The official definition of a third world country has to do with the country’s political stance or alignment with either capitalism or communism (first and second world) or non-aligned with either (third world).

Since the overriding common characteristics of both second and third world countries is poverty and economic dependence on capitalism or more advanced and wealthy countries, most people equate poverty and limited or non-existent resources with the third world.

Now, consider Orange County California—by all census and other standards, the richest county in the United States. Yet, there is an invisible third world village there, dependent on the population surrounding them—a population who doesn’t know they exist. There are similar villages across the USA. Three of their children die on the streets EVERY DAY.

Who are they? They are homeless youth. Most have been kicked out of their homes by abusive parents, or they’ve run away because of sexual and physical abuse. Many have parents or a parent who was sent to jail, leaving them alone to fend for themselves. For whatever reason, many have taken to the streets. Some fall prey to prostitution or drugs to survive. Others continue to attend school, holding out hope they’ll be able to survive, get a job and do better once they graduate.

All of them need food, housing, medical care, mentoring, tutoring and help. Stand Up For Kids provides that help, all for $25 a month. That’s less than a dollar a day.

Many of us complain that we’re helping third world countries outside the USA, so here’s your chance to do something for a third world village inside the USA—homeless teenagers. Here’s your chance to help. Make a $25 a month, tax-deductible contribution to Stand Up For Kids by clicking HERE.

People ask me all the time if they should give money to homeless people on the street. I tell them to trust their gut, give only when they want to and they’re comfortable with the idea. I’m telling you that now too. Almost all of the staff at Stand Up For Kids are volunteers. I believe in what they’re doing. I trust them and what they’re doing. I’m asking you to support them, whether it’s $5 or $25 or more. Help get a kid off the streets.