We ARE STILL HERE and Stronger Than Ever!

What a long strange spring it's been. We are still here and stronger than ever!!

Here we are, just past midsummer. It’s hard to believe what our lives looked like coming out of winter, ready to embrace spring in Chicago. That was back before StreetWise merged with YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, moved from Uptown to the South Loop, and completely shifted our operations online to support the vendors who all lost their jobs in the blink of an eye.

Unfortunately, this sudden loss, sudden change, and sudden shift to a new normal is, well, normal for many of our vendors. Because of you, our readers, supporters, and loyal customers, our vendors ARE STILL HERE!

“I am getting most of my meals here so I can save the money to pay rent.”

StreetWise has served over 3,000 meals with the help of World Central Kitchen.

“This cash assistance means the difference between sleeping in a bed and sleeping on the street.”

StreetWise has distributed over $23,000 in emergency cash assistance.

“It’s scary out there. I gotta have a mask so I don’t get sick.”

Provided essential PPE including 250 masks, hundreds of pairs of gloves, and containers of hand sanitizer.

I WANT TO WORK: From Magazine Sales to U.S. Census Outreach Workers

Like many, our vendors and job seekers are getting anxious to get back to work. The dignity of employment at the heart of the StreetWise mission to give a hand up, not a handout, is at the core of our hard working folks. Until our vendors can come out of furlough to do what they do best, StreetWise is offering another opportunity to earn an income.

In partnership with the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, StreetWise has received a grant to provide stipends to vendors and job seekers to conduct street outreach with homeless individuals throughout the city. This partnership gives vendors a chance to get back to work, perform important civic engagement work, and earn a living.

Please stay healthy,

Julie Youngquist

Executive Director | StreetWise