Do you give money to people on street corners or that are at stop lights?

[worldcomflunky]

This may seem like a bizarre question but I am just curious. The only reason I am asking is because I am seeing more and more people fall into the category of having to beg for money either on the streets or hang out at stop lights begging for help. I live in Tulsa and until recently I have rarely seen this around here. I remember giving $20 to a guy a few years ago that I seen at a stop light over and over on my way to class to get my MBA when I was going to night school. After about the 6th time of seeing him there at the same spot and same time of day, I finally helped him out under the assumption he really needed it.

I am just curious of what my fellow DUer's opinions are on this topic. Do you give directly to them or is there a better way to help these people? Or do you just assume many people like this are probably conning you and don't really need the help. With the way our glorious Furhers economy is heading, I think we are going to be seeing a lot more people out on the streets like this in the future. I feel guilty everytime I see these people. I get paid WAY to much in relation to what I do at my job and am just lucky nobody has figured it out yet. I am single with no kids and little expenses so I currently can afford to give to people in need. I just don't know if it is best to give directly to them or to help in any other way. What do you guys think about this?