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The problem with taking a reductionist view of various conditions present within a given society is that it ignores the contribution that society collectively makes to the prevalence of a given condition.
There is significant epidemiological research correlating social position with health. So while one could argue that a lack of willpower is a personal issue, the fact remains that the children of the poor or chronically unemployed are more like to have issues with a whole slew of things including depression and chemical dependency. This puts these folks at a disadvantage and this disadvantage, though not insurmountable, makes it so a disproportionate number of them will be a net drain on the system. It stands to reason that society as a whole will benefit from interventions designed to reduce the extent or effects of disadvantages associated with growing up in poverty. So while some might find it distasteful to help people who have seemingly put themselves in a bind, we might all benefit if that distaste could be swallowed.
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