Trip Locations
Chicago
From government corruption which led to a mass amount of debt for the city and resulted in the closure of over 40 public schools due to a lack of funding; to racism and racist housing acts passed in the mid-1900s that forced many into poverty and kept the city segregated still to this day; to a lack of resources in lower-income areas that result in food deserts, an increase in violence and gang involvement, lack of education, and a corrupt justice system; the people of Chicago have many hard realities that they live with.
Denver
Founded during the "Pikes Peak or Bust Gold Rush" of 1859, Denver has been called the "Gateway to the West". The city is proud to have all that a metropolis offers while in a gorgeous setting next to the Rocky Mountains. Denver loves its sport teams, staying healthy and caring for our neighbors. While you'll find many of the same struggles that affect any other urban area, Denver is a special place where ministry is creative and collaborative.
Houston
Houston was founded more than 150 years ago by the Allen brothers, frontier explorers who stood on the grassy banks of Buffalo Bayou and dreamed of what today is modern Houston. Houston is America’s fourth-largest city, with a population of 2.09 million people located in an area more than twice the size of Rhode Island. There are almost 6 million people in the greater metropolitan area. More than 100 different ethnic groups reside in Houston’s city limits, making it one of the world’s great multi-cultural urban centers.
Los Angeles
As of the 2010 census, more than 35% of the population of Los Angeles was foreign born. This does not include the thousands of the immigrants that stream through, using Los Angeles as a point of entry before moving to another city. The native lands of Los Angeles residents represent more than 140 different countries throughout the world. There are at least 25,0000 homeless people each night in Los Angeles. About 10,000 homeless people live on “Skid Row”. This is a ten square block area at the center of downtown Los Angeles.
Nashville
Whether it’s the creativity from the music industry, or the constant research, studying, and discussions from the numerous colleges, hospitals, and healthcare corporations, Nashville is filled with energy and life. Having been voted No. 1 City in America for Business Relocations and Expansions by Expansion Management Magazine two years in a row, this city is booming with economic and industrial growth. And yet, with its southern hospitality, people still feel like they are visiting or moving to a small town.
New York City
The Big Apple, The City that Never Sleeps, The Capital of the World, Gotham, Empire City, and The Melting Pot are some of the nicknames given to New York City. NYC is a myriad of different things to its many inhabitants, visitors and those who have only dreamed of New York. More songs have been written about NYC that any other city, with various song writers proclaiming their love, frustration, excitement and commitment to this remarkable city. If any city could be considered a living organism, it’s New York.
Philadelphia
Philadelphia is rooted in a deep history – nicknamed the birthplace of America. The Liberty Bell finds its home here. The men who are named the fathers of our nation walked our streets and made their homes here, hoping to build the city on a foundation of justice and freedom. Yet so often the story of the city “of brotherly love” does not point to this freedom, and presents a challenge for each of us to consider what is preventing people from experiencing full freedom.
San Francisco Bay Area
San Francisco draws visitors and residents from all over the world to take in its beautiful architecture, incredible views, and diverse culture. Mention “The City by the Bay” and people think of Fisherman’s Wharf, the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, and the 49ers football team. The romance that draws people to the city can turn into despair and pain for many. The homeless population grows daily, as outrageous housing costs box even middle class families out of the housing market.
washington dc
Washington, DC is a city of great contrast. It is both our nation’s capitol and a city with great poverty and crime. Its 67 square-mile area contains rich and poor, black and white, young and old, native and alien, homeless and landed-gentry, the powerful and powerless, lawmakers and lawbreakers. Impoverished public housing projects are within blocks of lush neighborhoods where nations of the world house their embassies and consulates.