Project SERVE Community

In addition to service and education, community is a major focus of the Project SERVE program. Project SERVE volunteers live in community housing in Baltimore’s historic Mt. Vernon neighborhood. The Project SERVE house is a 4 story row-house that provides each volunteer their own bedroom and has a community living room and kitchen space.

The Project SERVE community is based on the principles of simple living, cooperation, mutual respect and support. Community living is more than simply being roommates with one another, but providing mutual understanding and support during this year of learning and serving together. Community living involves a weekly community night, giving volunteers an opportunity to spend time together to build relationships and/or learn about issues in the greater Baltimore community. Also, volunteers cook dinner together at least twice a week.

Each year Project SERVE volunteers participate in two weekend retreats—one in the fall and one in the early summer. These retreats are designed to get away for awhile to reflect on your service and have fun together.

We encourage our volunteers to live a lifestyle of simplicity in solidarity with the communities of people we work among. For any volunteer with access to outside financial support, we invite you to live on the monthly stipend provided. We also encourage community members to participate in economically and environmentally sustainable practices, such as recycling, conserving electricity, purchasing locally-grown food, etc.