How to Volunteer at a Local Homeless Shelter

In 2006, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development reported findings that over 700,000 people experience homelessness in the United States. The only place many homeless individuals and families have to turn is a local homeless shelter. Homeless shelters work to assist homeless individuals with beds, food, medical and emotional support.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Volunteer at a Local Homeless Shelter

1. Find a local homeless shelter to volunteer at online through the Directory of Local Homeless Service Organizations on the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) website (see Resources below). Click on your state's link to find a list of local homeless shelters and advocacy organizations that can be contacted through email or have an online presence.
2. Volunteer with the NCH voting rights campaign. Organize a voter registration drive or encourage friends, family and community organizations to write letters to local legislatures about how the homeless have a right to vote. Download tools on the NCH website by clicking "Get Involved" then "NCH Projects" and "The "You Don't Need A Home To Vote" Voting Rights Campaign."
3. Get involved with local efforts to protect the civil rights of homeless individuals. Call the National Coalition for the Homeless at 202-462-4822 or email them at [e-mail] to ask about local volunteer opportunities.
4. Search the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website for local homeless assistance in your state (see Resources below). HUD provides links to local shelters, homeless service groups, help lines and other community resources that need volunteer help.
5. Check your local phone book for a complete local homeless shelter list. Call homeless shelters near you and ask about how you can volunteer and become involved.
6. Consider asking about how to serve food at your local homeless shelter. Many shelters offer a breakfast, lunch or dinner service weekly that is run primarily by volunteer staff members.
7. Donate clothes, blankets and food supplies to a local homeless shelter. Call in advance to ask about your shelter's specific needs and special guidelines for donating.

Tips & Warnings

• Be kind and courteous to the people you are helping at all times. It is important for a homeless shelter volunteer to be sensitive and understand you are helping people in a crisis situation.