My uncle is a contractor in New Orleans. He thought he was going to make some good money after Katrina. He decided he couldn't do it. Every time he went to the lower 9th ward, he saw families spending their FEMA money on Escalades, FUBU, and shoes. Houses? Soggy, moldy, and dilapidated.
I had a student last year who was "homeless." Stunk to high heavens. Holey clothes. Dirty. Never had any supplies. We had a parent conference because his parents wanted him to have a one-on-one tutor. He deserved it. We had no idea what they were going through. At the meeting, Mom, Dad, and older sister showed up. All three had I-phones. Mom had a Coach purse. They complained about their check not being enough to cover his school supplies. Of course, we (you) paid for the tutor.
A relative of mine could be the main character from Into the Wild. Loves Tolstoy and Emerson. Extreme reverence for the 60s. Travels from commune to commune always denying a paycheck for the work he does. Gladly accepts his $1200/month from the government (you and me). He's been doing this for four years and has never once been denied a check.