StreetWise was founded in 1992 as an independent city news source to provide individuals experiencing homelessness or extreme poverty with an alternative to panhandling through the sale of StreetWise Magazine StreetWise Magazine, is an award-winning weekly publication grounded in grassroots, solutions-oriented journalism. It covers critical issues such as homelessness, poverty, justice, inequality, and daily life in Chicago—while amplifying the voices of those directly affected. The magazine also serves as a creative platform for vendors and community contributors with lived experience. StreetWise vendors operate as self-employed microentrepreneurs. They purchase each magazine for $1.15 and sell it for $3.00 plus tips. This flexible, low-barrier income opportunity allows vendors to: earn an immediate income, pay for critical needs like transportation, housing, food, phones, utilities, and medication, and build relationships and change public perceptions about homelessness and economic hardship through daily interactions in neighborhoods across Chicago. StreetWise assists with basic needs by distributing emergency and seasonal clothing, hygiene kits, 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. In March 2020 StreetWise became part of YWCA Metropolitan Chicago’s portfolio of comprehensive human services.