Prepare Meals

Prepare and/or serve a meal for families at our building during events such as educational workshops, classes and trainings for families who participate in our housing programs. You can choose to provide the entire meal or pick an item or two to help complete a meal. This volunteer opportunity is great for families and small groups of volunteers who would be able to cover an entire meal from start to finish: prepare and serve a meal, have dinner with the families and ensure that clean-up is completed at the end of the meal.

Help with Children’s Activities

While parents are participating in classes or meetings at our building, you can keep children entertained by playing board games, doing craft projects, helping with homework or engaging in imaginary play in our children’s play area. This is a fun, family-friendly volunteer opportunity and great for those who are interested in working with children. The ages of children range from infant to pre-teen. If you have a game or craft project that you would like to share, please let us know!

Volunteer at one of our Housing Sites

Help to engage and connect with children and families who reside at our housing sites: Housing & Hope (Vera Court), Housing & Hope (Balsam Road) and The Breese (East Mifflin Street). We are looking for dedicated volunteers who will help during family events such as community dinners, holiday parties, celebrations and more. We are also looking for volunteers who are interested in providing individual tutoring assistance and support to school-aged children on an ongoing basis.

Mentor a Family or Child

Mentors work in conjunction with case managers from The Road Home. Activities vary according to the needs of the families, but can include tutoring as well as helping parents learn to budget, work on clearing up their credit reports, or get their driver’s licenses. You might also do fun family activities with your assigned family or child. This is often a two‐year weekly commitment.

Help in the Office

Help us keep everything running smoothly in the office. Office needs include data entry, helping with mailings, assisting with planning and executing occasional events such as the Homes for Families Breakfast or Families Moving Forward Celebration, sorting and organizing our supply room with donated wish list items, general maintenance assistance, landscaping and more.

Use Your Professional Skills 

Do you have a skill that could help our families or help us be more effective in fulfilling our mission? If so, consider donating your expertise. For example, help a family prepare income taxes or put together a resume. People experienced with car repairs are often needed also.

Gather Wish List Items 

Families and children often arrive at our shelter without even the basic life necessities. Your gifts of some of these necessities can help remove pressure while they are in shelter and also ease their transition back into housing. Learn more about what items we most need and some creative ways you or your group can help.

Volunteer with Your Group

If you are looking for ways your business, congregation or other group can get involved in making a difference for families who have experienced homelessness, we have some ideas for you. Small groups can participate in some of the opportunities above. We also have limited opportunities for larger groups.

Help in Other Ways

There are other ways to help our families. For example, we use volunteer drivers to help families reach job interviews, go grocery shopping and make other appointments. Interpreters can help with communication needs and with translating forms. Movers and cleaners can help get apartments ready for families. Other needs arise throughout the year. Contact Alane Conn, The Road Home Volunteer Manager, by email at vol.mgr@trhome.org or by phone at 608-294-7998 ext 306.