Our Story

In 2012, a group of Chicago college students created a small-budget film titled, “Street Life: Faces Uncovered”. Our founder was one of those students.

Driven by a desire to hear their story and give a voice and platform to the unhoused, Neal Karski sought to shed light on the true cause of homelessness, the complexity of the problem, and the many challenges people face as they attempt to reintegrate back into society. He wanted to share stories and conversations that other people could listen and relate to, and encourage them to start engaging on their own to connect with people experiencing homelessness on a deeper, human level.

To take an in-depth look at the unhoused of Chicago, check out our short video.

 

 

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Street Samaritans began in April 2017, sparked by the compassion of 20 volunteers who came together on a Sunday with 30 care packages. These packages were hand-delivered to individuals experiencing homelessness, marking the start of a grassroots movement to provide direct support and restore dignity to Chicago’s unhoused community.

Founded on the principles of human connection and a commitment to eliminating judgment, Street Samaritans has evolved from a grassroots effort into a recognized 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting Chicago’s homeless community. While volunteers remain a crucial part of our work, we are also backed by a professional team that ensures our outreach and programs are strategic, sustainable, and impactful.

At the heart of our mission is the belief that everyone deserves dignity, compassion, and a path forward. Through our programs, we address immediate needs while creating pathways to stability, empowerment, and transformation to individuals on their journey out of homelessness. Addressing homelessness requires all of us to act with courage and compassion. We invite you to join us as we continue to grow and extend our impact. From our humble grassroots origins to our current success, our story shows that prioritizing credibility and leading with dedication can drive profound and positive change.

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Our approach is always evolving to meet the needs of those we serve.

With appearances on ABC, PBS, B96, multiple podcasts, and Talks at Google, we have had the opportunity to educate the general public on this complex issue. We continually advocate for unique ways to help our homeless brothers and sisters in Chicago, all the while forming relationships with the people who need our help the most.

The future
is bright.

Since 2017, we have been committed to innovating and improving our programs and outreach, striving to make a more meaningful difference in the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness.

With a deep commitment to our cause, we are excited to see our programs flourish and our reach extend further. Discover the impactful results we’ve achieved in our mission to support individuals experiencing homelessness:

200,000+

Articles Donated

15,000+

Care Packages Distributed

2,413

People Experiencing Homeless Encountered in 2022

26

Individuals Received Case Management in 2022

6

Individuals Found Stable, Secure Housing in 2022

36

Program Enrollments in 2022

44

Shelter Placements in 2022

23

Coordinated Entry Assessments in 2022

11

Obtained or Increased Income in 2022

48

Obtained IDs or other documentation in 2022

At Street Samaritans, our vision is bold and unwavering: we are working towards a Chicago that doesn’t need Street Samaritans.

We believe that the true success of a nonprofit is measured by its ability to solve the issue it was created to address.

Our dream is to build a Chicago where homelessness is a thing of the past, and every person has the support and resources they need to thrive. We are driven by the conviction that this vision is not just a possibility but an achievable reality. We look forward to the day when our mission is complete, and we celebrate a community where our work is no longer necessary because we’ve made lasting, transformative change. Let’s build that Chicago together.

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At Street Samaritans, our core values are the heartbeat of everything we do. They guide our actions, shape our programs, and drive our commitment to making a difference.

Our values—compassion, integrity, accessibility, curiosity, and dignity—reflect our dedication to supporting Chicago’s homeless community with respect and empathy. These principles not only define our approach but also inspire us to continuously strive for a world where every individual is valued and empowered. Here’s a look at the principles that guide us in our mission to make a positive impact:

Accessibility: We believe that there should be no barriers or obstacles to accessing services. We are committed to meeting people where they are; physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. 

Respect: We value everyone and treat people with dignity. We believe everyone has the right to have their basic needs met.

Curiosity: We believe people are experts of themselves. We always approach each other with an open mind and create space for people to define themselves and what success looks like for them.

Compassion: We are kind, caring, and empathetic to everyone we encounter. 

Integrity: We build trust through responsible actions and honest, authentic relationships. We are transparent about our organization, actions, and services. 

At Street Samaritans, our values are the cornerstone of our work, serving as our true north and guiding every decision we make and action we take.