When economic times and society get hard pressed what is the one thing you can do about all the wrong going on around you? You can be a friend. You can slow down, even come to a full stop on your own life, and look around to see what is happening in your vicinity.
To address the needs, think of offering some real friendship and mentor those around you. You will be surprised how many people will tell you how glad they are you took time for them as they thought no one would ever notice how much they were struggling. It could be at work, at church, your neighborhood, the local grocery store, anywhere. Offering the fact that you care is often the most appreciated.