I usually always give something to street persons who ask me. I figure it must take a lot to even ask for a handout, I'm not sure I could ever muster up the courage to do it.
I only give what I can afford to and even thought I know the money will not be used for say gasoline (as some have said they are out of gas) or food or whatever, I give and let them spend it..... I don't really care what they spend it on.
In times past I have given coats to street people, bags of food and dog food for their pups......why do they have animals?? I absolutely know their story is bogus and they will use the money for drugs or alcohol but I just can't resist people who are down on their luck allbeit brought on by their own bad choices who am I to judge? I just show compassion for them it must be a horrible existence some of them have, if my giving them a few dollars brings them any kind of comfort I'm good with that.