Chicago Street Medicine

We are a young organization, but we are deeply committed to our mission and vision. In the past four years, we have worked with more than 3000 patients and 200 providers, we have expanded operations to four medical school chapters, and we have more chapters in development. 

Our goal is to transform the city of Chicago with student-driven street medicine. We strive to maximize health for people affected by homelessness in Chicago through elimination of barriers, direct health services, and continuity across health systems in collaboration with community stakeholders. We aim to expand skills and knowledge to raise informed consciousness about the clinical and structural issues surrounding homelessness. We work to develop evidence to inform and transform healthcare practices to eliminate health disparities. And we seek to change healthcare systems, policies, and perceptions in collaboration with people experiencing homelessness.

There is a 32-year disparity in life expectancy between the chronically homeless and the general US population - that's unacceptable in our city. We're working to change that by bringing compassionate care to the people on the streets.

And when the white coat is removed and we step out of the clinic, we are reminded of our own humanity. In caring for the vulnerable, we see ourselves in their eyes, and we remember why we got into healthcare in the first place. Not to treat symptoms or monitor numbers in a computer- to help people. 

The donation levels to the right are indicators of impact level (i.e. an example of how far your donation will go.) While we may not use the funds precisely as defined by the description, we will always use the funds to best benefit our patients. 

If you want more information, check out our website.

Chicago Street Medicine will not share or sell your private information.

Cover photo by Lloyd Degrane