Don't try to make it seem like I am putting "these people" down, because I'm not. I have a big heart, also. (And I've been encountering some of "these people", ie the groups of people that beg at stops on my commute, for many years myself; decades, actually. One of them was in the news here in Boston recently, you can read it for yourself, will post news articles at end.) I'm just saying that some of "these people" can be dangerous. Years ago they might have been institutionalized, but most funds are gone for that sort of thing, so now they are out among us. I don't think it's unreasonable to warn people they should stay safe.
Homeless Man Arrested After 2 Park Rangers Stabbed
Man Who Allegedly Attacked Boston Park Rangers Had Bizarre, Violent History
Pea, I work in downtown Boston a few blocks from the common. This incident scared me. Over the past few years I have seen more and more homeless on the street corners. I treat them the same way I treat all other people, give them a smile but don't interact unless needed.
Prior to meeting my DH, his father was homeless due to alcohol abuse. So I do look at the homeless as people. However I don't think giving them money that may be used on drugs or alcohol is a good thing. If a person wants to help, buy them a meal or a bus ticket (common thing to ask for at South Station).
Here in Boston no homeless is turned away from shelter on cold nights. Yet there is one man who comes onto the train while it is in the station claiming to have been turned away and only given a blanket while it is freezing outside. He wants money to take a train to another shelter. I know this is a scam and most other commuters do as well.