San Francisco, California is among the nation’s most popular tourist destinations. Just wait for the fog to lift from the San Francisco Bay, and a beautiful city full of cultural attractions will be revealed. But while cable cars travel the steep hills and visitors stroll through the city’s distinctive neighborhoods, there also are thousands of homeless individuals on the streets and in local shelters. The high cost of living in San Francisco has further increased the problem of poverty. Your group will have several opportunities to minister to the homeless in San Francisco. You also will participate in area children’s programs as you reflect the light of Jesus Christ.

Demographics

Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay, the city of San Francisco is dotted with landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and a scenic downtown skyline. Popular neighborhoods such as Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown and Russian Hill offer unique shopping, scenery and fine dining. While tourism is by far the most important industry in this city, San Francisco also is home to a large number of banking and finance companies. Today, this city of 744,041 has a diverse racial makeup of whites (44.5 percent), Asians (31 percent), Hispanics (14 percent) and African-Americans (8 percent). San Francisco was once believed to have the highest number of homeless individuals per capita of any major city in the United States. While local government programs appear to have reduced the homeless population in recent years, there still is a long way to go. A one-night homeless count in 2007 revealed 2,771 people on the streets and another 3,606 in shelters or transitional housing. San Francisco’s median home price of $396,400 makes home-ownership essentially unattainable for the nearly 12 percent of the population that lives below the poverty level. You’re invited to San Francisco for a life-changing experience as you work to serve others in this beautiful city.

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: visit the Golden Gate Bridge; take part in a community educational experience; go on a hike up Mount Davidson; 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

There is an airport in San Francisco, as well in Oakland, San Jose (44 miles), Santa Rosa (58 miles), Stockton (79 miles) and Sacramento (91 miles).

Transportation & Travel

Each group is responsible for transportation to and from the site, and during the mission week. San Francisco can only accommodate standard 15 passenger vans or smaller and cannot accommodate trailers.

Additional Information

If you would like more information on what there is to do in San Francisco and surrounding areas before or after your trip, check out the following Web sites: www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com and www.sanfrancisco.com.