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

Our goal is to partner with local ministries and programs that seek to address the very basic needs of Washington D.C.'s residents. Depending on the organization that we partner with, you may be at a specific site the entire week or partner with a couple of organizations on a rotational basis. At the beginning of the ministry week, once on site, Adult Leaders will work with the Site Director to separate their participants into work crews. Your group will be mixed with the youth from other groups for their week of service. Because other churches will be joining you on your mission adventure, and because of the unique and varying needs of the ministries that we partner with, we cannot confirm until all groups arrive on site exactly what ministries your youth will be involved with. We ask that you come to serve 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 National Archives & the Capital; take part in a poverty educational experience; Visit Union Station; and visit the Washington, Lincoln, Vietnam and Korean Memorials. 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.