Service Trips
Our service trip volunteers play a critical role in helping City Relief maximize its impact every week. They help outreach to run smoothly and are important in setting the stage for building trusting relationships with our outreach guests. We welcome service trip teams 42 weeks out of the year to stay at our base.
It’s Global
Teams from around the world have come to stay, serve, and make a difference. Many have been radically changed by their experience, bringing hope and connections to resources to friends on the streets of New York City. We have everything your team needs for an impactful week of service that will change our guests and volunteers' lives.
Please reach out if you have questions or want to discuss booking a trip in 2025.
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Homelessness has reached unprecedented levels in the NYC Metro area and beyond. At City Relief, we continue to compassionately serve more and more people experiencing homelessness and poverty. We offer tangible help and connect people to resources and hope, but we can’t do that alone. We need your help. As your team creates a safe, welcoming and joyful environment for our guests, City Relief staff can connect with guests face-to-face to offer hope and personalized care coordination to meet their unique needs.
See below for a sample schedule and more details or click here for an overview.
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Does City Relief offer training?
● Service Trips include an orientation and debriefing during and at the end of your trip. Volunteers are encouraged to think intentionally about their time of service and return home empowered to make a difference in their own community.
Will City Relief staff be present with our team all week?
● Yes! City Relief Outreach Leaders, Volunteer Services Team Members, and other staff members will support your team’s experience from start to finish on a daily basis. One of our top priorities is to walk alongside your team, providing training, coaching, and support throughout each day of service!
What is the minimum age to join a Service Trip?
● Minimum age to serve at City Relief Outreach is 16 years old on the day of service.
● Minimum age for City Relief Housing is 18 years old.
Does City Relief provide transportation to Outreach?
● Teams just need to get to the City Relief Mobilization Center (located in Clifton, New Jersey), and we will take it from there! City Relief’s service day starts with prep in New Jersey and includes transportation from our Base of Operations to our Outreaches across the NYC Metro Area.
Are background checks required?
● Clear background checks are required when City Relief provides housing, which your organization or church can provide. Or if your organization doesn’t include background checks, City Relief offers a self-pay option for $12 each. Individuals can complete background checks online at https://ministryopportunities.org/CityRelief
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2026 Lodging Fee: $500 per person, per week: Tuesday Arrival, Saturday Departure.
Additional Nights: $75 per extra night per person for Monday arrivals or Sunday departures.
Deposit: To reserve teams of up to 12 volunteers for the week, a $500 deposit is required, which will be applied to your final bill.
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● Base of Operations and Off-site Housing in New Jersey (NYC Metro Area)
● Available Room + Board for Teams
Booking for off-site housing for teams (18 years or older)
Breakfast Pantry, Lunch at Outreach, and 3 Dinners
● Standard Trip Week is Tuesday to Saturday, but Monday arrivals and Sunday departures will be accommodated.
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We appreciate your team traveling to serve with us! City Relief provides transportation from our Base of Operations to our Outreach Sites on service days. Click below to find out more about local ground transportation in the NYC Metro Area.
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Ready to learn more about a Service Trip with City Relief? Set up a 30-minute Discovery Call with Kate Richards by clicking here.
Prefer to get information via email? Send your questions to our Volunteer Services Team.
We look forward to meeting you!
Typical Service Trip Schedule
