Cheaper options almost always mean less jobs. I know lots of cheap places to live - in the middle of nowhere. Small towns that can't even support a gas station: the locals drive half an hour to get groceries. (they are close to their job on the farm, or at least some job that needs to be out there because the farm is there)

These places were great places for the poor. They are close to lots of people and that implies some of those people will be willing to hire you for a something cheap. It isn't a great life, but if you have very limited abilities you likely prefer to make your own choices in life vs whatever the shelters force on you. (some shelters/institutions have been very abusive in the past)