I think you used the word "encourage" in reference to having a conversation with a panhandler.  "Stranded souls" (your term) are individuals who need very serious, often very expensive and very long term assistance....residential treatment for addicts and alcoholics; an assisted living placement for the developmentally disabled; housing and counseling/psychiatric care for the mentally ill; housing, medical and counseling support for PTSD afflicted Vets; housing and support for abused spouses and abused children, likely food vouchers and housing assistance for the underemployed; job training and placement services for the unemployed. etc etc.  A "handout", a temporary place to camp, a temporary shelter such as the Eugene Mission are all short-term bandaids.  Those "stranded souls", indeed, need us all to "go that extra mile."  I can provide the emergency help to a stranded motorist and really make a difference.  If I give a little to a panhandler, it helps a little....and I shall do it.