People who are out panhandling aren’t usually folks in a good mental place. Sometimes they’re a bit off from drugs and alcohol, sometimes from mental illness, and most of the time from a combination of both. Don’t take it personally. I do volunteer work with our homeless charity here and it’s easier to make a real difference that way, you can donate money if you can’t donate time. In general for panhandlers if they ask for a beer outside the 7-11 I will buy one alongside food and a few snacks because I appreciate the honesty. In other instances I’ll give a dollar or two if I have it, especially when it’s someone really old. I always ask if they want something to eat or drink and a lot of times the older people do want something to eat so I give them that plus five or ten bucks. Meanwhile there is a meth addicted guy who’s been waiting for a bus in the same spot for about four months, I never give him cash but do offer food or drink which pisses him off. 😂 You’re a sweet soul for wanting to help but remember that not everyone is honest about why they’re asking for aide and some of these people make an entire career out of panhandling for cash.