Homeless Parking Meters

"Be a part of change, don't give change"

San Fransisco has decided to put up meters(like parking meters) where you can donate to homeless charities. it is believed to disuade panhandlers & made panhandling go down by 92% in other cities.

i think the idea is beyond brilliant.i never give change to beggars. i always ask instead "Are you hungry? Would you like for me to buy you some food?". the answer is almost always no, proving my point that most panhandlers are not starving or in need of charity, just in need of alcohol or drugs. one of my friends used to be a "professional" beggar. he would dress in filthy clothes & make about $200 a day (no he was not homeless or poor, just shady).