There's something almost radical about GiveDirectly's approach: instead of deciding on someone's behalf what they need, they just ask, then hand over the cash and trust the answer. It runs against a lot of instincts about charity — the idea that people need to be managed, monitored, taught how to spend responsibly. GiveDirectly's data suggests otherwise, and that's a humbling thing to sit with.
What draws me to it most is the dignity in it. A family living in poverty knows their own situation better than any outside organization ever could. Whether that means a roof repair, a business, or school fees, letting them decide feels like a small but real act of respect, not just relief.