People stink, but not always.

I'm completely speculating here, so don't take my word for it - but maybe the lack of money really stressed everyone out, made them fight about the money. I know how it feels to see family members fighting, it's really a terrible feeling. Maybe he wanted to escape that.
Again, just an idea. I know absolutely nothing about this family - for all I know, they're the Brady Bunch.

Poor guy... Some police officers wouldn't even think of doing this...

But one did - it's a start, right?

Yeah... Its the little glimmers of hope that make me get up in the morning.

Maybe they couldn't afford comfort and technology because his family put the money to his education instead.

Yeah, comfort is for dumb people, amiright?