Why do you, or why do you not give money to street beggars?

A lot of people have a strict “yes” or “no” policy on giving money to beggars. I never know what to do, because I’m torn morally. I’m a very charitable person and donate almost every time I go to the grocery store, and to the Salvation Army, food and clothing drives and that sort of thing. Then again, I don’t want my money to be spent making a drug or drinking problem worse. Sometimes I give money to beggars, but most of the time I don’t.

Once, I told a woman that I wouldn’t give her money, but would get her a meal at McDonalds, and she agreed to it, and that’s what I did.

I completely judge on a case by case basis, but I don’t know by what criterion. I don’t make any sense.

How do you chose what to do?