Helping the Unhoused

Hypothermia Prevention Shelter
In the winter, we cook and provide homemade dinners for the hypothermia shelter. 

Embry Rucker Community Shelter
There are various volunteer activities throughout the year to be involved with the shelter located in Reston.

School Partnership

We are committed to maintaining a strong relationship with the students and faculty at Lake Anne Elementary School, which is located right next to us.

Homework Club
Homework Club is an after-school tutoring and mentoring program in which volunteers assist students with their homework.
Other Opportunities at Lake Anne ES
If you want to work with Lake Anne students but aren't able to be a part of Homework Club, there are many other ways for you to serve: assist in the school library, read with a child and other mentoring opportunities. Contact us to get involved.

Community Development

FISH
We host and are involved in opportunities for local residents to have equal opportunity and resources to financial sustainability.

Donations

Cornerstones & Helping Hungry Kids
On the first Sunday of each month, we collect food items to donate to Cornerstones Food Pantry and Helping Hungry Kids, which provides food for elementary-school children. Helping Hungry Kids donations are collected during the school year. In the summers, we collect for Cornerstones. In the summer of 2019, the most needed items for Cornerstones includes: oatmeal, fruit cups, applesauce and vinegar. Full list of needed items.

Backpack Donations
Back to school season can be a struggle for families who can't always afford new supplies. Give students new backpacks are being collected for Cornerstones' back-to-school drive. Financial donations also accepted (donate online or by check payable to UCP with "backpacks" in memo line). Drop off new backpacks in the welcoming area outside the Sanctuary.

The Closet
We collect clothing items for the non-profit thrift store, The Closet, located in Herndon. Volunteers sort, label and price gently used toys and household items.

Works Sunday

UCP participates in Works Sunday, an annual interfaith service event featuring over 15 service opportunities throughout July and August.