Hunger and homelessness – this is a common trouble throughout major cities in the United States and is also the focus of this year’s Alternative Spring Break (ASB) trip.

Twenty-seven UIS students will journey to Washington D.C. March 16 through the 22 to work in various places targeting the issue of hunger and homelessness. The group will work for four days allowing one day of sight-seeing.

Brittani Provost, ASB secretary, said that this year’s focus will allow the group to “learn and experience [what] many of us might otherwise not have the opportunity to experience.” She added, “We have an exciting trip planned with some great people going. I believe it will make for an overall great experience.”

This year marks the seventh ASB for UIS. Mark Dochterman, director of the Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center, said Washington D.C was chosen because it posed “a challenge” for students.

“I think D.C. was the harder decision because it was more expensive,” said Dochterman. “But, I think it’s what they are passionate about and so they set that goal [for themselves].”

Over the course of the week, the students will be split into smaller groups and dispersed among the city to work in different soup kitchens, food banks and furniture banks. As the week progresses, they will rotate volunteer locations, in order to provide a wide range of experiences and opportunities.

All together, the trip will cost the group about $13,000.

“I like to go into experiences like this with few expectations,” said Provost. “In order to get the most out of it, I think having few expectations can be the most beneficial – so we can take the experience as it comes.”

Junior criminal justice major, Jacob Potts said, “I expect it to be a fun trip and to gain some experience working with people in need.”