Joseph P. Shapiro and Jennifer Seter

In the subsequent viewpoint, U.S. News & World Report writers Joseph P. Shapiro and Jennifer Seter explain why private charities are not equipped to deal with homelessness, poverty, and other social problems. According to the authors, charities simply do not have the financial resources to compensate for recent cuts in federal safety net programs—which have created a burgeoning needy population. Moreover, claim the authors, evidence suggests that private donors are not willing or able to give enough money to support the needy.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. Why did the government first initiate a social safety net, according to the authors?
2. What percentage of charities’ funding comes from the government, claim Shapiro and Seter?
3. According to the authors, what was the golden age...