Under Construction
Individual Development Accounts are a relatively new phenomenon and strategy for poor people. Pilot projects exist in several states. Basically it is a program to enable poor people to save money and provides matching funds in much the same way an employer matches 401(k) funds. Such projects work with both government and private funding and the programs include financial management classes, budgeting, a target goal, and a set minimum amount the participant must save.
It is one of the more hopeful and perhaps helpful projects I have seen for poor people. A version of this is operated for Housing Authority particpants here in Santa Cruz (CA) county.
I am working on finding out where these programs are available and also if they will be available locally. I read recently about a program in Santa Clara county.