Homelessness and beggars are two different topics really. There is a gang of romanian women operating in my area who sit under post boxes and pester people outside shops, all this is done under the watchful eye of their boss who collects the money at regular intervals, this is organised crime and deserves to be dealt with (They are not homeless and are actually bussed in to prime locations). The down and out loner who has problems with drink/drugs who is actually homeless deserves compassion and support to get back on track if he is willing to accept help.