Panhandling...Has it gotten way out of hand.

I have seen an increase of panhandlers in the Houma area which is out of normal in this area. I know New Orleans has them on a more wide spread basis like at off ramps.

Last week, I saw a whole family: a baw, a bawette, and even young babybaw at an intersection by the twin spans.

Is there that much money in panhandling or are we that bad as a society that we cannot do enough to prevent this, or are individuals who are panhandling just lack social skills to keep themselves off the street?

Note: I do not feed panhandlers money, but would rather give them food.