maintain the status quo that creates them
And what is that 'status quo'
Yes, there are definitely situations widening the rich/poor gap, but a lot of people I see on the streets are for reasons already mentioned by others: drugs, alcohol, or (in the summer) because they want to be *free*
Seriously, in summer we get a flood of what are often referred to as "dog people." Those that are accompanied by a canine companion who hitch-hike across the country, begging their way for food and transportation (as well as other substances where available). They aren't looking for work. They don't want to be part of the "system"