Street Vendors Association of Chicago

My name is Elizabeth Barajas, and I’m the current president of Triota, the Gender Studies Honor Society, where we strive to promote feminist principles of inclusion, empowerment, and community care.

This semester, as our city faces a growing wave of hostility and fear directed toward immigrants, Triota has chosen to focus our efforts on supporting Chicago’s street vendors, many of whom are immigrants whose livelihoods are being threatened.

Street vendors are an essential part of Chicago’s culture and heart. They bring warmth, hard work, and tradition to our neighborhoods, often while facing unfair treatment, harassment, and fear. Many fear working due to anti-immigrant sentiment and aggressive enforcement, losing income and security.

But while fear can silence, love and solidarity cannot be seized.

Every donation, no matter how small, will go directly toward supporting vendors so they can continue to thrive and care for their families.

Let’s show our street vendors that Chicago stands with them.

Thank you for your generosity and for helping us protect our city’s soul.

— Elizabeth

Support Chicago’s Street Vendors

We are the Street Vendors Association of Chicago (SVAC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that represents hundreds of immigrant families and elderly community members who work every day to bring food, culture, and life to our neighborhoods. All donations are tax deductible.

Right now, our community is living in fear. The current political climate and ICE enforcement threats are silencing vendors, keeping many from working and leaving families without income. A single day without sales means no money for rent, food, medicine, or childcare. The emotional toll is just as heavy: parents and grandparents are afraid to leave their homes, and children carry the stress of uncertainty.

We are launching this fundraiser with a goal of $300,000 to provide emergency support for street vendors who are losing their livelihoods. Your donation will help families feel supported and bring relief during this crisis.

Street vendors are the backbone of our neighborhoods. With your help, we can protect their dignity, sustain their families, and keep Chicago’s streets full of culture, connection, and resilience.

Every donation counts. Please give what you can and share this campaign so we can come together in support of our vendors.

Apoya a los vendedores ambulantes

Somos la Asociación de Vendedores Ambulantes de Chicago (SVAC), una organización sin fines de lucro reconocida como 501(c)(3), que representa a cientos de familias inmigrantes y miembros de la tercera edad que trabajan cada día para llevar comida, cultura y vida a nuestros vecindarios. Todas las donaciones son deducibles de impuestos.

En este momento, nuestra comunidad vive con miedo. El clima político actual y las amenazas de operativos de ICE están silenciando a los vendedores, impidiendo que muchos puedan trabajar y dejando a familias sin ingresos. Un solo día sin ventas significa no tener dinero para la renta, la comida, las medicinas o el cuidado de los hijos. La carga emocional es igual de fuerte: padres y abuelos tienen miedo de salir de casa y los niños cargan con el estrés de la incertidumbre.

Estamos lanzando esta recaudación con la meta de $300,000 para brindar apoyo de emergencia a los vendedores ambulantes que están perdiendo su sustento. Tu donación ayudará a que las familias se sientan acompañadas y les dará un respiro en medio de esta crisis.

Los vendedores ambulantes representan la base y el corazón de nuestros vecindarios. Con tu ayuda, podemos proteger su dignidad, sostener a sus familias y mantener las calles de Chicago llenas de cultura, conexión y resiliencia.

Cada donación cuenta. Por favor, aporta lo que puedas y comparte esta campaña para que podamos unirnos en apoyo a nuestros vendedores.