Volunteer Opportunities

Neither the private sector nor the public sector alone can end homelessness. Many organizations and initiatives rely on volunteers to make services possible.

This page is intended to provide information to individuals, groups, and businesses interested in serving people experiencing homelessness, and in ending homelessness throughout Minnesota.

We will be updating this page regularly. We are working with agencies and organizations who have a volunteer program listed on the homepage of their website, and will continue to add organizations and opportunities as we become aware of them. Contact Shawna Lynn Nelsen for more details on how to get your website listed at (612) 375-9644, ext. 13 or shawna@fhfund.org.

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Upcoming Event-Based Volunteer Opportunities:

  • Project Homeless Connect/Community Connect Events:These are different names for a one-stop shop of services for people experiencing homelessness.  Service providers gather at a civic center or a large church and offer their services to homeless people.  Services include dentistry, haircuts, eye exams and prescription glasses, mammograms and other medical services, employment applications, school enrollment, library cards, voice mail accounts, housing options, and a hot meal.  Volunteers are paired with each homeless person or family as they plan their day and visit the services they need. More and more Minnesota communities are hosting homeless connect events.  Volunteers are needed.  If you are interested in volunteering in your community, please e-mail shawna@fhfund.org and you will be connected with the right volunteer coordinator. 
  • StandDown for Homeless Veterans: StandDown for Homeless Vets, sponsored by the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans, http://www.mac-v.org/, is similar to the Project Homeless Connect and Operation Community Connect.  A StandDown brings together in one location multiple services for homeless veterans who otherwise may not seek out services due to them.  Here are the upcoming StandDown events.  Volunteers are needed. Contact Nathaniel Saltz at 612-726-1327 or nsaltz@mac-v.org. 

Faith-Based Volunteer Opportunities/Networks

 

  

Non-Profit and Service Provider Volunteer Opportunities

Pro Bono Opportunities and Technical Assistance

Organizations on the front lines of ending homelessness occasionally need skilled technical assistance. Here are three opportunities for businesses looking for pro bono engagements or individuals looking for volunteer opportunities to apply their technical skills. If you are interested in more information, please contact Shawna Lynn Nelsen at 612-375-9644, ext. 13 or shawna@fhfund.org.

Twin Cities Community Voicemail Twin Cities Community Voicemail (TCCVM) currently provides voicemail for extremely low income and homeless people who do not have phone service. They work with 375 service providing agencies across Minnesota. Technology changes are making voice mail less and less helpful. Homeless clients are having more trouble accessing their voicemail as pay phones become less available. They miss opportunities for jobs because people who have phones can respond to calls from potential employers faster. Employers often use text messaging and phone interviews in the hiring process, and homeless people are not able to participate.

What is needed. TCCVM is developing a pilot project to provide pre-paid cell phones to clients and test a charitable donation plan that would make the initiative sustainable. TCCVM would like an individual or company with business expertise to help with the following: a review the project plan; provide TCCVM with technical expertise in how to approach discussion with cell phone companies about the project; and strategize and work with TCCVM regarding the design and implementation of a plan to promote the charitable donation of phone cards.

Hearth Connection Hearth Connection is a Minnesota non-profit that acts as an intermediary, working with government and community social service agencies to help people with very long histories of homelessness move into and prosper in supportive housing. They work with direct service providers in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, the northeast region based in Duluth, and the south central region based in Mankato.

What is needed. Hearth Connection would like help with three projects in the communications area: an update to their website to make it a more effective communication tool; a booklet that features stories and pictures of participants to bring the real successes of Hearth Connection’s work to life; and basic media relations training for staff. 

The Network The Network serves high-risk men with histories of substance abuse, mental illness, chronic unemployment, incarceration, and homelessness. The Network works to stabilize its clients in employment and housing so that the participants develop successful work and rental histories. Among other supports, the Network has contracts with businesses to employ its participants and works closely with teams of participants to ensure good service to the employer.

What is needed. The Network is preparing to launch a book and textile reuse and recycling business, building on a successful model in operation in Eugene, OR.  Network staff have the operating template and sample budgets but they need technical help to assemble a business and financial plan for this market.