Yup, they actually used to have private welfare in the U.S. called "Mutual Aid Societies", where people gave a percentage of their income to help each other out when they needed it. It was sort of like a nonprofit insurance where you'd pay into the pot when you had a job and take from the pot when you needed money for food or medical bills. There were people who made sure those taking money out were trustworthy, and then many many people who didn't need it at all contributed as well voluntarily for charity. Worked out way better than what we got now.