Originally a ferry outpost town along the Susquehanna River, Harrisburg has served as the capital of Pennsylvania since 1810. Harrisburg is known as the “cultural, historical, entertainment, recreational, financial and governmental hub of Central Pennsylvania”. However, even with such accolades, Harrisburg has been a struggling community. Listed as the second most distressed city in the nation in the early 80’s, Harrisburg has been slowly working to renew its standing as a successful community. With a median income well below the national average, many families live in poverty. Your group will minister to struggling families and community members by working with the homeless, children and elderly.

Demographics

Harrisburg enjoys a rich heritage, with settlement in the area dating back thousands of years! The position of Harrisburg on the Susquehanna River makes it a natural area to settle in, having brought Native Americans to the area over 8,000 years ago! John Harris, an English immigrant, settled the area in the early 1700’s and prospered through his many business ventures, including that of a ferryboat operator. Ironically it is his son, John Harris II that is known as the founder of Harrisburg. As the capital city, Harrisburg has been known for many things, namely serving as the transportation hub of Pennsylvania. This began with the Susquehanna River as a transportation thoroughfare but has since extended to railway and highways. Originally having a population of predominantly English and Scotch-Irish, the demographics of the community has since changed to currently have a nearly 70% minority population. Harrisburg currently boasts 27 parks, over 200 annual community events, and an expansive Riverfront Park, home to numerous summer concerts. The Broad Street Farmers Market is the oldest indoor market in the nation – a market that hasn’t changed much in all those years – one can still find Amish farmers at the Broad Street Market selling their wares as they have in years past! In recent years many efforts have been made to reverse the financial distress in this community. Harrisburg is on the upswing, but remains plagued by a low median income and a high unemployment rate, amongst other challenges.

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. Your group will have the opportunity to enjoy the city of Harrisburg, spend time with the community and spend time together as a large group. 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

Harrisburg is less than 10 miles from the Harrisburg International Airport.

Transportation & Travel

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

Additional Information

Read more about Harrisburg at http://www.city-data.com/city/Harrisburg-Pennsylvania.html