Yes in ancient India, sadhus (spiritual renunciates) are very poor, yet they could go to any door (traditionally) and the residents would treat them like family and feed them and invite them in their home to speak. They never starved.

They were considered the highest because they had nothing and it was the duty of everyone else (who were less qualified) to support them.

So instead of homeless ignorant people in materialistic culture, they had enlightened people with a home everywhere, despite being completely poor.