Welcome Lost Chicken! Nice to have a new member. I too love your name - brilliant!
Here I think the biggest danger to the homeless is other homeless who can attack and steal from the more vulnerable ones. That's why many have a poor dog to protect them. Passers-by often give some dog-food as well as some cash.
There are homeless night-shelters (to which we donate regularly) but they insist on no alcohol or drugs being brought in, which I can understand. At least the people can have a shower, a bed and some heating, plus spare clothing.
I do admire the Salvation Army, who help a lot.