i generally don't give to the beggars on street corners. there are a few popular, main intersections that beggars choose. and i do feel bad for them standing there in the heat, cold, rain, etc. but i honestly don't know if they are truly homeless.
we don't have any homeless shelters around here, and it's not the type of area where you see people sleeping on the street (and we don't even have parks or street benches). our local news channel did an investigation once where they video taped a popular street corner and caught 1 of the "homeless" people being dropped off by someone early in the morning and then being picked up late at night. so it was just a scheme to make "easy" money.
i generally avoid eye contact when i'm at those intersections. 1 time a guy went up to my sister's window asking for money and when she said no, the guy started hitting her car and pounding on her window. even when i avoid eye contact, there are still some people who will shout asking for money or they'll come up and knock on the window.
a few nights ago when i was coming out of target, a young lady approached me saying she was selling christmas cards and cookies. she said she was trying to raise money for her baby. i was in a rush so i agreed. it was $5 for 4 little gingerbread men, and $7 for a little card with a candy cane. i gave her $5 and she was grateful and all, but i was probably conned (she was very very well dressed), but i couldn't say no and feel guilty if she was indeed telling the truth. so i like to think i might have helped someone in need and a little kid have a happier christmas...
i'll gladly make donations to trustworthy organizations though.