Giving to "Homeless" People

Do you?
I live in London and can sometimes be approached 4 times in a day for people asking for money for a "hostel".... Sone can be really pushy and quite aggressive and sometimes, you see the same person with the same story and them drinking beer with other beggars later...
I tend to keep a seperate purse or pocket for change and set a little aside now..
I can't always know if people are genuine, but know there are issues with some hostels charging...
But I have to say I get desensitised now and sometimes pretend to have no change, especially if the person is intoxicated and I feel unconfortable...
I have noticed an increase in beggars (also, people drinking on the street, not that I am insinuating they are linked) and have been told by people who work with homeless that the majority have drugs problems... But some will be genuine too...
I was wondering what people feel about giving money to homeless people?
I live in London and can sometimes be approached 4 times in a day for people asking for money for a "hostel".... Sone can be really pushy and quite aggressive and sometimes, you see the same person with the same story and them drinking beer with other beggars later...
I tend to keep a seperate purse or pocket for change and set a little aside now..
I can't always know if people are genuine, but know there are issues with some hostels charging...
But I have to say I get desensitised now and sometimes pretend to have no change, especially if the person is intoxicated and I feel unconfortable...
I have noticed an increase in beggars (also, people drinking on the street, not that I am insinuating they are linked) and have been told by people who work with homeless that the majority have drugs problems... But some will be genuine too...
I was wondering what people feel about giving money to homeless people?
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Comments
A man seemed a bit flustered yesterday when he tried to stop me and my mate and I said "oh I remember you from yesterday".
I remember seeing another woman pushing a wheelchair up the street in Kings Cross. When I came back, she was sat in it pretending to shake to look like a better beggar.
Which charities are saying not to give?
There was a story earlier this year about someone pretending to be homeless and he was begging on the streets. It turns out he was quite rich and not homeless. I know he's in the minority; but it does put me off giving to beggars.
So what if they spend the money on drink or drugs. That's only what I'm going to spend it anyway.
Tomorrow is a mystery
But today is a gift
That’s why it’s call the present
I guess I generally give money to genuine charities. This is to avoid the charlatans and the liars. I couldn't give a toss if people will spend their gains on booze and tabs but I do give a toss about giving to tossers and thieves.