Unemployment in the US can be tricky to get. You need to be laid off in the proper manner and then you can only collect for 9 months on average. It would definitely be enough that you don't need to live on tents. It's different in every US state.
Here is one program in social welfare program in PA: a lot of college kids working 20 hours a week in minimum wage jobs qualify even if they're aware. I know someone who did it, apparently there are multiple interviews that are annoying. http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/ServicesPrograms/FoodStamps/ I can't find the specific figures right now but regular old welfare is now called TANF. I remember seeing the numbers paid and they were laughable, not enough to pay rent.
Here is one program in social welfare program in PA: a lot of college kids working 20 hours a week in minimum wage jobs qualify even if they're aware. I know someone who did it, apparently there are multiple interviews that are annoying. http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/ServicesPrograms/FoodStamps/ I can't find the specific figures right now but regular old welfare is now called TANF. I remember seeing the numbers paid and they were laughable, not enough to pay rent.