Personally, there are times that I give to street beggars and sometimes I don’t. Sometimes I also help in ministries or institutions taking care of them. In our country, the Philippines, it is advised by the government that people should just give to institutions rather than those in the streets to avoid street accidents and also to avoid other beggars to stay on the streets.
helping at institutions is a great way to help as well as what it is advised by the government. the issue or concern maybe is does those institutions you give money or food and clothes give everything back or because of corruption that is high both in your country and mine they keep a lot for themselves?
I also agree with your opinion. Corruption is inevitable here in the Philippines. Also, some street beggars are sometimes used by syndicates. Plus, sometimes in a single area, there are lots of them, when you give to one, the others will approach you too.
Sometimes I just use gut feel if I should give to a particular beggar at a certain moment or not. Sometimes I give, sometimes I don’t.