Dallas Urban Poverty Relief

About the Week

Dallas, Texas is the eastern side of the 5 county DFW Metroplex, populated by almost 8 million residents. Nearby Arlington is home to the Texas Rangers, Six Flags Over Texas, and the Dallas Cowboys. While Dallas is known as a hub of commerce and “big city” attractions, it is also a destination for a large percentage of refugees and immigrants and has many thriving ethnic areas. A city of contrasts, some of the wealthiest and poorest zip codes in the state are here. From a base in the heart of North Dallas, groups participating in Urban Poverty Relief weeks learn about the causes and implications of childhood poverty and how Christians are called to action and understanding. Service may include distributing food and baby care items with Oasis de Esperanza, gardening at the Seeds of Faith Community Garden, volunteering at North Dallas Shared Ministries and Juliette Fowler homes, and spendi Groups will learn to put faith into action through service and justice in ways that are relational, sustainable and dignity-affirming. Groups will work with and learn from a variety of organizations and people with whom we partner year round. Each day includes a morning gathering with a biblical reflection and videos to learn more about poverty relief and the effects of poverty on children and about the partner organizations for the day, hands-on activities with non-profits, connect time and free time. Connect time is our justice based curriculum that will help your group connect what you are doing on your trip with how you will put your faith into action in new ways when you return home. Cost is $325 per participant and includes: • Breakfast and Lunch, Monday morning through Friday morning. (Dinners are on your own.) • Lodging in a local church • A dedicated Site-Coordinator and trained young adult staff to facilitate your week • Fully planned service and educational experiences • Honorariums for speakers, costs for activities, entrance fees • A t-shirt for each participant • Printed discussion guides for small groups • Online consultation with Be the Neighbor planning staff in the spring • Online training for your adult leaders in late May or early June Note that your group is responsible for transportation during the week.