Book Review: When Helping Hurts

In the book “When Helping Hurts” by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert, the authors emphasise that poverty alleviation is not just about addressing material needs but about reconciling broken relationships. They identify four critical relationships that every individual must nurture:

The Four Key Relationships:

1. Relationship with God: Our spiritual connection and alignment with God are fundamental to understanding our purpose and identity.
2. Relationship with Self: Recognising our own worth and dignity is crucial for personal development and self-respect.
3. Relationship with Others: Building healthy, supportive, and loving relationships with other people is essential for community and social well-being.
4. Relationship with the Rest of Creation: Caring for the environment and other living beings reflects our responsibility as stewards of the earth.

This holistic view challenges traditional approaches to poverty alleviation and calls for a deeper understanding of the underlying issues.

Poverty Alleviation as Reconciliation

The core message of “When Helping Hurts” is that poverty alleviation should focus on reconciling these broken relationships. True poverty alleviation is about restoring individuals and communities to a state of holistic well-being.

Harmful Equation in Traditional Poverty Alleviation

The book presents a harmful equation often found in traditional poverty alleviation efforts:

Material definition of poverty + god complexes of the materially non-poor + feelings of inferiority of the materially poor = harm to both the materially poor and non-poor

This equation highlights two flawed mindsets:

• The rich mentality: Belief that the poor lack material resources (stuff).
• The poor mentality: Belief that they lack spiritual resources (dignity, self-worth).

Both mindsets can lead to a cycle of dependency and harm. The materially non-poor may develop a “god complex,” believing they have all the answers, while the materially poor may feel inferior and helpless.

Walking Together in Partnership

A better approach is to walk together in partnership, embracing the idea that both parties have something to learn and gain. It’s not about a “I fix you” mentality but rather, “God fixes both of us.” This perspective promotes mutual respect and understanding.

Focus on People and Processes

Effective poverty alleviation focuses on people and processes rather than products and projects. It aligns with the worldview of Jesus, which prioritizes reconciling relationships first. This approach ensures that the assistance provided is not merely transactional but transformational.

Forms of Help

1. Relief: Immediate assistance for those who are unable to help themselves, such as the elderly, disabled, orphaned, and victims of natural disasters. This is “doing for” others.
2. Rehabilitation: Assistance aimed at helping people recover from a crisis and regain stability. This is “doing with” others.
3. Development: Long-term efforts to build capacity and enable individuals and communities to thrive independently.

Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD)

One effective strategy is Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD). This approach starts by identifying the gifts and resources that a community already possesses. Instead of imposing external solutions, it looks for ways to build on local strengths and empower the community. By giving money and support that build up local organisations and truly empower the poor, we can foster sustainable development.

Conclusion

“When Helping Hurts” challenges us to rethink poverty alleviation by focusing on reconciling broken relationships. By nurturing our relationships with God, self, others, and the rest of creation, we can address the root causes of poverty and promote holistic well-being. True help is about walking together, valuing people and processes, and empowering communities from within. This approach not only alleviates material poverty but also restores dignity, purpose, and hope.