That's the thing, they're doing their best so as NOT to be noticed. One of the very best things you can do is to look them in the eye and nod. When everyone avoids your gaze you fell lesser than. Yes there are serial beggars, however most of the time if you see someone pan handling- it took an aweful lot to get them to stoop that low. It is extremely degrading to stand on the street and beg, you really have to summon strength from I don't even know where. When you hear their story, remember there's so much more than there is time to tell, and you will never hear the worst parts. Weight is an enemy for the ones on foot- I was diagnosed with a number of stress fractures just from walking a lot with our belongings. There is a local woman who purchases items from a dollar store, packs them in a ziplock back, and keeps them in her glovebox. The baggie includes a pair of new socks, travel toothbrush and paste, razor, gift certificate to a book or magazine at the local bookstore, a five dollar bill, a pocket pack of tissues, and a gift certificate for a meal to a ma and pa restaurant (whom she made a deal with and gets in bulk for a steeply discounted rate) in the winter she also includes a pair of gloves. She also includes a business card to 211, which is a local hotline in my state that can pinpoint you to resources sometimes. This is a wonderful idea!