* Have never been on a YouthWorks trip
* Have previously attended a YouthWorks trip
Learn about urban renewal through neighborhood beautification initiatives, partner with social service organizations and assist with minor home repair projects.
Niagara Falls is one of the most popular tourist destinations in North America, attracting millions of tourists on both the Canadian and American side each year. The area surrounding the falls is popular for recreation and all manner of adventures. Yet at the same time residents of Niagara Falls, New York struggle in the day-to-day of life, dealing with economic problems, employment instability, and poverty. Tourists who come and stay for just a few days will notice the beauty of the area, but may not see the struggle that lies behind it.
As a well-known tourist destination, many seem to have difficulty understanding why the city is under resourced. After spending time here looking deeper, one can easily see a city struggling to hold on and live up to its reputation as a place of beauty and grandeur. Since the 1960s and 1970s following the Love Canal chemical explosion, Niagara Falls has experienced major economic decline. As a result, the Falls area struggles with large urban issues of poverty, homelessness and food insecurity. In comparison, the Canadian side of the falls is booming with production, jobs and larger economic growth. Niagara Falls, USA struggles with being able to provide jobs with the means in order for families to support themselves. The center and bulk of the city is struggling to bring in industry to provide jobs and resources. YW is able to partner with the key leaders in the city that are working tirelessly to restore, bring hope and provide assistance to those in need. The economic problems and higher levels of poverty for this area are what the majority of people tend to not see or experience when they come tour the falls. We have an opportunity to help people see both the beauty and struggles here while they serve the community through social service organizations, hands on work projects and kids ministries.