"There is a high percentage of homeless that choose to live this way because they are addicts. They cannot go into the shelters, because they cannot actively use there. There is enough beds in this county to house and feed all of the homeless in this county but they choose not to go because of their addictions. Don’t let them fool you into feeling sorry for them. Most of them make more money than those of us that work, either by selling drugs and/or panhandling.
They usually sell the gift cards for cash to buy drugs. Not all, but a high percentage. I know for those of you that don’t deal with these folks on a daily basis, it does make you feel good to do something nice but these folks generally feel entitled to hand outs and play on your “deep pockets” and will continue to take advantage of you. Any homemade bag lunches, usually get tossed in the trash."
I've known several homeless people, and became close to being one myself, if not for the kindness of someone who didn't even know me very well. The people I've known weren't drug addicts, but of course many are, and may have become in order to face a harsh reality.
Even people who have homes, choose addiction of one kind or another to escape from their own realities.