I think you're on to something here, maybe accidentally in your comment. A "steady trickle" is a great idea. Rather than giving people say, $1500 on the 1st of the month, if it could be spread out to $30 per day after some initial lump sum, then it would require saving in order to buy anything significant. Someone inclined to blow all $1500 on the first day just couldn't.

I guess another solution would be to earmark some amount of the funds for rent or provide vouchers for housing or other services.