The alternative is developing your education, whether in a trade school or University, and working towards a career that is sustainable in the area you choose to live.
That needs several things to fall into place, including lots of perspective from a young age.
Ever tried being born in a single parent family, where the parent is also not the greatest role model (or doesn't have the time, working to feed you) to be?
Heck, who said you can even afford taking time off and going to university or even trade school? Or that you've had enough quality education early on to get through it? And what if you're really not that smart to begin with (which is perfectly normal too)?
A lot of people can’t work or educate themselves out of the circumstances that put them in poverty, and it’s no fault of their own.