This is a hard topic. For every person who is truly deserving of assistance, there is at least one other person who is mooching off of the system. I honestly don't know of a way to support the one and punish the other simultaneously - and without collateral damage (ie, the children of a druggie mom who stops getting public assistance b/c she can't pass a drug test).
We are reasonably well off, and I will be the first to admit that it was because of how we were raised and what we were given - and that not everyone has that opportunity. That being said - I keep my money and share my time. That way I know that what I am willing to share is being put to good use, instead of being wasted. I guess that is somewhat broad - I do donate SOME of my money - but I believe in showing the man how to fish, not just buying him one. And I believe in sharing my time close to home, and keeping my talents within the community. I believe that that is how I can best build a strong community.
THat being said, my chicken coop is relatively utilitarian - but the very fact that I HAVE chickens, and the land to keep them on, when I could live on a LOT less, in a subdivision, and donate the balance of my income to charity...well, that is another line that could be drawn. Everyone draws their own lines.