Well at least you tried to help. That's more than some posters on this thread, who boast about never helping the poor.
I have worked for many years downtown, where I passed some of the same people year after year. I have been to numerous rescue missions (not as a resident, thank the Lord). It does take discernment to determine who could actually use a bit of cash, and those who you could "call their bluff" by offering food. I have seen heart-wrenching cases where I gave everything I could spare and wish I had more.
I had a friend end up down there, him I tried to help in any way I could. He continued to spiral down, out of control, alcohol and drugs. He finally hit bottom and ended up in jail. That, to his credit, finally halted the decline. Last I heard, he had his own place, and was holding down a job. Quite the accomplishment, being independent again. What’s amazing is, he had a very bright future and was doing very well, for material things he did not want.
I’m quite aware that they’re not all scammers. Most of them are, though, and some can be violent. I had to throw the same guy, a stranger, out of my car twice over the course of a week, he jumped in the passenger seat when I used the remote to unlock the door. He’ll come to no good end, somebody will kill him if he’s still doing that.