It's not just poor countries. There are reports of homeless living in rich places like New York who have stolen power for basic survival.
Stealing power for basic survival... Just can't image something that would require stealing power. Fire does a good job for heating and cooking. Color TV and Nintendo aren't really survival requirements, which is what was in a homeless camp in Orlando, they 'relocated' a few years ago. They removed the service plate from a street light, and ran an extension cord off into their camp. Not sure it served other purposes, the video game is what stuck in my mind.
I've got a hunch that a good portion are homeless by choice, pretty low stress living, no bills, no boss, just basic needs and getting hassled by the cops. Some are probably wanted by the law, or well known sex offenders, who would get beaten severally if identified.
Most any place that hands out free food, cloths, blankets, and soap, usually also provide lists of resources, that these people can use to get off the streets. Most any church will help in anyway (except give out cash).
We get a lot of homeless people around here in the winter, and it's a small town. Wonder if they come from out of state, or too much competition in the big cities...