Empower people

To empower those facing homelessness or at risk of homelessness by providing access to the resources and employment opportunities so individuals can work toward self-sufficiency with dignity.

A year and a half since Pope Francis first spoke to the street paper movement, he has again sat down with one of INSP’s members for an exclusive interview. The Holy Father met Scarp de' tenis vendor Antonio Mininni and the paper’s editor Stefano Lampertico. He told them that it is “always right” to give alms to people begging for help on the streets.

Over 150 active vendors buy and resell StreetWise each month, with over 350 vendors who sell the magazine each year. Vendors purchase the magazine for $0.90 and resell for $2.00, keeping the profit and any tips. Selling the magazine is an opportunity to earn an income to meet immediate and basic needs. We offer a "hand up, not a hand out". StreetWise vendors are investing in their future as they seek a pathway out of homelessness and poverty.

The StreetWise Transitional Employment Program (STEP) aims to empower individuals to obtain sustainable employment by providing job skills training, connections to employment opportunities, and ongoing support services.  STEP offers a series of workshops for jobseekers to build workplace skills, develop resumes and online profiles, as well as improve job search and interview techniques.