That's probably because he was desperate for money. Or clothes that can be sold for money.
The one thing that's certain is that people on the streets are there because they're in a bad place in their lives.
Whether giving them clothes/money/food direct is the best way to help them get to a...
Which is why they've been there for many many months, even though I'm sure they will have been approached with offers of help from the various charities by now.
There lots of reasons why people give. Because they feel lucky not to be in that situation themselves. Because it feels good to give. Because they genuinely hope it will help in some way.
But the fact remains that the best way to help people begging on the streets is by supporting charities...