Some of those hurting need to try a little harder to live within their means. I get it that inflation has eroded buying power but some need to get over the need it now mentality. If you can't pay your electric bill then maybe you shouldn't buy the newest iPhone, a new car, ribeye steaks, more house than you can afford, etc.
When the covid handouts happened, I was in porters and watched the loaded bulk carts and bricked out package cars with
that people didn't need. They had cash burning a hole in their pockets and had to spend it. Should have put it into a rainy day fund or paid down debt.