Sounds like the standard of living is likely better in Singapore then. My husband has been there and says it's quite a clean and well-organized city. In Canada, the poor live in various situations, but housing is a big issue. We have some social housing, but the wait lists are long. There are also various financial situations as well. Some people living in poverty have housing and low-wage jobs, while others live off of disability payments or welfare checks. Many live on the street in tents. That's a harsh reality in North America. There is a huge drug problem here and most people it seems who live on the streets are addicts with mental illness. Out poverty rate is rising too due to failed government policies and well... the obvious corruption that is happening over here.