsletter, talk to friends and family — at school, work, church, or wherever else opportunities arise. Others will benefit from your informed viewpoint, or may know of ways you can help.

6. Give of Yourself.

Share your time, talents, professional expertise or other resources with an organization, initiated and led by poor and low-income people, as they empower themselves and become leaders in their communities. (Be sure to be upfront how much you want to be involved or commit in time, it’ll make you a better volunteer.)

7. Take poverty apart:

There are many issues affecting the lives of poor and low-income people that can make it hard to break the cycle of poverty, such as being able to earn a living wage, finding affordable housing, gaining an education, having access to health care or public transportation. Is there an issue that speaks to you? Choose one place to target your efforts. From affordable housing to computer training, you can find organizations that address a range of issues.

8. Watch a video:

Arrange for your local group to view the CCHD documentary, "Among the People: Facing Poverty in America," a powerful video that puts a face on American poverty, personalizes the problem and inspires action. Copies are available here.

9. Go shopping, invest wisely

You can help support groups that are trying to end poverty with your purchasing power. Make financial choices that help bring economic opportunity to low-income communities, such as buying products or services produced by local self-help organizations. Start here for shopping ideas: http://www.usccb.org/cchd/edshopping.shtml

10. Watch what you say.

Be aware of how you speak about the poor in America. Using derogatory terms when talking about low-income families or others experiencing poverty doesn’t help your neighbors who are struggling with economically challenging situations. If you are a parent, talk to your children about prejudice and justice when the opportunity arises.

The Catholic Campaign for Human Development is one of the nation’s largest funding organizations for self-help programs for the poor. To find out about or get involved with CCHD projects in your community, contact the CCHD director in your local Catholic diocese.