When Helping Hurts by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert Summary

When Helping Hurts provides a faith-based framework for poverty alleviation, emphasizing the difference between temporary relief (emergency aid), rehabilitation (rebuilding post-crisis), and long-term development. It critiques paternalistic approaches, arguing that effective aid starts by recognizing mutual brokenness and empowering communities rather than creating dependency.

This book is essential for church leaders, missionaries, nonprofit workers, and Christians engaged in community outreach. It’s particularly valuable for those designing short-term mission trips or benevolence programs, offering actionable strategies to avoid unintentional harm while serving.

Yes—it’s a seminal work in Christian poverty alleviation, with over 430,000 copies sold by 2017. Major churches like Saddleback and Willow Creek revised their outreach strategies using its principles, and it’s required reading for organizations like Hope International.

1. Relief vs. Rehabilitation vs. Development: Use relief only for crises (e.g., natural disasters), rehabilitation to rebuild post-crisis, and development for long-term empowerment.
2. Avoid Paternalism: Don’t do for others what they can do themselves, as this undermines dignity and perpetuates dependency.
3. Address systemic and spiritual brokenness: Poverty stems from fractured relationships with God, self, others, and creation.

Effective aid begins by diagnosing needs accurately (relief/rehabilitation/development) and involving recipients as partners. Programs should “start small, start soon, and succeed” to build confidence, while mobilizing local communities for sustainable change.

The MHC (Material Poverty, Heart, Change) framework emphasizes understanding poverty’s root causes—both material (e.g., lack of resources) and spiritual/relational brokenness. Lasting change requires addressing heart attitudes and systemic issues, not just symptoms.

The book warns against “resource paternalism” in missions (e.g., giving handouts indiscriminately). Instead, teams should partner with local leaders, focus on relationships, and prioritize projects that align with long-term community goals.

• “Until we embrace our mutual brokenness, our work with low-income people is likely to do far more harm than good”.
• “The goal is not to produce results but to walk with people in long-term discipleship”.
• “Jesus came to declare good news to the poor—in word and deed”.

It critiques “quick fix” approaches (e.g., food drives without follow-up) that foster dependency. Instead, it advocates for asset-based development, where communities identify their strengths and lead solutions.

Some secular reviewers note its heavy focus on Christian theology, which may limit applicability for non-faith-based organizations. Others argue its emphasis on systemic change can feel overwhelming for small-scale initiatives.

The book advises churches to replace cash handouts with personalized development plans, such as financial mentorship or job training. It also stresses verifying real needs (e.g., homelessness vs. poor budgeting) to avoid enabling destructive behaviors.

With rising income inequality and global crises, its principles help organizations avoid wasteful aid. Its 2025 anniversary edition includes updated case studies on disaster response and urban poverty, reinforcing its timeless message.