I have discussed a similar topic with right-wing thinkers in another internet forum. They believed that charity was better done by private, not public means. Let the rich people decide where the money should go.

My understanding of the social safety net circa 1900 was that it was rather hodge-podge and arbitrary. If the rich person did not like the results, the money was cut off--and people that needed further support were cast aside. There was more ideology than sound social analysis as to the needs of the of the poor.

And my main point was that if welfare payments were cut, the rich would not fill the gap in a significant way. For example, I doubt much of the Trump tax cuts of a few years ago found their way into charities.