Teens Opposing Poverty

Since 1987, TOP has trained teens to reach out to the homeless.  In 2009 alone, over 1,100 TOP teens from 61 youth groups served more than 7,000 meals to homeless people in Washington, DC, and in Richmond, Winchester, Charlottesville and Newport News, and Lynchburg, Virginia.  They gave out tons of clothing, thousands of pairs of underwear and socks, blankets, sleeping bags, shoes, toiletries and other needed items.   In addition to meeting physical needs, TOP teens offer encouragement, friendship and dignity to homeless people. The experience is life-changing for teens as they learn that they can make a real difference in the lives of others and gain a greater appreciation of the material blessings they enjoy.  TOP has produced a manual that describes how we research and conduct homeless ministry.  Click the following link for an e-book version.  
"How to Start an Outreach to the Homeless with Your Youth Group..."

Poor people often need immediate financial help.  We provide subway and bus fare to get homeless people to their first week of work, job interviews, doctor's appointments, or home to their families.  We purchase specialized job-related clothing so they can start working, and help people pay for medicine.  We assist with security deposits for utilities and apartments and provide emergency rental assistance to prevent eviction.

UNO is a holistic approach to ministry in low income neighborhoods.  Our pilot program, in the White Rock Hill neighborhood of Lynchburg, Virginia, began with a block party where residents completed surveys to inform us of their needs.  In response to the surveys, youth and adult volunteers will be working in several areas including home repair, children's programs, Bible studies and training in life skills such as money management and basic computer skills.  Our goal is to transform this community and offer its residents the hope of a better life.  Sign up for our email newsletter or check back on this website for updates.

Impact the Valley is a local, Christian mission that brings youth and adult volunteers together for 5 days of service to poor people in the northern Shenandoah Valley. Each day volunteers repair homes belonging to elderly, disabled and other poor people. In the evenings they share meals, worship together and enjoy recreational activities.  The 2010 Impact the Valley will be held July 18-23.  For more information Click Here

One of our major goals at TOP is to motivate youth to get involved in the fight against hunger and poverty. We can come to your school, church, youth group, mission meeting, Sunday school class or club meeting. TOP speakers share the practical aspects of our ministries as well as personal experiences that have powerfully affected us, teens and the people we serve. We have TOP presentations for adults as well as youth groups. Click for Additional information

Many homeless people are denied shelter, jobs, disability and other benefits because they lack valid government identification. Stepping Stones helps fill that need

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