I don't give money to bums very often anymore since I saw a bloke counting a roll of bills he pulled from his pocket which apprwaedf to be more than I made in a week at that time.
That being said, if one says something like, "Sir, I'm hungry can you spare some money so I can eat?" I'll tell them to stand by I'll be right back and buy them a sandwich and a bottle of water or a coffee depending on the weather.
If I'm a little pissed and a wino is asking for money on occasion I'll say I'll give you some but enterain me. Don a dance, sing me a song or tell a joke. At least they are earning it. I think that makes both parties feel better about the situation.
