THE STORY BEHIND THE MISSION
This cultural, commercial, and financial center of Northern California is the 15th-most populous city in the United States, and the fourth-most populous in California, with 883,305 residents, as of 2018.
It covers an area of about 46.89 square miles, making it the second most densely populated large U.S. city, and the fifth-most densely populated U.S. county, behind only four of the five New York City boroughs. San Francisco is the 12th-largest metropolitan statistical area in the United States by population, with 4.7 million people, and the 4th-largest by economic output, with GDP of $549 billion in 2018.
However, despite its wealth, there is a large population of homeless.
Helping Hands International has been partnering with YWAM for more than a decade in this area by reaching out to the homeless and strengthening the outreach center in San Francisco. For example, in 2019 we installed new lighting, built new doorways, and repaired stairs etc. and continue to complete much needed construction projects year after year.
In 2026, we plan to send another team to continue reaching out to homeless and restoring the local YWAM facility (where needed).
If you would like to join us this October, please register below. We know you will find this trip to be a life changing experience!
OVERVIEW OF ACTIVITIES:
Please note: This is a men only event due to YWAM's overnight facility restrictions.
This service project primarily focuses on repairing portions of YWAM's facility that require attention so that they can continue serving the San Francisco homeless community throughout the year.
During this trip, we will also spend time serving the homeless in the inner city around the YWAM base. This service will typically include handing out cups of hot chocolate, distributing toiletries and food, listening to others, praying for people and sharing the gospel.
Our team of Volunteers will travel to and from San Francisco together, work side by side making necessary repairs and improvements to YWAM's base, and share special times of fellowship as they serve the Lord by loving others through practical hands-on care.
What To Expect
Lodging consists of dormitory style buildings, with pretty comfy mattress but, do not forget your pillow and sleeping bag. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are prepared by YWAM staff, with the exception of Friday night dinner, when the group goes out to a local restaurant.
What to Bring
Bible
- Bedding: sleeping bag, pillow, fitted sheet, alarm clock and ear plugs (if a light sleeper) etc.
- Bath: bath towel, soap, shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste, personal items, flip flops for shower etc.
- Clothes: work clothes, one nice (not dressy) outfit for church, jacket and/or sweater (cold at night), work gloves etc.
- Shoes: work shoes are preferred (e.g. no bare feet at any time) etc.
- Other: camera, hand sanitizer, water bottle etc.
DRESS CODE
- No undergarments showing at any time
- Recommend work pants and t-shirts
- Jackets and sweatshirts for evening outreach
