# GoFundMe has become America's de facto safety net

As traditional safety nets fail to cover basic needs like medical bills, rent, and disaster recovery, millions of Americans now turn to GoFundMe as a last resort. The platform has evolved from a niche fundraiser into a critical—but unreliable—backstop for everyday survival. This shift highlights widening economic insecurity and the privatization of public assistance.

**Importance:** 4/5

## Sources

### Technology
- [The Verge](https://www.theverge.com/podcast/982901/gofundme-ceo-tim-cadogan-fundraising-healthcare-medical-expenses) — 2026-08-24T10:00:00-04:00