Governments can do nothing except exacerbate the problem, usually by equalizing the pain shared.
In a free economy, all economic actors can improve there lives thru serving other humans (work) and either saving or spending their just reward(money). Poor people will be around though, either because of unfortunate circumstances which are a part of life and can be mitigated in several LOCAL ways, or they choose to remain poor.
Let's say it's true and one can improve there lives thru serving other humans (work). But: Why would these that aren't as genetically gifted to learn the skills that are best paid (because sometimes hard work is just not enough) deserve a worse life quality (less money) than these that are genetically gifted to do everything right without being a constant struggle forcing your brain to do so?