I think the idea behind these types of programs is not to solve all problems or realize all goals of its beneficiaries, but rather to provide some cushion against small financial upsets that would otherwise derail a person living on the edge of insolvency.

It seems like the evidence falsifies this idea, though.

Just based on what I'm reading it's very likely that your idea of how people are railed or de-railed from life success might not comport entirely with reality, i.e. there aren't really small financial problems that people ride the razor's edge to insolvency.

My understanding of financial problems is that they can only be resolved through huge cash infusions (likely about enough to buy a home outright) or through long-term cash infusions (i.e. a guaranteed well-paying job).

We don't have any mechanisms to provide these things to people, the costs of living are too extreme. I can't suggest anything better, I'm just pointing out the issue.