As the United States capital, Washington D.C. is home to some of the country’s most fascinating political and historical treasures. Monuments, museums, memorials and government buildings draw approximately 15.4 millions visitors to the city each year. While this city is rich in history, there are present-day residents who struggle with poverty and homelessness. Your group will serve metro-area residents through volunteering at organizations that serve the children, elderly and homeless populations of this great city.

Demographics

The District of Columbia, located between the states of Maryland and Virginia, is home to 572,000 people in the city itself and 5.4 million people in the greater metropolitan area. At the center of the city’s four quadrants is the U.S. capitol, a powerful symbol of our nation’s freedom and democracy. Other popular attractions include the 555-foot tall Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. A strong spirit of service fills this diverse community. Volunteers are needed to serve and assist residents who tend to fall between the cracks. More than 16,000 people are homeless in Washington D.C. during the course of a year. Several community development initiatives are underway to help families find employment and affordable housing and lend support to the large number of children (38.6 percent) living in poverty. Your volunteer work in Washington D.C. is important to and appreciated by the hard-working service organizations in this community.

About the Ministry

Participants serve in a variety of ways during a YouthWorks mission trip. Students may spend all week at one ministry or switch between ministries during the week. Our goal is to partner with local organizations and programs that seek to address the very basic needs of residents. Students may serve at places like: Children’s Programs, Elderly Centers, Soup Kitchens/Homeless Shelters and Thrift Stores. We cannot confirm until all groups arrive exactly what ministries your students will be a part of during the week. We ask that you come with a willing and flexible spirit!

Activities

Evening activities during a YouthWorks week are designed to give participants insight into the lives of local residents and the culture of the area. A list of evening/cultural activities we have done in the past include: ride the Metro and visit the Capital; visit the Washington, Lincoln, Vietnam and Korean Memorials; attend a local church service, and take part in a community cookout. These are examples of what your group might partake in during your mission week. These examples are subject to change due to weather or availability. In case of change, suitable substitutes will be provided. We try to arrange for free evening activities, but from time to time, an additional cost may be required for an activity. Please plan to bring an additional $10 per person to cover any extra costs. We will confirm the details closer to your trip.

Ministry Week

Partnering with Local Ministries.

Mileage

Reagan National Airport is located within the city, Dulles International Airport is 45 minutes west and Baltimore Washington International Airport is approximately one hour northeast of the District.

Transportation & Travel

Each group is responsible for transportation to and from the site, and during the mission week. Washington D.C. can only accommodate standard 15 passenger vans or smaller and cannot accommodate trailers. Due to Vicarious Liability Laws, you may not be able to rent 12 or 15 passenger vans in D.C., or in other states to be driven in D.C.. Please check with your insurance provider and rental company for information.

Additional Information

If you would like more information on what there is to do in Washington, DC and surrounding areas before or after your trip, check out the following Web sites: www.washington.org or www.123washingtondc.com.