A true story...

My partner's parents were instrumental in setting up the Eating Disorder's Association of Queensland. The EDA did a fundraiser whoopdidoo in the Botanical Gardens here in Brisbane. The homeless in the park were very friendly and helped them set up all the tents, displays etc. There as a bunch of food served at this event, and the board members thought that it would be decent to donate the left overs to the homeless who had helped out.

So they offered the food ... and every one of the homeless turned down very nice food (it would have been very nice to encourage people to eat if you get my drift) because they get "better food from the Salvos."

I have thought about this problem extensively as it is a rather tricky conundrum. The suburb that I work in is hugely populated with homeless persons of all ages and both genders.

In Australia, the social security system is VERY generous. You can basically claim benefits for your ENTIRE LIFE with no problems (except having stuff all money!). As a result, the minority of "genuine" homeless is minor indeed. This minority includes the mentally ill, dads paying ridiculous amounts of child support, etc etc.

I am sorry to say, from my experience, that most of them are druggoes and winos who became what they became because of irresponsible decisions. With that said, I'd never turn my back on them or advocate turning society's back on them because it is so difficult to tell who is genuine and who is not.