I'm not a fan of the "suspended coffee" idea for a number of reasons, many of which have already been stated here. It's a sad fact that businesses will loose customers if the homeless start patronizing their business for "suspended anything" and therefore less likely to participate. That is sad but a fact non the less. It's also a waste of $ that could be used in a much more efficient way to help those in need. Add the fact that this does nothing to help these soles with other needs such as shelter, counseling, etc, etc, . . .
I worked in what is arguably the poorest section of Buffalo for 10 yrs. and I got to know every street in my territory. I wasn't stuck in one office or plant. I was out on the streets and I witnessed the homeless and needy in their element on a daily basis. Not a day went by that I wasn't asked for a handout. Common sense along with the fact that I never carried cash prevented me from giving any handouts. The fact is they were more apt to spend any cash at East Side Liquors rather than the McDonalds directly across the street from the liquor store. During this time I also had the opportunity to learn about the Buffalo Food Bank Of W.N.Y. on Holt St. and The Buffalo City Mission on E. Tupper. I donate to both because my $ goes further, is used for what it was intended for (not booze & drugs) and also helps in areas other than just food.
The Buffalo City Mission can give someone a complete hot meal for $1.98. Compare that to $3.15 for a lrg. coffee and a muffin at Timmy Ho's. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to do the math.
https://www.buffalocitymission.org/d..._campaign=paid
The Food Bank of W.N.Y. distributes to food pantries in numerous communities in Western New York.
http://www.foodbankwny.org/
I'm not familiar with Rochester or Syracuse but I would think there is something similar in each city. The way I see it, if I can afford to spend $$ to "hobby", I can certainly afford to help the less fortunate. Especially when you can donate right from the computer you're probably using to read this thread and comment.