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- EIN 36-3892424
- 773-334-6600
- 2009 S State Street Chicago IL 60616 USA
- www.streetwise.org
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- StreetWise_CHI
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Nonprofit Overview
Causes: Homeless & Housing, Homeless Centers, Human Services
Mission: StreetWise exists to elevate marginalized voices and provide opportunities for individuals to earn an income with dignity. Anyone who wants to work has the opportunity to move themselves out of crisis. StreetWise provides “a hand up, not a handout.”
Results: 125 active magazine vendors launched and maintained their businesses selling a collective 3,200 magazines per week. 50 people received assistance with getting a job. We helped place 37 people into jobs.
Target demographics: individuals who are homeless, justice-involved, in recovery, veterans, individuals with disabilities and seniors to earn an income or gain employment
Geographic areas served: Chicago
Programs: The Magazine Sales Program StreetWise magazine is an award-winning weekly publication that features stories about homelessness, poverty, injustice, inequality and life in Chicago. It also serves as a platform for people with lived experience to share their stories and their views as writers and more. The magazine is sold on the streets of Chicago by low-income or homeless vendors. Vendors buy the magazine for $.90 and sell it for $2.00 plus tips, supporting individual vendor livelihoods. The vendors receive training, ongoing support and incentives to grow their own microbusiness. StreetWise S.T.E.P Program This program helps individuals get ready for a job, get a job, and keep a job. We specialize in assisting individuals who are homeless, justice-involved, receiving disability, or veterans, who have employment gaps and other barriers to stable work. Supportive Services StreetWise is a community that honors the dignity of each individual. We assist with basic needs by distributing emergency and seasonal clothing, hygiene kits, PPE, pre-packaged meals and pantry items. Staff are available to assist with access to community resources and benefits, referrals for housing, healthcare or legal assistance, and providing emergency support.
