I was homeless last year, by choice, for less than 60 days,  and I can vouch that you all are being suckered into giving cash for a variety of reasons.  It is ALWAYS for drugs and alcohol.  ALWAYS.   I was schooled on how to "work it" to get the maximum cash from drivers.  What to put on a sign and where to stand is frequently discussed.  It is a business and it is lucrative. I was FORCED to do it once.  In under 3.5 hours I had over $500. I was forced to do it or lose all my belongings and/or be beat up/raped.  It is that lucrative.  After that, I went into the shelter until I could get housing. That is what you all are doing when you give money to them. There is no "help".  It is vicious, violent, threatening and competitive.  The homeless already receive free food, clothing, showers and medical care.  They have CHOSEN to live "free" off of others due to their alcohol/drug choices.  That is the bottom line.  I WAS THERE.