I liked the New Statesman article that Dave linked to, also.

Here in the U.S., the standard line is that we should give our donations to charities and not to panhandlers/beggars, because many of the panhandlers are not truly needy and can make up to $300 a day in a good spot. Even people I know who operate facilities for the homeless, encourage people not to give to panhandlers.

But it just doesn't feel right to turn my head the other way and not give anything, so sometimes I do give. I guess I'll always have mixed feelings about it, but I appreciate the New Statesman author who flat-out says to give to beggars and not try to discern whether their need is honest.

-Joe-