First off, I do often get to talk to these people who are having issues. Many of them are mentally ill, but there is nowhere in this state for them to go and get help since all those programs were gutted in the early 90's. At this point many are forced into prison to get the basic needed help with their mental illness, which often requires medication that they don't have access to and so they self medicate with drugs and alcohol.
Second, the next highest population are the ones who can't afford to live in a house or apt because the rents are too high and these folks don't make enough at their low wage jobs to qualify for loans.
Understanding the issues and the problems connected would be a better choice than trying to justify your smug attitude.