in the poorhouse
1. dated Literally, living in a publicly-maintained institution for those who are poor. People don't live in the poorhouse today—this isn't Dickensian England.
2. By extension, having no money. Usually used hyperbolically. With a mortgage payment that high, you guys will end up in the poorhouse!
*in the poorhouse
1. Lit. in a (historical) communal dwelling for impoverished persons. (*Typically: live ~; end up ~.) He couldn't pay his debts and had to live in the poorhouse.
2. Fig. in a state of poverty. (*Typically: live ~; end up ~.) If I lose my job, we'll end up in the poorhouse.