StreetWise Mission
The mission of StreetWise Georgia is to offer the necessary physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual tools to help people stabilize their lives, improve their environment, and move out of a state of dependency into a state of well-being and self-sufficiency.
Our History
StreetWise Georgia was founded in 1988 when Terry and Pat Powell stepped out in faith, simultaneously left their corporate positions, and devoted their lives to spreading the word of God and serving families living in low-income poverty level areas.
They began by building an extensive resource programs in downtown Atlanta, most notably in the government housing communities. Many recognized the big bus as Terry and Pat offered a broad range of services to hundreds of families from the StreetWise bus. Their mission was to provide families with food, clothing, personal hygiene items, and the tools that they needed to rebuild their lives and become self sufficient.
Today, StreetWise Georgia now operates in Lawrenceville, Georgia serving over 8,500 families in need.
With the passing of our founder, Terry Powell, in February 2020, we still consistently follow and honor his living legacy of the StreetWise mission to meet the needs of the community and enhance our impact, one family at a time!
Terry & Pat Powell, Founders
What We Do
StreetWise is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to helping people who are struggling, and are low income to poverty level, get the help and care they need to rebuild their lives and function independently. Rebuilding lives does not just come through handouts; it comes through commitment and involves a process. StreetWise Georgia is a hand up and committed to:
Meeting Needs
The first step toward rebuilding is in meeting immediate needs with tangible assistance. StreetWise aids clients with food, clothing, and hygiene items by appointment at our facility, 10am-2pm on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. We also partner with Atlanta Community Food Bank to hold a Mobile Food Pantry serving over 250 families throughout the state of Georgia all while allowing them to stay in their car.
StreetWise is able to provide these items through donations from the community along working with our partners distributing over 1.7 million pounds of food to over thousands of families each year! With help from community members like you, our goal is to reach many more families.
Demonstrating & Building Independence
Mobile Food Pantry. One Saturday of every month StreetWise hosts a unique opportunity for families to receive over 170 lbs. of food without even getting out of their vehicle. After StreetWise Volunteers load a Client’s vehicle, individuals have an opportunity to stop with our prayer warriors to receive prayer and encouragement before leaving.
Heaven’s Grocery Store. Many families who struggle financially qualify and use other benefits, such as SNAP or WIC. But those don’t cover many things that are true essentials, such as cleaning supplies, vitamins, baby supplies or hygiene and feminine products. In our Heaven’s Grocery Store clients have the freedom to choose for themselves the things their family needs the most with dignity. Many times, they find an item that was a quiet prayer that reminds that God is listening.
Cedar’s Closet. Clients have access to new and gently used clothes and shoes with sized and styles for all ages. Our personal shoppers are there to help them find everything you need.
Events. Each year, StreetWise hosts several events, including our Back to School Event, Christmas Store, and Teen Clothing Event, opening room in their financial needs, mental state while maintaining relationships throughout the year.
From client to volunteer, watch Brenda’s story to see the impact of StreetWise Georgia in your community.
Want to see more?
To see more stories like Brenda’s, watch the Day in the Life of A StreetWise driver, and to learn more about Who We Are, visit our Youtube Channel!
