I just give them the change, or a couple dollars, if I have it. Even if they buy booze with it, at least they'll feel warmer and a little numb to the fact that they're sleeping on the sidewalk. But mostly, I give it because kindness is the only thing I've found that makes suffering tolerable. It's terrible to be homeless, but it's so much worse to be homeless in a world where nobody cares.

Like you, I feel like I should do more, but I think it's better to give a little bit than nothing at all.