Respect the homeless as individuals. According to the National Coalition for the Homeless , on any given night some 760,000 people are homeless. They're people first, just like you and me. As an individual, you never know when bad luck may strike, so it's important to spread a little karmic wealth. Sometimes time and effort just aren't enough.
Money makes the world go around.
In times of cold and inclement weather, it's comforting to know you have the proper clothing and a nice, heated living room. Sometimes the clothes homeless people wear are all the shelter they have. Give away that old jacket you think is out of style. I bet a homeless person wouldn't feel the same way about it. Give a book.