Vendor Program

StreetWise exists to elevate marginalized voices and provide opportunities for individuals to earn an income through the sale of StreetWise Magazine.

The magazine sales program is designed to give individuals the opportunity to work and earn an immediate income.

Vendors buy the weekly magazine for $1.15 and sell it for $3.00 plus tips.

 

JOIN OUR VENDOR FORCE

New Vendor Orientation is Tuesday and Thursday at 10:00 a.m. 

New vendors get 15 free magazine ($45 value) and a temporary badge.

Come early for coffee and a meal.

StreetWise is located at 2009 S. State (near the Cermak-McCormick Green Line and Cermak-Chinatown Red Stations)

Any questions? Call us at (773) 334-6600 or email Amanda Jones at ajones@streetwise.org.

  

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 $1.15 and sell it for $3.00 plus tips, supporting individual vendor livelihoods. The vendors receive training, ongoing support and incentives to grow their own microbusiness.  

Become a magazine vendor. 

 

 

STREETWISE CENTER AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES

StreetWise offers additional resources to vendors and job seekers including:

    • Free grab and go meals provided daily in the StreetWise Café
    • Emergency and seasonal clothing 
    • Toiletries and hygiene kits
    • Case management to connect participants with resources to meet basic needs
    • Assistance or referral to enroll in public benefits, including SNAP, medical insurance and care, reduced-fare CTA, etc. 
    • Assistance getting Birth Certificate, State ID, and Social Security Cards 
    • Mail distribution and use as a stable address, essential for engaging with potential employers and government agencies
    • Use of telephone and cell phone charging stations
    • Substance abuse and Mental Health referrals

 Office hours: Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.  

StreetWise Support Services staff work in collaboration with Jane Addams College of Social Work at University of Illinois at Chicago, the School of Social Work at Loyola University Chicago, and DePaul University. Master of Social Work Candidates work as support services interns throughout the academic year and summer term.