This is a very difficult one
It is clear that there are organised criminal gangs controlling beggars on the street, and placing them in strategic situations, and taking their money at the end of the day.
It is clear that there are people who are begging who are not homeless, and are begging for other reasons.
It is clear that allowing someone to subsist on begging can give them a way out of engaging with the structures and charities in place that could help them out of being street homeless
For all these reasons, I have a policy of not giving money to beggars. I have a policy of only offering food and clothing
But it is not an unbreakable policy, I have twice in recent months given a beggar the cost of a hostel overnight.
I think in one instance I could well have been conned, and in the other instance, I am as sure as I can be that it was genuine
Sometimes, food and clothing is just not needed, and a place to lie your head in safety is the important thing - plus hostels often have free food, washing facilities, etc.
So my answer is, I dont know. It is a personal decision, and it depends not only on the person begging, but the person considering what to offer.
I think that in a crowded public space though, there is no reason not to smile and say hello, even if you are saying "sorry, no"