Is money given to a needy brother counted towards a vow, or must accumulated vows be paid off?

If the vow is for the needy in general, it is permissible to give it to a needy brother; in fact, he is more deserving, for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Charity given to a poor person is charity, and charity given to a relative is both charity and a [means of] upholding ties of kinship." However, if the payment to the brother is merely a gift or a recommended assistance, it does not fulfill the vow, because a vow is an act of worship that requires intention.