Should we give alms to beggars?

Should beggars be given alms?
These are poor people.Many are handicapped,diseased(physically or mentally or both) without any near or dear ones.They need help.We are just plain lucky to be born with all the facilities that these people lack.
When I find a beggar infront of me , two conflicting thoughts come up in my mind.Should I give some money or ignore.Some say that by giving alms,people are encouraging begging....making them dependent on public sympathy.In some places, beggar mafia have cropped up.Children are maimed and put into forced begging.Some create genuine nuisance, e.g. in public vehicles like trains,and in public places like temples,etc.
But then what else can be done?giving them a job would be best,but thats too difficult.Do we have time and energy to analyse their situation and find a way out.Its not easy.So, I usually drop a coin and go.
What do you think about this?Can beggary be eliminated?