Five months of prayer, presence and learning to love your neighbor at 357 Ellis Street — then out into the cities of the world. Not to argue anyone into faith. To show them who Jesus is.
Monks used to build their monasteries far from the city. We did the opposite. Our home sits in the middle of the Tenderloin — among neighbors who are unhoused, elderly, newly arrived, recovering, and brilliant — and we pray, eat, work and learn right here.
When it pours, the Ellis Room stays lit all night so friends with nowhere dry to go have somewhere to be. On Sunday mornings, church pops up on the sidewalk over hot chocolate. Every week, the food pantry becomes a place where people are seen by name.
Every monastery has a rule. Ours is short. Tap a card to see what it looks like on an ordinary Tuesday.
We stay rooted in Him.
Before anyone opens a door or a laptop, we're in prayer — for each other, for the neighborhood, for the person we'll meet by lunch.
We practice compassionate presence.
You learn which neighbor takes two sugars in their cocoa. Next week, you remember. That's ministry too.
We look first to the interests of others.
Mopping the Ellis Room floor. Stacking pantry boxes. Listening more than talking. Faith on your sleeve, not in anyone's face.
We are disciples forming disciples.
A one-on-one with your mentor over coffee. Small group after dinner. What you're learning becomes something you can pass on.
Monks marked the day with prayer and work. So do we. Tap through the hours.
A sample day. Rhythms shift week to week, and every week has free time and a Sabbath.
You don't have to figure it out alone. Discern first, come and see second, say yes when it's time.
No commitment. Just enough to see if this is for you.
Spend a morning in the neighborhood before you spend five months.
Five months of being trained, transformed and sent.
We believe finances shouldn't stop someone from saying yes. Our team will help you explore fundraising and support options.
*Cost may vary for international applicants; please inquire for alternative pricing.
Teaching with the speaker of the week, formational practices like worship and prayer, community activities like small groups and shared meals, local ministry, and free time.
We don't recommend it. DTS is time set aside to deepen your relationship with God and experience His heart for people, and your capacity will already be stretched.
No. You don't have to figure it out alone. We'd love to hear your story, answer your questions and help you discern your next step.
It's a real neighborhood with real struggles. You'll never serve alone, and you'll learn from staff who've lived and served here for years. [YWAM SF team: add your specifics here.]
The debrief sets you up for your next season — a job, college, joining YWAM, or wherever God is leading.
…choose hurry instead of human in these moments.Restaurants of the TLFrom the YWAM SF blog
…seeking out God’s beauty amidst the chaos of daily life.Arts and MuralsFrom the YWAM SF blog
…see and understand my neighbors at a much deeper level.Karol SvobodaFrom the YWAM SF blog
He shows up. Will you?Seniors of the TenderloinFrom the YWAM SF blog
…it’s an honor to walk side by side with these visionaries.The Youth of the TenderloinFrom the YWAM SF blog
Your DTS alumni's words go here.PlaceholderCollect 4–6 real quotes from past students
A journey of knowing God, serving others, and finding your part in His mission.
Ministry · February 2026What happens on Ellis Street when the rain comes and the city closes its doors.
Outreach · January 2026Hot chocolate, cookies, and worship on the sidewalk every Sunday morning.
Come be a presence that restores. Start with seven honest questions, or just say hello.