People that are poor should rely on their friends, family, or church for help, not the government.

I can't really say that I agree with it.  During the Great Depression, Canada introduced the welfare system so the citizens could have some money to continue living.  Without the government, they couldn't have been able to survive.

If you look throughout the Internet, you will see a lot of criticism of the welfare state.

Yeah.  A lot of criticism.

So many things in this world are criticised for not being perfect and people are quick to complain.  Thing is, despite being so imperfect, sometimes it's better than not having it at all.  Without the welfare state, what are we going to do with all the poor people?  They'll probably litter the streets as they lose their money, their homes, and even their families.  Yes the government is in debt, and spending money on welfare isn't helping them get out of it, but imagine the trouble the people who can't sustain themselves will cause for society.  Sure, friends, families, and religion can help these people, but they shouldn't rely on them.  Friends, families, and the church can definitely offer support, but they are not parents.  It is not their responsibility to take care of the unfortunate.  That's the government's job.