Office of Student Life
Leadership and Community Engagement

Washington DC: Father McKenna Center

Cultivating relationships and providing meals to men experiencing homelessness in Washington DC 

Community Partner: Father McKenna Center 

Trip Dates: December 14-21, 2024 

Location: Washington, DC  

Number of Participants: 10 

Price: $500 

Apply for a Buck-I-SERV Winter 2024 trip! (applications available mid-August)

Included in participant fee: 

  • All logistical and travel expenses: Rental vehicles for roundtrip transportation (damage/insurance coverage included) and overnight lodging on-site at Father McKenna Center for duration of trip. 
  • Father McKenna Center program fees for facilitating week of service/alternative break experience. 
  • Buck-I-SERV supplies/swag: Individual items (t-shirts, water bottles, fanny packs, pens, and reflection booklets for each group member) and group items (first aid kit, disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer, deck of playing cards, and thank you card for community partner. 
  • Buck-I-SERV Events and Training: Winter Kick-Off and Welcome Back events with catering and pre-trip education and training 
  • Breakfast and lunch provided by Father McKenna Center. 
  • Some meals and group activities: The group will be provided a small budget to use for group meals and group activities. Participants should plan to bring money for out of pocket expenses. 

Travel and housing: 

  • Participants will drive to and from Washington DC in rental vehicles. 
  • Participants will stay on-site at Father McKenna Center for the week and should plan to bring air mattresses and sleeping bags. 
  • A full packing list will be provided to participants and discussed during pre-trip meetings leading up to departure. 

What to expect:  

  • The mission of The Father McKenna Center is to care for families struggling with food insecurity and men experiencing homelessness by providing food, shelter, clothing and services to support their journey towards stability and productivity. 
  • Participants will have the opportunity to prepare and serve meals, as well as interact with and build relationships with folks being served by Father McKenna Center. Participants may also assist with the on-site Food Pantry and Hypothermia Program, which is a smaller shelter serving 30+ men by providing employment, shelter, and substance misuse treatment programs.