I really want an answer to this from people who are not reddit-brained libs. I have seen some good points elsewhere about this contributing to a cycle of abuse and control, causing parents to withdraw their kids from school to beg instead, etc., but if someone is desperate enough to humiliate themselves by begging on the street, shouldn't we give to them? Or should I feel bad that I did give to them?
I don't think its right or wrong to give them a tiny amount of money, regardless of what they use it for. If you're worried about that, I've bought them fast food before, and honestly, most of them seem more appreciative of that than getting money.
Also, the best thing you can do is of course, support laws and charities that feed/provide for the homeless.