Urban HANDS

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Urban HANDS?
question mark HANDS is an acronym for "Helping Another in Need by Demonstrating Servanthood" in an urban environment. Hundreds of groups from over 30 different states have participated in this volunteer program over the last 15 years.
What are the goals of an Urban HANDS mission experience?
It's our desire that everyone who participates in our Urban HANDS program step outside of his or her comfort zone to experience God in a new and powerful way. By combining a variety of ministry opportunities, work projects, and new experiences, our goal is to help people move closer to fulfilling their potential as God's hands and feet through serving others, demonstrating the gospel by doing good in the world.
What are the benefits of an Urban HANDS mission experience?
Most people come away with a different perspective on poverty and urban ministry — in addition to saying that this experience made them feel closer to God in some way. By stepping outside of their comfort zone, challenging their perceptions, and facing new situations, participants often come back home with gratitude, self-confidence, new skills, and a drive to make a difference in their own communities.
What types of groups participate in Urban HANDS?
Youth groups doing a summer mission trip, college groups on spring break, intergenerational groups throughout the year . . . we've had small groups of less than a dozen and large groups of nearly 100. Most, but not all, groups are sponsored by churches. The one thing groups have in common is a willingness to serve and an openness to new experiences.
How long does an Urban HANDS experience last?
Most groups stay about a week, sometimes including a day of sightseeing with their ministry activities. Shorter stays — even one-day projects — are possible.
What does an Urban HANDS week look like?
This program is definitely not a "one size fits all" experience. Because groups are engaged in actual ministry programs, volunteer assignments will vary based on opportunity and need. Summer groups often are involved in our day camp programs, while groups coming throughout the year may have a very broad range of experiences. Our primary focus is working directly with children, but there also are manual labor jobs or other varied projects. Plus each week is customized to fit the experience, skills, and spiritual learning curve of a given group.
What are some of the ministries we can participate in?
Urban HANDS groups can assist with our after-school programs during the school year and summer day camps during the summer months. We need people to teach, tutor, mentor, and just have fun with our children and youth (ages 5-18). While VBS-type ministries are always great, some of our most successful Urban Hands projects have involved someone sharing a skill or talent, like photography or sewing. We also have many opportunities for groups to lead or participate in work projects, outreach, or special events with a variety of our community partners. By letting us know the interests and abilities of your group, we can design an Urban HANDS experience that gives you a chance to interact with a variety of ministries.
What is the advantage of a complete Urban HANDS package?
A complete Urban HANDS package is a great deal for lodging, mission activities, and ministry education, with options for food and transportation included. As a nonprofit ministry working with multiple partners and by negotiating costs with local restaurants and hotels (or other housing options) for multiple groups, we are in a position to help groups maximize ministry opportunities and reduce costs. Our local knowledge and ability to customize your program and arrangements to fit your group's interests and resources also means you will have a powerful mission experience that will impact lives — your own, and those whom you serve.
How much does it cost?
Less than what you would spend to put this experience together from scratch. We'll save your group time and money because we have an experienced staff with extensive contacts here in DC who know how to stretch dollars. Actual costs will depend on housing and meal options as well as other variables. We can't change the fact that Washington is an expensive place, but we can help you get the best value for your mission budget. Costs can run from $40 to $75 dollars per person per day depending on what is included.
Are ministry expenses included in the costs?
Groups often bring ministry and program supplies or materials for work projects. In addition, a modest program fee is built into your group costs. We see this as our shared ministry with you, and your support and partnership is needed and welcomed at a variety of levels. But our beginning point is to ask you only to pay what it basically would cost you to put together your own trip with lodging, meals, and ministry arrangements. Anything that we don't have to spend directly on your needs is invested 100% into what God has called and equipped us to do here in this City.
How far ahead to we have to plan our Urban HANDS experience?
Ideally, we recommend contacting us about 6 months before the date of your trip. However, because we are a smaller, local organization with many ministry partners, we are often able to put together experiences on short notice.
What are the options for housing?
Different housing options at different prices are available, all with substantial savings over what could be found outside of an Urban HANDS package. We have moderately priced hotel options or dormitories, and very low cost church housing. All are close to ministry sites and accessible by public transportation.
What are our transportation options?
Generally it is easiest for groups to make their own travel arrangements from their hometown to Washington, DC. However, we can provide advice regarding airports, flights, and van/bus routes into the city. Once you arrive, we can arrange your transportation to and from your housing, sightseeing, and ministry sites. Often this means we guide you in the best way to travel (usually bus or metrobus) toward the beginning of your experience, so that you can confidently travel on you own during free time toward the end of your experience.
Can't we just drive to the places we need to go?
Driving in the Washington Metropolitan Area comes with significant limitations. People who attempt to navigate with just an address and a Google map usually make dozens of wrong turns. Rush hour, during which it takes on average twice as long to get where you're going, is from 6:30 am — 9:30 am and 4 — 7 pm. Parking is difficult at best, and parking large vehicles like vans or buses can be a nightmare. In order to spend your time at your destination instead of getting to your destination, our Urban Hands program usually involves activities clustered by neighborhood, and extensive use of metro public transportation, which is the best way to travel in the city.
How much does the Metro and Metrobus cost?
Fares on Metro and Metrobus vary according to the distance and the time of day you travel. Rush hour fares on Metro and express buses cost more.
How will I know what transportation options are best?
A complete Urban HANDS package includes our assistance in determining the most time and cost effective ways to get where you're going, be that van, metro, or metrobus, and how to purchase the appropriate passes and farecards.
How can we prepare for our Urban HANDS experience?
Begin with prayer, an open mind and a willing spirit. Then educate yourself about the ministries you will be helping with and the issues you may encounter. Along with your itinerary, you will receive information about the various ministries and work projects. City Gate also has suggestions for books, website, devotions, and other resources that can be used for pre-trip meetings and events. Once you arrive, one of the best ways to prepare for your Urban HANDS experience is for your group to participate in a poverty simulation.
What is a poverty simulation?
A poverty simulation is an intense, 12-24 hour time of hands-on learning and spiritual reflection, which challenges participants to develop a deeper compassion for those they will minister to.
What do we need to bring on our Urban HANDS Experience?
Most of the activities you will be participating in will require comfortable, casual clothes and shoes. We don't have a strict dress code, although we ask that all members of your group wear clothing that is appropriate to wear in front of small children (keeping T-shirt logos and sayings in mind). You will be walking and on your feet while doing work projects and while touring, so comfortable shoes are a must. Also, because our itinerary happens rain or shine, you will want to bring appropriate outdoor gear such as a raincoat and hat.
How can we get the most out of our Urban HANDS Experience?
Any worthwhile mission trip is not just about what happens during your work projects, travel, and new experiences. Our goal is to help participants internalize the lessons they've learned, build on their new closeness with God, and be empowered to be God's hands in their home community. Our Urban HANDS experience includes orientation, mid-week reflection, and closing reflection sessions, where participants can share their experiences, deepen their understanding of urban ministry, and recognize their own spiritual growth.