Keith Hardiman

StreetWise became a milestone in my life years ago when it was in the form of a newspaper. I got introduced to it through another vendor and I have been coming back and forth ever since. StreetWise has helped me. I overcame my obstacle of drug abuse. Even during these trying times of the pandemic, I was still out there. I considered myself an essential worker, because I have to keep a roof over my head.

I don’t have welfare, social security or anything. I have been surviving with them. I have a roof over my head now, I am clean every day and I have 15 years under my belt of being drug-free.

It’s a milestone in itself, and I appreciate it everytime I see someone out there. They ask me for help and I tell them: StreetWise!

Our doors never close. You’re always welcome. You have a place to eat. We’ve got clothes for you here. I appreciate it and I don’t abuse it. A hand up, not a hand out. Thank you!

August 2004

“The Bench Mark,” a play about homelessness, written by Rick Roberts, a Chicago writer and film producer, features StreetWise. “The composite character of Mark reflects a large percentage of homeless people who are far more intelligent than you could ever imagine, but who are out on the streets today because of personal, social, medical or economic problems,” said playwright Roberts.

January 2006

StreetWise begins hosting a weekly TV show on CAN-TV called “StreetWise StreetScene” to “disseminate information to Chicago residents about the alarming effect of homelessness and the steps toward self-sufficiency.”

August 8, 2005

StreetWise moves to 1201 W. Lake St.

May 3, 2022 August 24, 2005

Fan favorite poet & vendor Roark Moody makes his poetry debut.

December 14, 2007

StreetWise: The Movie premiered at the Park West Theater. Thanks to Rob Federighi and LUCCA Productions, the film chronicles the vendors who work tirelessly during their days, many of which begin at the crack of dawn and don’t end until late into the evening. Vendors begin selling DVD copies of it the day after.