City Impact 2018

City Impact was such an amazing trip and experience for everyone that was involved! For those who don’t know, City Impact is a non-profit organization located in the tenderloin district of San Francisco. They work to intervene on the reckless cycle of poverty in the area

The Tenderloin District is not a good area. “The Tenderloin district is less than one square mile and is located in the heart of San Francisco. It is home to about  37,000 residents, the transition space of approximately 7,000 of San Francisco’s homeless population, as well as the place of upbringing for over 3,000 children.

The poverty that we see is often in the form of hunger, drug addiction, destitution both indoors and out, poor physical health, domestic violence, and overall physical suffering. However, what we see on the surface all have their roots in what is unseen: the trauma, brokenness, and isolation that have lead people to that place.

In fact, the common story of many of the people that we meet here is that they were often abused at a young age which lead them into self-medicating with a substance. This self-medication eventually develops into an addiction that consumes their life. The desire for escaping their reality through drugs or alcohol causes their relationships and responsibilities to diminish leading them into homelessness and destitution wherever they have come from.” -City Impact.

Members of Humanity Reboxed joined Lakeside Church on a mission trip to City Impact during Spring Break of this year. Students were heavily involved with meal delivery, street cleanup, women’s ministry, street ministry, meal prep, and so much more! Students were also heavily involved in prayer; praying out loud for a homeless person or praying in a group setting.

Humanity Reboxed provided 50 hygiene kits for street ministry. Also, due to high demand, HR also provided water and socks to the homeless.

We are so grateful for everyone’s support. We couldn’t be able to reach as many people without awesome donors like you! There are amazing, personal stories from the week! Every student had a unique experience, check out what they thought:

Abby Fenton (Vice President):
City Impact 2018 had significant impact on me. This year I was able to see beyond the surfaces of people's drug addiction, alcohol abuse, and mental health issues and into their true stories. The people in these heart wrenching circumstances became just like me. I learned that any average person can end up in insurmountable wells of drug addiction, alcohol abuse, and mental health issues, because that's all the people of the streets used to be- average people.

Adam Knutson (Student Ambassador):
City Impact was a new experience that I have never had before. It was a great experience though. It was not like most church camps where you go and have fun with friends. At City Impact we all served the homeless community of the Tenderloin in San Francisco. I loved it though. Helping someone that is homeless is an amazing experience. Putting a smile on their faces by giving them food or hygiene kits or even praying for them is such a great feeling. I would definitely go to City Impact in the future.

Jacob Magpantay (Media Chair, Co-Founder):
City Impact was an amazing time to spread love and grace on people who aren't usually used to it. It was awesome to see students open their hearts and connect to people living on the streets of the Tenderloin. I believe we made an impact on these people's lives. We learned how some may live drastically different lives than ours and how not everyone is as privileged as us. I personally was inspired how these people were able to keep such optimistic perspectives on life given their circumstances. This trip has given me more motivation to help those in less fortunate situations.
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Melanie Taylor (Student Ambassador):
I went into city impact not really knowing much about what I was going to be doing there. At first I was nervous about what I was going to see, but after my first full day, I saw that these people had a story just like us. Most of the people I interacted with were very kind and had a story full of self brokenness.Lots of people suffered from addiction. My goal was to have an impact on someone's life. As I talked to people I saw that by giving them a sandwich, scarf, or hygiene kit there hearts were warmed. Most people loved to talk and wanted to tell you everything. This experience is something I will never forget and will always have an impact on how I see our world.

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