volvie- there is a difference if the family that cannot pay for tuition is eating steak, brisket ect for shabbos every week and if they are eating small portions of chicken ect. I have no problem supporting people who are not eating luxuries… Yes, meat is a luxury. If I pay for my tuition costs and cannot pay for meat all the time, then there is a problem with someone I support having meat on a consistent basis.
Heat- I dont think anyone here is saying that they must freeze. But do they have to set the heat at 75/80 degrees when it is 20 outside? it is ok to put on a sweater inside your house.
Can you please explain why I should pay for someone to have a higher standard of living than I do (and i cannot afford to put them at this place)? Halacha I learned once: You should eat less than you are worth, dress what you are worth and provide for your wife and kids more than you are worth. No one sees what is at your table and you dont want people to think that you are living on a different status than you really are. Re: wife and kids, I think that this is up to a point where you do not need to be supported by others to do it.