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?
of course, but the more essential thing is to get involved with local orgs that support homeless people. go volunteer at a soup kitchen, or help some anarchists hand out support packages, or donate to a shelter - etc.
deleted by creator