StreetWise Vendors are Feeling Supported

StreetWise has been honored by the tremendous support for our vendors and jobseekers during this very crucial time.

StreetWise works in a unique nexus between homeless and employment services. More than 250 people rely on StreetWise for immediate employment through the sale of StreetWise Magazine and workforce development services to reenter the labor market. The pandemic effectively laid off more than 120 magazine vendors as they are unable to purchase the magazine for 90 cents, then sell the magazine in the community for $2. Jobseekers in the workforce development program face challenges with employment and skills gaps for the current available new jobs.

But that isn't how the story ends!

Each week we have:

• Distributed more than 400 meals and pantry items to our community. 45% of our vendors rely on StreetWise as their main source for food (thanks so much to our friends at World Central Kitchen, Isaiah Project, The Zwirn Family and The Daily Planet Ltd.);

• Handed out more than 150 hygiene kits including extra soap, and more than 200 masks- -and now disposable gloves (thank you to the staff and families at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy);

• Encouraged regular hand washing and sanitizing to keep all our vendors and their families safe. This week, we stocked up on 5 gallons of hand sanitizer for people to continue staying safe at StreetWise Headquarters (thank you to our new friends at Thornton Distillery and Apologue Liqueurs).

These items are essential for the health and safety of our participants and allow them to direct other cash relief toward housing, utilities, phone, transportation, and medications.

Contributions to the Vendor Emergency Relief Fund provide a lifeline for those cut off from income earning opportunities. Since the shelter-inplace went into effect, we have:

• Distributed more than 250 cash subsidies totaling over $15,000 so far;

• Provided critical technology access and support to assist vendors and jobseekers applying for additional emergency relief including federal stimulus and private funds (thanks to our partners at the YWCA).

You can also support your vendor by purchasing digital issues and subscriptions to StreetWise Magazine. To do our part to flatten the curve, we have:

• Launched the "I'm Still Here" Campaign to encourage purchases and subscriptions of StreetWise Magazine - published exclusively online. Since the launch, digital sales have increased by 150%;

• Kept our promise to provide socially-conscious news and raise awareness on the impact of poverty and homelessness in Chicago, across the nation, and around the world.

These efforts provide vendors with some income and preserve the StreetWise model to provide a hand up, not a handout.

It is essential for StreetWise to keep its doors open to provide emergency relief and support, to serve as a place for vendors to get up-todate information, and to check in and maintain their connection to the broader community. Your continued support is crucial in this effort!

We thank you for all you have done to support our vendors at this time and look forward to a time when we can reconnect in person.

We know our vendors can't wait to see you again!

Please stay healthy, Julie Youngquist Executive Director | StreetWise