You can join the fight against poverty.
Volunteers are part of the life-blood of Crisis Assistance Ministry connecting the community to the agency's goals of preventing homelessness and preserving dignity for our economically fragile neighbors.
Currently, a limited number of volunteer opportunities are available to ensure CDC guidelines can be met while achieving the goal of preventing homelessness and preserving dignity for our most vulnerable neighbors.
All on-site volunteers will complete pre-service training, conduct daily pre-service self-screenings, wear face coverings, and observe additional safety protocols based on specific volunteer tasks.
Opportunities for volunteers age 13+ include individual and group tasks, one-time or recurrent commitments, to support individuals and families experiencing a financial crisis.
In addition to the currently available roles pictured below, volunteers typically serve in a variety of roles to support Crisis Assistance Ministry's mission. As restrictions change, these roles may return over time: Breakfast Ministry, Free Store Assistant, Furniture Build, Relocation Assistance, Lunch Ministry, Drives/Collections Coordinator, Administrative/Office, and Donor Thank You Calls.
Donation Door Attendant
Volunteers greet donors who drop off new or gently used household or clothing items at Crisis Assistance Ministry’s Donation Drive Thru, located at 500-A Spratt Street. You will help unload donations from vehicles, provide tax receipts, and say thank you. Volunteers in this role make it possible for families to shop free-of-charge for clothing and household goods. As a result, shoppers may redirect their limited resources toward maintaining housing, utilities, and other basic needs. You must be 18 years of age for this opportunity. You will receive email confirmations and event reminders from Crisis Assistance Ministry. Please be sure to read all emails closely as they include critical instructions regarding our new safety protocols in response to COVID-19.
Free Store Production
Volunteers in Crisis Assistance Ministry’s Free Store Production Area, located at 500-A Spratt Street, help in variety of roles, from sorting and inspecting donated items; sizing and hanging clothing; to stocking the Free Store, which provides families in our community with essentials free-of-charge. Volunteers in this role make it possible for families to shop free-of-charge for clothing and household goods. As a result, shoppers may redirect their limited resources toward maintaining housing, utilities, and other basic needs. Please review the age requirements as they have changed. You will receive email confirmations and event reminders from Crisis Assistance Ministry. Please be sure to read all emails closely as they include critical instructions regarding our new safety protocols in response to COVID-19.
Free Store Assistant
Volunteers in Crisis Assistance Ministry’s Free Store, located at 500-A Spratt Street, assist with store merchandising and operations while providing friendly, positive, and efficient customer service to families who shop free-of-charge for essentials. Volunteers in this role make it possible for families to shop free-of-charge for clothing and household goods. As a result, shoppers may redirect their limited resources toward maintaining housing, utilities, and other basic needs. All on-site volunteers will complete pre-service training, conduct daily pre-service self-screenings, wear face coverings, and observe additional safety protocols based on specific volunteer tasks.
Breakfast Ministry
Teams of volunteers purchase and distribute food and beverages for up to 100 customers who are seeking assistance at Crisis Assistance Ministry’s main office at 500-A Spratt Street through our new Curbside Application process. During these unprecedented times, a breakfast snack, a drink, and a kind smile are a welcome relief to people who are facing the uncertainty of financial crisis. Groups who volunteer are asked to purchase and serve items for 100 people. Items should be easy to hand out; individually wrapped assembled in bags and packed off-site are preferred. Suggested breakfast items: Granola bars/muffins Fruit cups/Applesauce Sausage/Chicken biscuits Bottled water/fruit juice Recommended capacity is 3-5 volunteers. How to Create a Team To register for these opportunities, you will need to create a team. To do that, you will need the name and email address of each participant. Once you have gathered that information, click here to create your account, navigate to the opportunity you choose, and select "sign up with a team," then choose Option 2 to "create a new team" and add each participant’s name and contact information. If you already have an account, log in and proceed as above by selecting “sign up with a team.”
Furniture Build
Dressers and kitchen tables are two of the top furniture needs for families overcoming homelessness or another financial crisis. Prior to COVID-19, teams of volunteers would purchase and assemble dressers or kitchen tables for families served at Crisis Assistance Ministry’s Furniture Bank, located at 333 Dalton Avenue. Volunteers in this role help families live with dignity by providing furniture for our customers to select, free of charge. Due to COVID-19, we currently are not offering this opportunity, but hope to again soon. As things change, we will provide updates on our website and social media platforms.
Warehouse Help - Furniture Bank
Volunteers assist in the warehouse at Crisis Assistance Ministry’s Furniture Bank, located at 333 Dalton Avenue, with unloading cars and trucks, inspecting donations, updating inventory, and assisting customers with selecting furniture, beds, and appliances free-of-charge. Volunteers in this role help families overcoming financial crisis to live with dignity by providing furniture, beds, and appliances free-of-charge. Please note this opportunity requires the ability to lift heavy items and work in a non-climate-controlled space.