so, the last few days ive been working in london.

when i get a chance been doing a little exploring in and around park lane + edgware road and surrounding areas (W1/W2)

(not sure whether its to my misfortune? or not!)
ive been passing by some areas where there are some homeless/tramps/beggars (delete where appropriate) etc

so my question is this, are they really beggars, and really poor? ive not handed over any money to them, but afterwards i think, should i have donated something? (didnt have anything that i thought was worth giving on me at the time, but plenty of shops that are nearby to make a healthy purchase to help)

are they the types that sit out on the street begging with pictures of kids that arent really theirs, then at the end of the day go home and add up their takings, or are they genuine poor people who have no money and no homes etc to go back to?

some of them genuinely look poor, but they seem to be decently clothed and look quite healthy. are they playing a trick here, or what? or are they just getting some good handouts from people who are nice/honest/caring enough to drop a few quid or clothes to them to give them this healthy/well clothed look

felt like a cunt walking past and ignoring, although sneak peeked at some of the pics they are holding etc and started to feel sorry for them.

i would really like to help whoever and however many people that i possibly can (without feeling like my pocket/arse has been damaged) but dont want to help the wrong type of person (i.e. someone who is a deceiving cunt who doesnt really need the help/money/food at all)

my thoughts were to actually buy some food or drink, and offer to some of these people. not wanting to give actual money (not even pennies) as im fearing that ill be doing the wrong thing by doing so.

wanting to offer food or something that is worth more than money to someone who genuinely needs it.

any help or suggestions?

anyone else ever thought or done the same?

whats the best way to go about it?

i dont give to charities as i dont like the idea of cuts being taken out of the donations, would sometimes (when i have the time) like to help out genuine people in need, directly, in cases where possible.

in 2 minds on this myself!

is it a waste of time, or not?