Answers to questions about our work in the United States

Why is there poverty in the richest country in the world?

Poverty in the United States is fueled by many causes. Educational, social, political, and emotional challenges all contribute to the condition of need in the world’s wealthiest nation. The symptoms of poverty include hunger, homelessness, unemployment, and despair.

Poverty often spans several generations in families and communities, creating a sense of hopelessness that is difficult to overcome.

Learn more about poverty in the United States.

How can I help raise money for World Vision's ministry in the United States?

World Vision invites you to join us in a number of ways to care for people in need in the United States:

• Make a donation online to support our work with children, families, and communities in the United States. You can also send a check marked "U.S. Programs" to World Vision, P.O. Box 70384, Tacoma, WA 98481-0384
• Contact an office near you to find out how you can get involved.
• Consider a short-term mission trip with World Vision.

What volunteer programs does World Vision have in the United States?

Learn more about volunteer opportunities in the United States.

What kind of ministry does World Vision conduct in the United States?

World Vision is committed to the well-being of children and youth living in poverty in the United States. Our goal is to strengthen the fabric of a community through youth empowerment initiatives and by equipping individuals and local partners with the knowledge and resources needed to help children thrive.

We provide lasting solutions to poverty, strengthening our nation’s communities in greatest need by:

• Empowering children and youth to serve as leaders and advocates for change in their communities, while influencing others to do the same.
• Equipping a community’s child-focused organizations to strengthen and expand their services to local children and families in need through training, coaching, network-building, and more.
• Responding to U.S. disasters by training communities for emergency response and meeting immediate and long-term needs in the wake of disasters.

In 2011, World Vision’s work benefited more than 2 million individuals in the United States, more than half of them being children and youth. Your support will help equip even more U.S. children and families to strive for a brighter future.