Eight young adult missionaries from around the country will be in Ybor City May 18- June 8, to train local volunteers on the Street Ministry model and bring love and hope to those who are isolated and overlooked. 

Street Ministry involves walking the same routes each day to meet the homeless people of an area and develop friendships based on trust and mutual respect.  In addition to providing material resources, such as food and clothing, Street Ministry fosters healthy relationships, and an underlying need for homeless people to overcome their situation and sustain real change.

The Street Ministry will be led by a non-profit organization called “Christ in the City.” The foundation of their work is based on the life of Jesus Christ and the model of ministry he showed us, which is person-to-person and heart-to-heart.  This initiative is part of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg’s participation in the Jubilee Year of Hope and the 1,000,000 Acts of Mercy Challenge. 

Dr. Armando Chavarria, Executive Director of Missionary Discipleship for the Diocese of Saint Petersburg led the efforts to make this ministry possible. While deployed in the military, Dr. Armando experienced a powerful conversion to radically follow Christ’s call. This involved serving people that society often shuns, such as people in prison and people who are homeless. He has spent time at a Tent City for the homeless in North Carolina and at outreach programs at local churches in Tampa. 

"Jesus started this ministry. We are following the model Jesus gave us. Jesus showed us that loving and serving others means getting to know their story.  Then, find a way to support them, whether that’s advocating for them, providing resources, providing food and clothing, or praying with and for them," said Dr. Armando.

“When I meet people on the streets, I find out their story and what their needs are. For example, one person I spent time with said he needed socks so we organized sock donations. I started looking for ways to be Christ to people who are overlooked and in need. Then, I discovered Christ in the City. That’s their focus. Partnering with them is a good way to get more people involved," Dr. Armando added.

This partnership with Christ in the City is sponsored by a local Catholic philanthropist who has spent time with those living in the shadows, under the overpasses, in the woods, behind buildings, and getting to know their story. 

Get Involved

To request to volunteer, email: ChristintheCity@dosp.org