The Price of Silence

How can we Americans live with the idea that there are tent communities springing up across our land where people like us have no home, no jobs, and no money...lost it all to this economy.  What to do?  I don't know.  Here I am with a retirement check -although not a large one- that is guaranteed, a home that I am not in danger of losing, and a way to pay the bills.  I am lucky, but I should not be so blind to others.  Surely we that are somewhat safe and secure can find a way to help those who aren't (that doesn't require money).  No one I know has extra money; just extra time. Seeing those tent communites rattled me. Any ideas?