Although there is nothing "funny" about homelessness, there are some who clearly attempt to use their wits to gain an advantage to grab the extra coin or two. Here's an example of such, and although I usually don't give these folks anything but food if I have some, I stopped after passing him and returned specifically to give him a few coins and take a picture, which he graciously posed for.
Does this say something about him, or about the shallowness of our society that people actually care enough about these "news" stories that they grace the covers of dozens of magazines and newspapers. Sidewalk cynic, indeed. Imagine where this guy might be if the money we spent on "People" and "Us" went to him to improve his lot.
And, of course, it's a damn funny sign...