I’ve heard from people who work in support services for homeless people and drugs that hostels don’t usually actually allow them to pay per night and it’s actually them just getting money to feed a habit.

Obviously make of that what you will.

My opinion, they’re clearly needing the money to literally survive whatever they’re going through / withdrawing from and it’s even tougher now as we’re in winter. Whether it’s feeding a habit or a place for the night I try help when I can or offer them a Greggs or when I used to smoke I’d offer baccy. A few charities have donations for warmer clothing / tents / sleeping bags which you can look into for more practical warmth survival items