I want to say, first of all, I'm really proud of you. That's a very kind thing on your end. Once in a while I like to give a little if I can. Personally, if I see a person on the streets asking for money for food, I'll offer to buy them food. Usually they'll just tell me no and go beg someone else to give money, but only once did they take up my offer.

As for the mentally ill thing, yes, it IS quite a good number (25% is probably a little less than accurate). I learned that fact in a Psych class I had taken, which kinda surprised me, but if you think about it, even if people get on the streets with a completely healthy mental state of mind, they can still develop a slew of nasty problems because of the harshness of being a homeless person.

As for some people, a lot of people I argue with say that homeless people can just go to shelters and try to get help, etc. I dunno, some people are too prideful or just unable to get to there, etc.

But all in all, good on you, K_A.