USA Urban Issues

Urban communities in the US face distinct and varied crises, such as hunger, homelessness, and lack of affordable health care. There are numerous opportunities to get involved in these communities and make a difference. Interested individuals can find short- and long-term volunteer opportunities through volunteer search engines, such as www.volunteersolutions.org and www.networkforgood.org, that help individuals locate organizations that fit their interests and locations.

America’s Second Harvest, 35 E. Wacker Dr., #2000, Chicago, IL 60601 (☎800-771-2303 or 312-263-2303; www.2ndharvest.org). As the US’s largest hunger organization, Second Harvest oversees more than 200 food banks throughout the country and feeds more than 23 million people each year. Sort and repackage salvaged food, prepare and serve food at a shelter, or tutor children.
Common Ground, 14 E. 28th Street., New York, NY 10016 (☎212-389-9300; www.commonground.org). Common Ground community seeks to “solve homelessness” through its programs in Manhattan, the Hudson Valley, and Connecticut. Volunteers work to move disadvantaged individuals from the streets to shelters, and finally into homes built and maintained by Common Ground. The organization also shapes policy and creates preventative programs to fight homelessness.
National Coalition for the Homeless, 1012 14th St. NW, #600, Washington, D.C. 20005 (☎202-737-6444; www.nationalhomeless.org). Maintains a website with listings of local homeless assistance programs and shelters, food banks, hospitals, and advocacy groups across the country.
SCI International Voluntary Service, 5505 Walnut Level Rd., Crozet, VA 22932 (☎206-350-6585; www.sci-ivs.org). Service Civil International organizes teams for 2- to 4-week work camps or 3- to 12-month volunteer postings on grassroots projects. Most camps also include opportunities to study social justice issues. Volunteers must be over 16. Fees run from $115, and include SCI-IVS membership, housing, and meals; additional fees apply to applicants who register through international affiliates.

More Volunteering in USA

By clicking submit you agree to the terms of the Let’s Go Privacy Policy

For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.