Meeting Basic Needs
What are basic needs and how are they met? Successful survival in today’s world requires not only that physiological and safety needs be met but also that people establish stability and consistency in their lives and experience a sense of belonging. Basic needs are met when people have a safe place to sleep, food to nourish them, clothing to protect their bodies from the elements, an safe family or group to live with, hope for a better future, an opportunity to help or be accepted by others. Meeting basic needs requires literacy education, emergency assistance, sheltering, providing food or prepared meals, helping alcoholics transform their lives to regain dignity and productiveness, offering personal items and clothing for sale in thrift stores that provide work opportunities, assisting helping organizations by developing a volunteer workforce.