come upon the town

phrase3

1. •
   (US) To receive public charity; to have one's living supported by public funding.

   • While Brimfield people have never been very rich, they have been prudent and thrifty, and there have been very few so poor as to come upon the town for support. — 1879
2. •
   (US) To make one's debut in town society; to become (known as) a man or woman about town.
3. •
   (UK, no longer used) To become a prostitute; to turn to prostitution.