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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the mission of StreetWise?

  • 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.

What does StreetWise do?

  • StreetWise provides help and hope to our neighbors facing food, clothing, and housing insecurity.  StreetWise provides assistance with food, clothing, hygiene items and other essentials.  Assistance is provided by appointment several times weekly.

 Where is StreetWise located?

  • StreetWise is located at 1770 Cedars Road in Lawrenceville, GA 30045.

Since StreetWise is a Christian ministry do I need to be a Christian to get help?

  • No, StreetWise offers assistance to anyone in need regardless of faith.

What are the days and times that StreetWise is open?

  • StreetWise is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 10:15 until 2:00 for clients with appointments.
  • Business only hours are Monday-Friday 8:30-5:00
  • Mobile Food Pantry is the second Saturday of every month (except November and December when it is the 3rd Saturday). Appointments are required and available from 9:30am – 12:00pm.

Does StreetWise partner with other local organizations?

  • Yes, StreetWise partners with the Atlanta Community Food Bank.  StreetWise also uses a network of referring partners to offer resources such as counseling, grief care, addiction recovery, medical and dental care, homeless shelters, and more.

Is StreetWise on social media?   

  • Yes, you can find us at:  

What is the mission of StreetWise?

  • 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.

What does StreetWise do?

  • StreetWise provides help and hope to our neighbors facing food, clothing, and housing insecurity.  StreetWise provides assistance with food, clothing, hygiene items and other essentials.  Assistance is provided by appointment several times weekly.  Visit our website for details.

 Where is StreetWise located?

  • StreetWise is located at 1770 Cedars Road in Lawrenceville, GA 30045.

Since StreetWise is a Christian ministry do I need to be a Christian to get help?

  • No, StreetWise offers assistance to anyone in need regardless of faith.

What are the days and times that StreetWise is open?

  • StreetWise is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 10:15 until 2:00 for clients with appointments.
  • Business only hours are Monday-Friday 8:30-5:00
  • Mobile Food Pantry is the second Saturday of every month (except November and December when it is the 3rd Saturday). Appointments are required and available from 9:30am – 12:00pm.

Does StreetWise partner with other local organizations?

  • Yes, StreetWise partners with the Atlanta Community Food Bank.  StreetWise also uses a network of referring partners to offer resources such as counseling, grief care, addiction recovery, medical and dental care, homeless shelters, and more.

Is StreetWise on social media?   

  • Yes, you can find us at:  

How do I become a Client at StreetWise? 

  • All services and programs at StreetWise require an appointment.
  • You may sign-up online at Streetwisegeorgia.org or call 678-985-9915.
  • Our weekday appointments offer the most food and resources. As a New Client you are required to meet with a Client Adviser at your first appointment to begin the process.

Does StreetWise have supplies/items available other than food? 

  • Yes, at StreetWise you will receive a significant amount of food including fresh produce, meat, cereal, bakery items, water, canned goods, pasta, deli items, and more.
  • Non-food items are often available in our Heaven’s Grocery Store and may include cleaning supplies, hygiene and toiletry goods, baby supplies like diapers and formula, pet supplies, specialty or cultural foods, vitamins, and more.
  • StreetWise has clothing available for all ages, gender and sizes (as supplies allow).

Will I get food at my first appointment? 

  • Yes, you will receive a significant amount of fresh, healthy food, enough for a family of four to last several weeks.

How many times can I get help from StreetWise?

  • You can schedule a Weekday appointment with StreetWise every 6 weeks. 
  • You may also qualify for the Mobile Food Pantry held monthly. There must be at least 2 weeks between scheduled appointments to qualify. 

Does StreetWise deliver food?

  • No. Food and supplies are available to pick-up at our facility and by appointment only.

What if I live in another county? 

  • StreetWise serves any family regardless of where they live.  If you have an appointment, and transportation to our facility, you will receive food. 

Can you help with my bills?

  • No, StreetWise does not have funding to assist with financial expenses, but we may be able to refer you to one of our partner agencies on a case-by-case basis.

