That's where you and I differ then. I've never turned them down.
We've been homeless ourselves. Lived in a car with three small children till we had enough to get a motel with a kitchenette. Been there done that, which is why we help others when we can. Being poor sucks, especially if you don't suck on the state's teat.
Actually, I have offered to share a meal with them, when asked for food money. Am I cruel to request some fellowship with my handout? Is it improper to ensure the money goes to food, not other things (if the request is "food for kids," I've offered to shop and pay, without asking to sit down and share a meal)?
Please re-read my statement...I never said I don't help, but I was pointing out that the State is gumming up things. Still, a simple handout can be more detrimental than some more effective techniques like getting the person hooked up with assistance.
And now I think of what a friend of mine used to say... She said, "Give a man a fish, and he'll eat for a day... Teach a man to fish, and you get the house to yourself all weekend!" ;-)