Your people are past the peak of their prime. Social & economical decay has begun to set in. The government seems to have become self-perpetuating and careless to the people's needs. Previously common civil liberties and services are disappearing.
Poor: very low income. compared to many. He usually does not or cannot own property. His home is usually of lesser quality, sometimes due to uncaring landlords who may also be the Poor person's employer.
In adulthood you have an encounter with an unusual person, who as far as you can tell, has no home or family. You offer to help in anyway you can. After accepting your hospitality the stranger vanishes leaving a note "Your kindness will be remembered".