Berkeley Food and Housing Project

VOLUNTEER


“I enjoy the people here very much and
am moved by what they write and their
kindness and appreciation for both
Annie and me. I find their writing to be
creative, to the point, and very touching.”

Ellen Levin, Writing Class volunteer, Russell Street Residence

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all volunteer opportunities have been cancelled until further notice.

We hope everyone is staying healthy and safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. We truly miss your services, and most importantly, our clients miss your smiles and kind words. Even though our volunteer program is on hold for the time being, there are still ways you can help!  

  • Donate needed items: We continue to be in need of face masks, hand sanitizer, bleach, and toilet paper. Due to safety reasons, we are not able to accept many of the food donations we usually can, but non-perishable items are still gladly accepted. See our wish list here. 
  • Send us a postcard: Help our clients or staff keep their spirits up by sending a postcard to 3225 Adeline St., Berkeley, CA 94703. Poems, quotes, drawings etc., are all welcome. Get creative! 
  • Social Media: We’re on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Please follow us and help out by liking, commenting, and sharing our posts!  
  • Make a donation: Even a small amount helps! Your donation will help support our clients where it is needed most. Donate at bfhp.org/donate  

We truly appreciate your generosity and support during this crisis. We look forward to your volunteer services in the near future.  

-The BFHP Team  

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all volunteer opportunities have been cancelled until further notice.

Volunteering supports the most essential services for those who are homeless or living on the edge of homelessness. Our volunteers are a diverse group: Students, retirees, former clients, families, community groups, faith organizations, and employees of local companies.

For our ongoing service opportunities we ask that volunteers commit to a regular shift of at least three months, however we are willing to work with your availability and needs.

Volunteer Opportunities:

 

 

COMMUNITY MEAL – Good for Individuals, small groups. Must be 14 or older. 

Each weekday, except Wednesday, we serve a free, nutritious meal to around 100 members of the community who are homeless or on the verge of homelessness.

Where: Lutheran Church of the Cross, 1744 University Ave, Berkeley, 94703

When: Shifts are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 2:45pm–5:00pm (must be present for full shift) 

What: Volunteer duties include:

  • Setting up tables
  • Plating and serving food
  • Bussing tables
  • Washing dishes
  • Sweeping and mopping floors
  • General cleanup and breakdown

DINNER SERVICE at our Women’s Shelter – Good for individuals

Help to serve dinner to the women staying in our Women’s Overnight Shelter.

Where: the Dwight Way Shelter, 2140 Dwight Way, Berkeley, 94704

When: Shifts are: Monday through Friday: 6:30pm–8:00pm

What: Volunteer duties include:

  • Setting up tables
  • Helping to serve and monitor the meal
  • Cleaning up after

Please Note: Volunteer opportunities have been cancelled until further notice. We greatly appreciate your commitment to BFHP and will inform you when volunteer opportunities reopen.  

 

MEAL PREP at the Dwight Way Shelter  – Good for individuals. Must be 14 or older. 

During the week our Meals Program prepares meals for multiple programs in the kitchen at our Dwight Way Shelter.

Where: the Dwight Way Shelter, 2140 Dwight Way, Berkeley, 94704

When: Shifts are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 10:00am–12:00pm

What: Volunteer duties include:

  • Prepping ingredients for future meals
  • General cleaning, organizing, and restocking of the kitchen

PREPARE & SERVE DINNER at the Dwight Way Shelter – Good for small groups (about 4-8 people). Must be 14 or older. 

A hot and nutritious meal is offered each evening for the men and women in our shelter. These meals are in large part provided by generous community groups and organizations that want to give back to their less fortunate neighbors.

Where: the Dwight Way Shelter, 2140 Dwight Way, Berkeley, 94704

When: Approximately 5:00pm–8:00pm, with dinner being served at 7:00pm (contact us for available days: volunteers@bfhp.org)

What: For this volunteer opportunity groups purchase and bring in food for the meal, prepare it in our fully equipped kitchen, serve the approximately 75 people staying in the shelter that night, and clean up afterwards. It’s perfect for about 4-8 people per group (more than 10 will not fit in the kitchen), and we highly encourage our volunteers to socialize with the residents during the evening. Read for more info: Facility Information and How-to. 

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

BFHP occasionally has need for volunteers to help with unique projects such as cleaning, maintenance, organizing donations, creating care packages, or administrative tasks. 

For more information contact volunteers@bfhp.org

Please Note: Volunteer opportunities have been cancelled until further notice. We greatly appreciate your commitment to BFHP and will inform you when volunteer opportunities reopen.