Yes I am aware of this attitude towards poor people. I was born into a poor family. The attitude was that you are lazy, stupid, just not trying. As a child this is hard to take because it's the situation you're born into.
My father had mental health problems. He lost his dad when he was seven or eight and was put in an orphanage for several years. I'm not sure if he saw his mother at all during those years. He eventually went home but it must have affected him. So he could only cope with manual work, there were few opportunities when he grew up in the thirties anyway.
My mother was a shorthand typist but she stayed at home and looked after her four children. We were very poor. I am very familiar with this attitude towards poor people. All of my friends became prefects at school but not me. Yet I was in the top classes with them because I was clever too. I really think it's because I wore second hand clothes.
Anyway I just wanted to say I hear you Alostpuppydog. It was hard work getting a distance learning degree and eventually a good job. It's been a long struggle and I sympathise. Anyone can become homeless. I hope things are picking up for you now.