Judd Lofchie, Founder Of Streetwise For Future Mayor Of Aurora

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Judd Lofchie started StreetWise, a non-profit organization that helps Chicago’s homeless, in 1992. Judd worked with Chicago’s homeless for many years and saw how hard it was for them to get a job. SW vendors are provided an instant job, selling a magazine that people genuinely want to read. SW gives both a voice and employment opportunities for people experiencing--or at-risk of--homelessness. Anyone who wants to work has the opportunity to move themselves out of crisis into self-sufficiency. StreetWise provides “a hand up, not a handout.”

How it all began...

It’s hard to believe that the first edition of StreetWise hit the streets of Chicago on August 24th, 1992. The founder, Judd Lofchie, found a practical solution to the crisis of homelessness in Chicago. The idea was simple: give homeless individuals a chance to regain personal dignity and a sense of purpose, by selling a newspaper to earn an income rather than begging. More than 13,000 homeless individuals sold more than 13 million issues of StreetWise.

StreetWise Magazine

The magazines gives a voice to those who experience homelessness, poverty, injustice and inequality, along with features about Chicago life and culture. Readers find a perspective they can’t find in any other publication.

The StreetWise staff has received numerous national, state, and local awards for the quality of StreetWise articles, its service to the homeless population of Chicago, and its importance to the community in general. Reporters and contributors include professional journalists, journalism students, StreetWise vendors, as well as clients from other Chicago area social service organizations.

Magazine Vendors

StreetWise provides a flexible employment opportunity via the sales of StreetWise magazine. The magazine vendors build relationships and create connections between and across communities that change perceptions about homeless and low-income individuals.

Selling StreetWise is a job. Our vendors are self-employed entrepreneurs. Their success is due to their commitment, dedication, and persistence. They go out each day to greet you–their loyal customers. It is because of your support that our vendors can pay rent, utilities, purchase food and clothing, and even save some money.

S.T.E.P. to Employment

The S.T.E.P. is our employment preparation and placement program aimed at helping individuals get ready for a job, get a job, and keep a job. Our customized approach helps individuals eliminate barriers and overcome obstacles to traditional employment.

Supportive Services

Across the organization, StreetWise strives to build community and honor the dignity of each individual. We address basic needs by distributing emergency clothing, hygiene kits, and providing meals and pantry items. Currently we are a primary source for essential PPE for our vendors and job seekers. Staff are available to assist with accessing community resources and benefits, referrals for housing, healthcare or legal assistance, and providing emergency support.

In order to achieve more efficiencies and access more people in need of employment, in March 2020 StreetWise became part of YWCA Metropolitan Chicago’s portfolio of comprehensive human services.

Paid for by Citizens for Lofchie.

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