Poverty and being poor are different things--poverty is a statistical measure (the bottom 10% will always be there no matter how good they have it) vs truly struggling to to survive. The fact is the social programs in this country will allow anyone to maintain a survivable standard of living.
The people who are homeless and really living a 'poor' life (struggling to meet basic necessities, like being homeless) are almost always dealing with substance abuse or mental health issues.
And if it matters I grew up certainly in poverty, but because my Mother was very careful we always had food and shelter. But I do understand what living on social assistance means--it is enough, but it is not easy, nor should it be.
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