Good for you! So much better to go out and be a positive influence for people whose lives have crashed and burned, than to sit back and assume the government will take care of them. It wont.

I think the biggest problem for these folks is government. Socialist promises are seldom met and when people are mightily taxed for government services to take care of the less fortunate they feel that they've already done their part and are hard-pressed to do more. But most government funds go toward administration costs and very little aid is available to those who actually need it. If government downsized and stopped taxation for social programs (or programmes in your case) the folks would know that the unfortunate were on their own and would be more likely to do the sort of charity that church groups and concerned individuals like yourself have historically done. The homeless would be far better off under circumstances like that. Government is a thief: organized crime.

I have been homeless and so understand much of the problem. I was never a drug addict or alcoholic and so was able to take care of myself and find food, shelter and clothing when I had to. Thank God for charitable people like you, however. I believe that most folks are kind and giving if left to their own devices.

If you do this again, realize that most thrift stores will give cold-weather gear to homeless people if they simply ask. No need for you to buy clothing and distribute it, though some folks are so addled by their situation that they are unable or unwilling to fend for themselves. Food and drink is always appreciated, though.

Thank you for your support.