Situated in the rolling foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Birmingham, Alabama, first became known as an industrial center for its iron and steel production. Today, it is a progressive center for medical research, banking, music, technology, art, engineering and higher education. Despite the city’s economic success, there still are residents of Birmingham that struggle with poverty and homelessness. Your group will serve residents of this charming city through children’s programs, housing programs and outreach to the elderly and homeless.

Demographics

Founded in 1871, this relatively young city quickly grew into an industrial hub with its wealth of coal, iron ore and limestone. Birmingham was nicknamed “The Magic City” because of its astonishing growth. The city suffered greatly, however, during the Great Depression of the 1930s. The 1960s brought historic Civil Rights demonstrations and the tragic bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church. The stories of Birmingham’s race relation struggles are now told at the city’s Civil Rights Institute. Over 150,000 visitors walk the galleries and attend the educational programs of the Institute each year. Today the city is home to an estimated 242,820, with a metro-area population of 1 million. As with many large cities, affordable housing and unemployment pose challenges. Birmingham’s estimated homeless population is 11,000. An alarming 29 percent of the population lives below the poverty line, including nearly 50 percent of residents under age 18. Despite its struggles, the town boasts a beautiful landscape and is even home to the second largest urban nature preserve in the country. Residents maintain the southern charm and hospitality that have been hallmarks of their character for the past century. Come join with these residents to serve those in need.

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 possible evening/cultural activities includes: visit the Civil Rights Institute to learn more about the history of Birmingham and its role in the Civil Rights Movement; attend a local church service; visit the Vulcan and Botanical Gardens; and attend 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

Birmingham is located in central Alabama and is home to Birmingham International Airport. There is also a major airport in Atlanta, 150 miles from Birmingham.

Transportation & Travel

Each group is responsible for transportation to and from the site, and during the mission week. Birmingham can only accommodate standard 15 passenger vans or smaller.

Additional Information

If you would like more information on what there is to do in Birmingham and surrounding areas before or after your trip, check out these local travel and tourism Web sites: http://www.birminghamal.org or http://birminghamchamber.com/visiting/birmingham.html