Volunteering at Help the Homeless
Reviewed Aug 14, 2026
Volunteers help HTHS welcome visitors, organize supplies, support meals and outreach, assist with office tasks, and complete other approved work. The best first step is a conversation about your interests, availability, and the needs of the Resource Center.
How to Begin
- Contact HTHS or visit during open hours.
- Describe the type of service you are interested in and when you are available.
- Meet with staff to discuss current opportunities and expectations.
- Complete any orientation, forms, confidentiality agreement, training, or screening required for the role.
- Receive approval and instructions before beginning work.
Ways People May Help
- Sort, organize, and prepare donated supplies.
- Support meal or basic-needs distribution.
- Help with cleaning, setup, or facility organization.
- Assist with office, technology, or resource-center tasks.
- Provide transportation or outreach only when specifically approved and properly authorized.
- Offer professional or skilled help that matches an identified need.
Regular and Occasional Service
- Regular volunteers may be entered into the portal to clock in and out and maintain an ongoing service record.
- Occasional volunteers may help with a single event or approved task when opportunities are available.
- Role access and duties are assigned by HTHS management. Volunteers should not access private records or perform restricted work unless specifically authorized.
Community Service or Court-Ordered Hours
Community-service placement must be approved before work begins. HTHS cannot guarantee placement, a particular schedule, a required number of hours, or acceptance by a court, school, employer, or other requesting organization. Bring the official requirements and deadline for staff review.
Volunteer Expectations
- Treat every visitor with dignity and respect.
- Protect confidential information and follow role boundaries.
- Follow safety instructions and report concerns promptly.
- Arrive as scheduled or notify staff when plans change.
- Record time accurately when timekeeping is required.
HTHS Self-Service
Use this resource as part of a personal Help Plan
Save it with an Interaction, keep notes for yourself, report what happened, and request follow-up only when needed.