For me it depends also, we don't see that much of it in my city, but yes they are there, we have a reasonable welfare system in my country so i don't see why these people have to beg myself, however some kids and adults do busking to raise funds for a school trip or whatever and if i have a few dollars spare which is rare i probably would give them something for their efforts.

We have people on the roads who want to clean your windscreen at the lights, they hope to get some money from you,however it is dangerous for them and illegal but they still do it, i figure at least they are getting off their butts trying to earn something,mind you some people take the cleaning on offer and give nothing, that is just plain mean spirited IMO.

Like many others i would prefer to give to the salvation army and places like that who help out the homeless and poor and at least you know the money is going where it is needed,but again it really depends, one if i have any money on me, and i rarely carry cash and just who is begging for it,sometimes my heart just melts and i will give if i think i need to.