Support local charitable organizations that help the homeless. Then, instead of cash, give the individual a slip of paper with the address of the charity.
But, if handing someone who appears to be in dire straights some cash makes you feel better, more power to you.
When I lived in Corpus Christi there was a continuous presence of people with signs at the major highway intersections. (There are only two major highways in Corpus.) A newspaper expose showed that they worked in teams with one of the members outside while the other(s) stayed in nearby stores to enjoy the air conditioning. After reading that story I noticed that most of them had very new-looking shoes. Gotta treat your feet well if you earn your living standing all day. These "teams" would average a take of $40 per hour, tax free.
So, you either need to give freely and not think too much about it, or take steps to make sure you are not encouraging such behavior.
But, if handing someone who appears to be in dire straights some cash makes you feel better, more power to you.
When I lived in Corpus Christi there was a continuous presence of people with signs at the major highway intersections. (There are only two major highways in Corpus.) A newspaper expose showed that they worked in teams with one of the members outside while the other(s) stayed in nearby stores to enjoy the air conditioning. After reading that story I noticed that most of them had very new-looking shoes. Gotta treat your feet well if you earn your living standing all day. These "teams" would average a take of $40 per hour, tax free.
So, you either need to give freely and not think too much about it, or take steps to make sure you are not encouraging such behavior.