Just like the rich didn't get rich entirely because of their own abilities, poor people didn't get poor because they chose to. Placing the poor people in an environment where there are better education, better healthcare and better career opportunities always results in better financial decision making. So the society bears most if not all responsibilities.
How can we eliminate poverty if it's entirely personal responsibility? Let me quote Mandela on this:
>Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is manmade, and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings. And overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life.