I always carry cash, but it’s in unreasonable denominations (usually $100 and a $50), and it’s only there “just in case” (i.e. lost my phone and need a cab home, and my credit cards aren’t working). There’s no way I’m giving $50 to a homeless person, I’d rather donate to a local shelter instead.

That said, if I have the time, I’ll offer to take them to get some fast food. They can tell me about their life story, and I know they can’t use my money to buy drugs.