~~~ (nor ever have) who asks for money or food in the street.

There is more than enough organized help for anyone who needs help... besides, by giving money I have no idea what they'll do with it.

I'm not saying you did anything wrong, just saying what I would have done -- just as you gave advice.

I would swiftly back away from anyone who'd approach me on the street asking for money; not knowing how they'd react to my slightest move or worse...

I've fed many a dog, cat, bird (and sadly fish ), but a human begging for a handout who can easilly get organized help just ain't my thing to get involved... and I give enough to organized charities to know it's there if someone really needs to use it...