Sure they'll spend it, but it might be on something that increases their wealth/earning potential. Maybe they buy a washer/dryer and can stop spending time and

Sure they'll spend it, but it might be on something that increases their wealth/earning potential. Maybe they buy a washer/dryer and can stop spending time and money at the laundromat. Maybe they'll buy supplies to start a small business, or pay tuition for a course that'll land them a job. Maybe they'll be able to fix their car so they can actually get a job, etc. I'm not saying we shouldn't work towards a better society, but cash is one thing that poor people desperately lack. Giving it to them directly might improve their situation. And if we're going to distribute money anyway, the real question is whether this proposed method is better or worse than the current one, not if it's completely perfect.