Lee A. Holmes

StreetWise has been very, very good to me. Since I have been with the organization, my soft skills have gotten sharper than ever.

In 2014, I was given an opportunity to work for a pilot program through the City of Chicago and StreetWise called e.a.t. spots: produce sales off former newsstands downtown. It was something that I enjoyed doing. One day I hope to open up something similar.

Through the YWCA and LinkedIn, I am learning to upscale my business, using tools like social media marketing and Google Ads.

I recently took a real estate course. The many benefits of StreetWise being powered by the YWCA are endless. I have been given the opportunity to distribute magazines and to work the desk in the office. I got married in the office and my wife (Paula D. Holmes) and I, are starting a not-for-profit: C26 Street Social Responsibility. Look for our website, coming soon.

2014

StreetWise enters a partnership with e.a.t. spots, turning abandoned newstands into food carts.

December 15, 2015

The first GiveAShi*t pop-up shop. Since then, The Daily Planet Ltd. has teamed up with StreetWise and local artists for GiveAShi*t. Artists donate their designs, all items are handscreened and sold at pop-up shops around the City and at www.giveashirt.net. 100% of the profits benefit StreetWise. As of August 2022, GiveAShi*t has donated over $250,000! We are so thankful for Scott Marvel, Jeannine Ringland-Zwirn and Pam Hoffman and for their passion, commitment and time to make this happen.

December 2014

StreetWise receives a Community Partners Award from Access Living for its years of coverage of the Disability Pride Parade.