At its core, building safety nets is about creating a safety mechanism that prevents individuals from falling into absolute poverty or facing severe distress in the face of adverse circumstances. Safety nets aim to ensure that vulnerable populations, such as low-income families, the elderly, children, and people with disabilities, are not left without the resources they need to survive and thrive. Without these supports, people may become trapped in cycles of poverty, leading to long-term societal consequences such as diminished access to education, healthcare, and opportunities for economic mobility.

Safety nets are particularly important in times of crisis. During recessions or natural disasters, for instance, people may lose their jobs or homes, and their savings may be wiped out. In these scenarios, social safety nets such as unemployment benefits, food assistance programs, and healthcare subsidies can act as life-saving measures. By providing timely assistance, these safety nets help people weather difficult periods without falling into destitution, offering them a sense of stability and the ability to rebuild their lives.