In the WDC area many of the “homeless” are in their “offices” at intersections in the suburbs where the Metro stops are nearby. They fan out for their day of “work” collecting money from guilty suburbanites who hand them folding money. I bet they “earn” $100-$200 per day, depending on how long they hold “office” hours. At the end of their “work” day they get back on Metro and go back into the city. Most have some sort of “God Bless You” sign written on cardboard. Not to be cold-hearted, but you might think they could maybe get a real job. Just sayin’...
And miss out on some tax-free spending money?
Personal observation:
I regularly see a woman in downtown DC asking people to help her get some food.
I also see her buying lottery tickets.