There are a lot of “state options” for the poor, but these are often terrible and only cover the most basic services. You may not even qualify for this in some states depending on requirements. Like, a lot of places now won’t provide any assistance without an address, monthly interviews or check-ins AND proof of income.

I have been to the bottom at least once when I lost a lot of family members in a short time, lost my business and had a massive mountain of health expenses and debts. I basically lost everything due to circumstances and it was damn nearly impossible to climb out again. The US makes it very, very expensive to be poor. The hoops you have to jump through to get even the most basic help make it almost prohibitive.

If I could suggest anything to anyone out there who has even basic needs met… go donate to a local food-bank/public pantry. It doesn’t have to be much, especially with the holidays. Cash will go a long way, but anything will help from vegetables from your garden to a few pairs of new, cheap socks. Those places saved me and I am paying it back.