Though a meager existance I think it could be if you consider the following, for anyone adult with atleast one minor child:
Section 8/Hud Housing, Federal Public Housing Assistance, can be as little $10 a month for rent.
LIHEAP - Low Income Household Energy Assistance Program - two yearly grants for your utility bill, applied directly to your account.
LINK - food stamps almost $80 per person in your household
WIC - all your dairy, grain, veggies, etc. for pregnant women, women and with minor children under a certain age
Medicaid - Medications, medical care, dental care and vision care
CHASI - Subsidized child care through the IDHS
Free or deeply discounted phone service - The federal Universal Service Fund (USF) supports the Lifeline Assistance and Link-Up America programs. These programs provide discounts on basic monthly service and initial installation or activation fees for telephone service at the primary residence to income-eligible consumers. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), with the help of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), administers the USF.
National School Free Lunch Program - free or reduced lunches for school aged children
TANF - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families - money
Food pantries, clothes give-aways, program like Headstart, etc.
Like I said, it would not be easy, but I think it could be done.
A prime example is the "Relax Inn" on Niedringhaus, they advertise a price for one week is $175, that's for beds, bathroom, linens, cable television, telephone, electricity, heat and gas, mini kitchen - $700 a month.
Again, I'm not saying this is a great way to live, but some are satisifed with this way of life.
Do other countries offer this type of help to their less fortunate? I don't think so, but I don't know.