YES! Volunteers serve as mentors, financial advisors, prepare meals, work in the office and perform many other essential tasks.  We also have many opportunities for groups to get involved. 

Volunteers provide invaluable support and allow the CCHFP staff to help and support our homeless neighbors and the formerly homeless.  Each year, several hundred volunteers help us and we couldn’t operate without you!!!

If you are interested in volunteering or just want more information, please contact Bill Long at call (202) 364-1419 x23. Apply on line to become a CCHFP volunteer using our volunteer form! You'll need to download Adobe Reader 7.0 to use all the features of this form. Click Adobe Reader icon below for a free download.

Volunteer Spotlight — Getting Involved
by Patricia Delude

Before I came to CCHFP as an intern in March, the only volunteer work I’d done was at animal shelters and day care centers near my home in Massachusetts. As an anthropology undergraduate at American University, I wanted to help my DC community and learn what it means to be a part of a nonprofit organization, but I hardly knew what this meant. 

I contacted development associate Connie Johnson and agreed to help with everyday office tasks and client services. Almost immediately I felt a change in myself.  I discovered I no longer wanted to ignore the injustice and personal hardships I had encountered since first coming to Washington in 2003. The simple act of walking to a restaurant on a chilly night forced me to think what it might be like to feel so cold, hungry and alone while seeing wealth, warmth, food and comfort around me while not being able to be a part of it.  I got to know many of the clients who frequent Friendship Place to take advantage of the lobby services: sandwiches, tea, coffee, underwear, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, showers, laundry and the wonderful staff’s hospitality and support. Many had once lived lives not so different from my own, while others mentioned traumatizing childhoods, life-altering events and ruinous illnesses I could hardly imagine had I not been witnessed their effects.

(Click here to read the full article in the Fall 2006 edition of "Reaching Out".)

Here are some of the ways you can help:

Friendship Place Needs:

Hospitality Volunteer: Creates a welcoming atmosphere for our homeless neighbors who come into Friendship Place. Greets clients, make coffee, distribute donated sandwiches and other items, join in the conversations,and give administrative support when possible. This is a very people oriented volunteer opportunity. <<top>>

Volunteer Escort: Assists clients by transporting them to the doctor, hospitals, social service appointments, and helping clients with limited mobility. It will be ncessary for the volunteer escorts to use their own vehicle. Flexibility and day time availability helpful. <<top>>

Office Volunteer: Responsibilities vary from day to day, but help is always needed. Projects include but are not limited to mailings, preparing Board meeting materials, photocopying, writing thank you letters, and more. Anyone with special skills in accounting, statistics, computers, web-design, or fundraising is particularly encouraged to help. <<top>>

Residential Needs:

Mentor: We are seeking volunteer mentors.  The mentor will be a friend and advisor to a client living in a group home or permanent residence, making contact at least once per week and visiting at least once per month.  This can be a very rewarding position!
Time: Weekly.
Length of Commitment: Due to the nature of this volunteer opportunity, a commitment of a year is necessary. <<top>>

Volunteers to prepare and deliver meals to Zeke's House, Veronica House or The Haven. The volunteer prepares and delivers meals that are well balanced and healthy for 6 adults.
Time: Volunteer will prepare and deliver meals once per month and usually spend 4-6 hours. <<top>>

First Aid Training: We are seeking a First Aid Certified trainer to volunteer several times at Zeke's House and Veronica House, our group homes for formerly homeless/mentally ill adults. Trainer would review basic emergency/first aid training with the residents.
Time: 1-2 times in the evenings (as needed) <<top>>

Nutritional Training: Volunteer position includes providing basic nutritional, healthy lifestyle, and meal planning skills for the residents of our group homes. Ideally, we are seeking a nutritionist to provide information on diabetic issues in meal planning as well as cholesterol/heart disease issues. Training would take place at Zeke's House or Veronica House.
Time: 2-3 times in the evenings <<top>>

Recreational Volunteer: Seeking volunteers to develop and coordinate recreational activities for our transitional or permanently housed residents. Volunteers would plan, organize and facilitate activities the residents will enjoy.  Arts and crafts, outings, gardening, and other appropriate activities. 
Time: Once per month or more. <<top>>

Volunteer Grocery Shopper for The Haven: This volunteer position supports the Haven, our transitional home for homeless women (4200 Butterworth Place). The grocery/household items will cost the shopper between $20-$30 total. Residential Manager will call to provide the volunteer with list of needed items.
Time: The 1st Monday of the month and/or the 3rd Monday of the month. Items may be delivered to the Haven the next day between 5 pm and 9 am or special arrangements can be made. <<top>>

Weekend Volunteers at The Haven: Volunteers take a 4 hour shift in the morning or afternoon on weekends.  There are no other requirements other than your presence, which allows the residents to remain in the house during the day.
Time: Once per month.  Saturday’s shift is from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.  Sunday there is a morning shift from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and an afternoon shift from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.  <<top>>

Shelter Volunteer: Provides support to the affiliated congregational shelters and homes. Possible responsibilities include preparing dinner for residents, assisting in overnight staff at a shelter, spending time with residents, or leading activities such as literacy programs, garden work, arts, crafts, etc. <<top>>

We are always looking for ways to expand our volunteer opportunities. If you have a talent/skill that you wish to share or a great idea... please contact us!