I would never loan/give money for rent in arrears though. They need a plan and part of that plan is finding a less expensive place to live. They were a bad risk and the landlord took that risk (and profited from that risk), not you.

I agree they need a self reliance class and the church can help there. The classes are wonderful (far better than any Dave Ramsey stuff - though he is ok as well if they refuse help from the church).

Your goal, like God's, should be to help them be self reliant going forward.

Here's what I'd call a very successful example:
I purchased part of my brother's company a few years ago. We wrote up a contract and he got it all back contingent upon him graduating from college and getting an MBA. He made me payments from the company profits until he hit his goals. The company eventually failed and I probably lost some money (I never counted) but my goal in the whole process was accomplished in that he is now completely self reliant.