Can you help me find housing?

  • No, StreetWise does not have access to housing resources, but we may be able to refer you to one of our partner agencies on a case-by-case basis.

Can I bring a friend who needs food with me to my appointment? 

  • Only if they are a client and have a pre-registered appointment for that time.
  • Please notify the person at check-in that you are carpooling with another pre-registered client.

How can I add my name to the prayer list?

Can I just show up during open hours to get food?

  • No, you must have an appointment every time you visit StreetWise for service.

How do I make an appointment?

  • Book your appointments online 24/7 via our website at StreetWiseGeorgia.org. This saves time.
  • Our phones are answered on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday between 10:15 AM and 2:00 PM to schedule client appointments. 678-985-9915
  • Please be patient while waiting in the call queue. If you hang up and call back, you will lose your place in line. Please speak slowly and clearly and leave your full name, email address, and phone number.  

What do I need to bring to my appointment? 

  • For your first appointment you will need to bring:
    • Your photo ID
    • Your confirmation from StreetWise (either printed or viewable on your phone).
    • Social Security cards for everyone living in the household 18 years of age and older
    • Names, birthdays, and ages of everyone living in the household
    • A current utility bill showing proof of address
    • Proof of income for everyone living in the household
    • List of expenses for everyone living in the household

What can I expect at my appointment? 

  • At all appointments, you can expect to be greeted by a friendly volunteer, receive fresh, healthy food loaded into your car, prayed for if you wish, and your hope lifted in gratitude.
  • The first time you visit StreetWise you will meet with a Client Adviser who will review the information that you are asked to bring with you. This helps StreetWise to help you receive and qualify for the programs at, or referred by, StreetWise. This takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You will then receive your food, loaded into your car by our volunteers.

Where do I check in for my Weekday appointment?

  • You will check in at the front of the building under the sign that says HOPE.
  • A greeter will check you in at your car. Please remain in your car until greeted.

What happens if I miss an appointment?

  • If you miss an appointment without canceling 24 hours in advance, you will not be able to book another appointment for any StreetWise service for 12 weeks.

How can I cancel my appointment so I don’t get a No Show?

How do I appeal a No-Show restriction?

Can I schedule both a 6-week Weekday appointment and the Mobile Food Pantry?

  • Yes, but there must be at least 2 weeks between the Mobile Food Pantry and a regular Weekday StreetWise appointment.

Do I have to sign up in advance for the Market (aka Heaven’s Grocery Store)?

  • No, you will be invited to shop at no cost in Heaven’s Grocery Store each time you are served at a StreetWise weekday or Thursday night appointment.
  • Only those who have a confirmed appointment may shop for themselves and their family.

How can I volunteer at StreetWise?

What kind of Volunteers are needed at StreetWise?

  • StreetWise has so many unique jobs and projects, so anyone will fit in somewhere! We need personal shoppers in the market and clothing store, help in the office, checking-in clients, loading boxes, warehouse chores, traffic control, counselors, prayer, and especially, to fill our clients with hope.

Do I need special training or skills to volunteer?

  • Most volunteer opportunities do not require any special training. Although, certain warehouse, equipment handling, and administrative jobs do, and we are happy to help with additional training.
  • Some required things are closed-toed shoes, weather appropriate clothing, and a heart to serve. 

Does StreetWise have evening and/or weekend volunteer opportunities?

  • Yes, both.
  • Thursday evenings, every other week from 5:30 – 8:30, volunteers serve working families who cannot receive StreetWise food service during the day.
  • The 2nd Saturday of every month (except November and December) volunteers serve at our Mobile Food Pantry. From 9am to 12pm we will serve 250+ families as they remain in their car and food is loaded into their car.

Are kids allowed to volunteer? 

  • Yes, at StreetWise we love to see kids helping to give back to their community and neighbors.
  • We welcome ages 8-13 when accompanied by an adult; ages 14-16 in a small group setting with chaperones; age 17+ volunteer as an adult.
  • Visit our volunteer page for more information.

Can I bring a group to Volunteer?

