Do you give to panhandlers?

I often see the same people with the same sign on the same street corners. In the winter in Alaska, they often wear better outdoor gear then I do.

They have hot food given to them from nearby restaurants. I wonder what their story is, or why street corners when they are outside as long or longer then a regular 8 hour shift.

I still feel guilty when I have to stop next to them. I avoid looking at them. I mean I don’t have extra I do donate, I give rides to people that are stranded.

I give the person in line in front of me enough change to buy their paper, or lunch.

Why do I feel guilty? Am I the only one? I don’t even know if these people need the money. When people come up to me with a sob story halfway believable I usually give them something if I have it. Do you?

What would be a better way to handle these situations?