I saw a documentary couple months about homeless people in the UK, it followed couple homeless guys and how they go about their every day lifes - all them were spending their money on Alcohol and some were spending it on drugs well no surprise there but the last guy they were following said he had enough and wanted to break out of the system.
So the following day he asked the cast members if they can help him get a job sweeping up floors or at mcdonalds (because he was dressed so bad) anyway so the cast helped him secure the job in mcdonalds, he worked there for some time - the tv crew came back after couple yrs to check on everyone, this tramp who they helped get the mc donalds job was now the manager there, and was also just starting up his business..... it just goes to show.
They usually end up homesless because they lost motivation, determination and fire in the belly - yeah perhaps they lost their jobs and that him them bad - but you have to get back on your feet and start from the bottom, that last homeless guy is living proof! i nearly cried after hearing his story and i never cry... 
This is the reason why you should give money to "chairty" and not homeless people, or what i think is even better, go buy them soem tea (PG TIPS!!) or a sandwich that way you know your money is being well spent!  | 
