Poverty is not created by the poor. It is created by the structures of society and the policies pursued by society. Change the structure as we are doing in Bangladesh, and you will see that the poor change their own lives.
I also believe that providing unemployment benefits is not the best way to address poverty. The able-bodied poor don't want or need charity. The dole only increases their misery, robs them of incentive and, more important, of self-respect."
Muhammad Yunus from the book banker to the poor

Muhammad Yunus has quite the room too talk since he is the one who invented (or at least pushed) micro loans. Micro Loans have helped free millions from poverty. Perhaps simply giving to the poor is not always the best idea? On a similar subject, maybe we should rethink this idea of social security? I do not change soon though, for ideas like that don't get you elected.