You raise a very good point. I’ve said for a long time that the most damaging thing about a welfare state is that it completely distorts the human understanding of what it means to be poor.
We actually do a great deal to help the “poor”. Every person and family that receives government benefits are being helped. This money did not fall from the sky, it was provided by (taken from) every person in this country considered to have an “excess” of wealth.
I don’t think anyone should have to see their children starve, or lack shelter, or medical attention when needed, etc., if there are means available to help. With that said, once that is accomplished I don’t think there is any further obligation to help. Once the basic necessities are provided it is up to each individual to help themselves if they desire more. I see no moral imperative to see that everyone dies with the same amount of wealth (or lack thereof).
Based on the Bible and the teaching from Jesus, helping the poor is voluntary and not mandated by the government.
It is not just giving money, but helping them in many ways including treating them with respect, yet not necessarily respecting their sins or way of life.
It also distorts the value of true charity. The welfare state pushes charity to the state.