Volunteer

You will have the opportunity to be a mentor for the children in shelter by becoming an activity leader. Prepare dinner for our clients while learning about food insecurities among the homeless population and all that goes into planning, prepping, and preparing a meal for shelter families. Become a shelter shopper picking up needed groceries for shelter meals, track supply and food inventory for discrepancies, and many more. A detailed description of each opportunity is below.

All volunteer opportunities Haven House provides will look great on your resume, so submit an application and if you have questions or would like any documentation about your volunteerism, contact Chequoya Thomas. 

Volunteers shop at a local Meijer of their choice Monday-Friday and can pick up their supplies between 10am-12pm. Volunteers help stock our pantry, client fridges, and ensure we have all the food items necessary to prepare dinner each night. Shoppers will be provided shopping supplies which will include a shopping list and Meijer Food Only Gift Card. Volunteers will pick up supplies before shopping and bring everything back to Haven House with the receipt. A staff person will then put away the groceries. Interested in becoming a shopper? Apply here!

Haven House stores many donations for our shelter and families. So, keeping an accurate count of what is available allows our programs to run smoothly and clients have what they need. To do this, we use an electronic tracking system called inFlow and all donations coming into the shelter or going out to clients must be accounted for. With the constant movement of donations, the inventory counts can become inaccurate so regular tracking of inventory in all areas is necessary. 

Volunteers interested in this position will commit to at least 2-4 hours M-F checking inventory on a weekly rotation for preventative measures. This is an independent role meaning volunteers will train with staff beforehand but when training is complete, they will come and go as scheduled with minimal supervision. Interested in tracking inventory? Apply here!

Dinner is prepared every night at Haven House for the families staying in our shelter. Making dinner for our clients is a great way to give back with a group or by yourself! You can sign up for one-time opportunities or set up a weekly or monthly plan to prepare meals. Dinner is served at 5:30 pm. A dinner menu is drafted monthly, and all the ingredients are here for you. You have the option to prepare the meal onsite, offsite and deliver prepared to Haven House, or prepare meals ahead of time we can freeze to thaw on nights we need a quick, healthy, and delicious meal!

Interested in becoming a dinner volunteer? Apply here!

If you or a group are looking to engage with children of all ages, then look no further! During your time volunteering, you will have the opportunity to plan and supervise activities whether free play, arts & crafts, board games, etc. providing an outlet for the children in shelter during this difficult time. Due to the inconsistencies in children who frequent the playroom this opportunity cannot be a guaranteed option toward meeting all service-learning hours requirements.

Interested in becoming a playroom volunteer? Apply here!

The Haven House office is open from 8 am to 8 pm, and either a staff member or volunteer is present at all times to assist the families and visitors who may call or visit. This is a great way to regularly volunteer at least one day a week for 2-4 hours and help homeless families seeking shelter, staff with small projects, collect and store much needed donations from the community, etc.

Interested in becoming an office liaison? Apply here!

Are you a part of a group or club that’s looking for more volunteer opportunities? Haven House offers a variety of options when it comes to giving back. With families moving into and out of Haven House every week, we have to work constantly to manage shelter upkeep. The shelter could always use some extra landscaping, maintenance, and other outdoor help. There is always a need for children’s activities and individuals as well as groups that can help paint, cook dinner, organize, and just help spread the word about Haven House. You can help us put our best foot forward by chipping in with routine maintenance inside and out. If you have a technical certification or operate a business, you may even be able to donate your labor for a tax deduction!

If you have questions about what specific projects or services, we need volunteers for at this time, contact Chequoya Thomas.

Haven House accepts Court Ordered Community Service volunteers with the following guidelines:

Restrictions on service of volunteers: 

• Only nonviolent infractions accepted. (No assault and battery, armed robbery, domestic abuse, larceny, destruction of property, etc.)
• May not be a sex offender nor have any cases pending. 
• No illegal drug related charges or convictions.
• No retail fraud or embezzlement charges or convictions.

Application process

• Apply online to be a volunteer and answer every question on the application. 
• You will then be contacted to attend an orientation if you are eligible to complete service hours.

Scheduling Hours

• Monday-Friday 9am-4pm
• Shifts are 2 to 4 hours.
• Dates and times of service must be arranged and approved by the Volunteer Manager.

Apply here!