financing the homeless

When i see a homeless person i always feel obligated to give them some money, but more often then not i dont give in to this urge. the last time i gave some money the homeless couple then began to pressure me about purchasing drugs. Its very difficult to determine who has become homeless through tough circumstances and who has lost there home because they are either lazy or addicted or perhaps even going through mental issues. if you really want to help contribute to their cause you should put your money toward programs that help the needy or perhaps even dedicate your time and energy to something like a soup kitchen. Money may help them out but it is just as likely to contribute to whatever put them in that position. i once knew a man that got food stamps and would then sell his food stamps so that he could purchase more alcohol. its a really tough decision when you see someone who is not well off and a dollar doesnt mean much to you but in all actuality you would be doing a lot more good if you donated that dollar to an organization or if you were to spend it on some food and give that to them. i know it seems insensitive to deny someone in such a hard place some money but it can be nonbeneficial to give them the money.