Sorry, I guess we have different definitions of middle class.
Someone who is poor and doesn’t have any assets will not have any option for an emergency fund. Won’t they be living paycheque to paycheque?
I thought your original query was regarding someone who has funds to leave in cash for an emergency, or have it invested? This person should have access to a line of credit, or have some form of liquid asset that can be converted Ina n emergency. Many in the “middle class” have this option.