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..."