Both of them handled things effectively but also vaguely as in their time "vagabonds" had their own unique society and usually were roamers. Those who could, worked, those who couldn't like the ill, unable, etc were set up with social structures much like we have today.
I've not really met anyone who just puts their hand out and does nothing, at least not for long periods.
I honestly don't know how to address that as they didn't really much either. It's a catch 22. Do we completely push them out of society which has been typical of both capitalist and socialist structures OR do we try and rehabilitate them in a way we do prisoners but in a job corps kind of sense?
If it were me, I'd attempt the latter but if unsuccessful I'd go with the tried and true former.