Chicago
MINISTRY
In Chicago, YOM partners with The Chicago Metropolitan Baptist Association, the Salvation Army, local churches, various homeless ministries and numerous other ministries in and around the city.
Chicago is the largest city in the U.S. state of Illinois, and with over 2.8 million people is the third largest city in the United States. Located on the southwestern shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago is the third-most densely populated major city in the U.S. and anchor to the world's 26th largest metropolitan area with over 9.5 million people across three states.
After a series of wars with the local American Natives, Chicago was founded in 1833, near a portage between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River watershed. The city became a major transportation and telecommunications hub in North America. Today, the city retains its status as a major hub, both for industry and infrastructure, with its O'Hare Airport as the second busiest airport in the world. In modern times, the city has taken on additional dimension as a center for business and finance, and is listed as one of the world's top ten Global Financial Centers. Chicago is a stronghold of the Democratic Party, and has been home to influential politicians, including the current President of the United States, Barack Obama. The World Cities Study Group at Loughborough University rated Chicago as an alpha world city.
As of 2007, the city attracts 44.2 million visitors annually. Making use of its abundant resources, Chicago has a heritage for hosting major international, national, regional, and local events that include commerce, culture, entertainment, politics, and sports. In 2008, Chicago was chosen as one of the final four world city candidates to host the 2016 Summer Olympics and is the only American city on the list.
Globally recognized, Chicago has numerous nicknames, which reflect the impressions and opinions about historical and contemporary Chicago. The best known include: "Chi-town"; the "Windy City" with reference to Chicago politicians and residents boasting about their city; "Second City, due to the city generally being the second most prestigious in the nation in terms of transportation, culture, and finance and the "City of Big Shoulders", referring to its numerous skyscrapers (which were invented in Chicago), described as being husky and brawling.
HOUSING
All groups are housed in a local hotel in the greater Chicago area, which provides a central location for groups to the many ministry sites. Price per person is based on four persons to each room.
MEALS
Breakfast is provided at the hotel Monday through Friday morning and is served in the hotel restaurant or meeting room.
Groups are given to-go lunch supplies from the YOM staff Monday through Thursday so that you do not have to leave your mission sites and can continue to serve. Lunch supplies will include everything you need for that day to include bread, meat, cheese, mustard, mayonnaise, peanut butter and jelly, chips, cookies, plates, napkins and bottled water.
Dinners are not provided as this gives you and your group to experience the people, and culture of Chicago and to continue to minister in and around the city.
GENERAL INFO AND GUIDELINES
- Be prepared to be very flexible. Plans will change daily!
Stay together at all times. Never leave the group without first talking to your group leader. Groups of at least 4 are recommended. - Be prepared to share your testimony at any time.
- Look for God to do something amazing in your life on this trip!
- Cost is $305 per person
- $1,000 Non-refundable deposit required to reserve your group.
