What about the many homeless that are homeless because they choose to be? Since they've chosen that life style, then a place that is warm all year and give free handouts is an attractive place to live. I lived in Austin, and there are a lot of homeless there, especially in the winter. It's pretty warm, the city is nice and liberal, so there are plenty of places to get free food, clothes, etc. In fact, some of the them migrate from location to location throughout the week to be at the spots where the handouts are.
The Salvation Army told a friend of mine that there is no reason for people to be panhandling in Austin (there is a lot of that, too): the Salvation Army has never turned anyone away who wanted food. But, the Salvation Army has some annoyances, like bland food and (presumably) you have to sit through a sermon. So, why not just wait for the Mobile Loaves and Fishes truck from one of the Catholic churches to come around with free food, hot chocolate, and clothes, no strings attached, no questions asked, no sermons given, no lifestyles challenged?
The assumption that the homeless are homeless because of things outside their control is not true. Some are legitimately in need. But many have chosen it, often in part due to (alcohol) addiction. I've given a bag of food to homeless panhandlers who gave me a dark look because they wanted actual money. Why? If you talk with people who work with the homeless, often it is because they aren't hungry, they need actual money to buy alcohol.
Crime? I'm not so sure. I think cities and charities that enable this behavior might have some responsibility.