Roughly one in three Americans receive some form of federal financial assistance — and behind every statistic is a person trapped in dependency, cut off from the relationships and opportunities that could help them flourish for good. True Charity Network members work on the front lines of that crisis every day, and their firsthand experience is exactly what policymakers need to hear. In this episode, we walk through six legislative surveys from the past year — covering everything from homelessness to the government shutdown — and what TCN members told policymakers about what's actually happening on the ground.

In this episode, we explore…

1. January 2025: The 18% Rise in Homelessness — members point to gaps in mental health and addiction treatment, symptom-only programs, and housing costs as key drivers.
2. March 2025: SNAP Restrictions on Sugary Snacks and Drinks — most members backed the restrictions, though some raised concerns about dignity and autonomy.
3. May 2025: The Safeguarding Charity Act — members weigh in on protecting nonprofits' tax-exempt status from being reclassified as federal financial assistance.
4. July 2025: Medicaid Expansion — members raise concerns about crowd-out effects, cost, and individual responsibility.
5. September 2025: SNAP and Medicaid Budget Reductions — members discuss work requirements, the welfare cliff, and the disproportionate effect on seniors.
6. November 2025: The Government Shutdown — members describe a spike in demand and administrative chaos as private organizations stepped in to fill the gap.

Referenced Books

• The Crisis of Dependency

Go Deeper

• Use True Charity's legislative impact resources (Network Members)
• How to shape legislation through story (Network Members)
• Be a Voice for True Charity (Network Members)
• Annual Policy Forum (Network Member exclusive)
• TC Takeaway video on public policy involvement

Next Steps

Not a member yet? Join the True Charity Network and connect with a community of practitioners dedicated to walking with those in need toward flourishing.

This educational content is just the tip of the iceberg for practical resources available through the True Charity Network. Check out how it can help you learn, connect, and influence here.

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