Can I volunteer for just a special event?

Can I get community service credit for my school, work, or a court order?

  • Yes, StreetWise welcomes all students and businesses for Community Service hours as well as Court mandated service required for non-violent judgments.
  • Court mandated volunteers must bring their court provided paperwork with them.

Do I need a background check to volunteer at StreetWise?

  • Yes, the safety of our volunteers and clients is extremely important to StreetWise and part of that policy requires a background check.

Where does my money go? 

  • Every donation to StreetWise is precious and great effort is made to carefully steward these resources.
  • Even though StreetWise is a nonprofit organization, it is a business. This requires money for rent, utilities, insurance, staffing, truck fuel, and maintenance.
  • As a food bank, resources are necessary to provide boxes and bags to pack the food, as well as the purchase of food itself.
  • If you would like to learn more, please make an appointment to speak with our Executive Director who would be happy to meet with you.

How can I donate to StreetWise? 

Can I pay the fees sometimes charged to donate so that my entire donation goes to StreetWise?

  • Yes. When you are on the donation page, click the box under the amount you give. Thank you for that generosity!

Does StreetWise accept checks or credit cards? 

  • Yes, StreetWise can accept checks, all credit cards, and debit cards. 
  • StreetWise also accepts PayPal and ACH transactions.

Can I give a monthly recurring gift?

  • Yes, visit streetwisegeorgia.org/donate, click the box for “Recurring Gift” under the “Donation Amount“, and complete your donation.

Are my donations tax deductible?

  • Yes, you will receive a receipt for items or cash donated. They will also be included on your yearly statement. 
  • A statement of your giving can be requested from the Financial Administrator at any time.

Will I get a year-end statement?

  • Yes, you will receive a statement in January of all your monetary donations for the previous year.

Can I designate a particular area that I want my gift to help? 

  • Yes, funds may be set aside in a designated account for the purpose that you indicate. If the donation is being made online, enter your wishes in the “Gift Note” section indicating your preference.

Can I give the gift of stock or real estate?

Can I give a non-cash gift such as furniture, cars, etc.?

  • Yes, on a case-by-case basis, scheduled in advance. Contact the Financial Administrator, and she will explain the process.

Can I leave a bequest to StreetWise in my will?

  • Yes. People often choose to leave a gift to an organization in their will so that something they believe in will be able to continue on into the future. 
  • Contact the Financial Administrator who will discuss your wishes and begin the process of your legacy gift.

Do you pick up donations?

  • In rare instances, StreetWise is able to pick up donations. However, you would need to contact the Warehouse Manager ahead of time.

What special events does StreetWise offer? 

streetwisegeorgia.org/programs

  • Backpack Day – School supplies and clothes for school-age kids
  • Teen events such as Talk Nights, Pizza Nights, Clothing Days, etc.
  • Easter – Food for a family dinner and Easter surprises for all kids in attendance
  • Thanksgiving – Food for a family Thanksgiving feast
  • Christmas –  Food for a family dinner.  Access to the StreetWise Christmas Store. Christmas books and more. 

Do I need an appointment to attend a special event?

Does it cost anything to receive food and supplies or attend an event?

  • No, StreetWise provides all food and other items to our clients at no charge to them.

Do I need to bring anything to an event?

  • Yes, you need to have your photo ID and your confirmation from StreetWise, either printed or viewable on your phone.

Where do I park for an event?

  • There will be Traffic Volunteers and signs directing you at each special event
  • The marked spaces in the parking lot should be used for regular weekday appointments.

Do children need to be present to receive gifts?

  • Yes, when gifts are offered at a special event children do need to be pre-registered and present to receive the gifts.

Will I be able to get food at every event? 

  • No, not every event provides food.

If I miss an event does it count as a No Show?

Yes. Unless you have canceled your appointment before the scheduled time, for ALL appointments you will be considered a No Show if you fail to show up.

© 2025 StreetWise Georgia Inc Nonprofit 501(c)(3)

1770 Cedars Road, Lawrenceville, GA 30045
678-985-9915

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