To pick up on what Scott said, it had an impact on me when I moved to a very diverse block with huge variations in the life the residents lived. I have seen it all, up close and personal, including getting to know a few that were utterly "destitute," both economically and "spiritually." That has had an impact on me, intellectually and emotionally.
I might that I have met almost no one whom I considered "evil," to use a judgemental word. They just got trapped by their life story and circumstances. And it reminds me every day just how fortunate I have been in my life, being afforded as I have just about every advantage imaginable. So that to some extent has changed my world view, and my politics. I may be a calculating lawyer type, but I am still human apparently.