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

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, and families with older children

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

What: Volunteer duties include:

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

How: Click here to SIGN UP! If you would like to sign up for a recurring shift email volunteers@bfhp.org.

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

How: Click here to SIGN UP! Note: This shift is limited, as we only need one volunteer per day. If you would like to sign up for a recurring shift email volunteers@bfhp.org.

MEAL PREP at the Dwight Way Shelter – Good for individuals

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

How: Click here to SIGN UP ! Note: This shift is limited, as we only need one volunteer per day. If you would like to sign up for a recurring shift email volunteers@bfhp.org.  

PREPARE & SERVE DINNER at the Dwight Way Shelter – Good for small groups (about 4-8 people)

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 men during the evening. Read for more info: Facility Information and How-to. 

How: Volunteers for this opportunity must come as a group. Contact us with the name of your group and any schedule restrictions, and we can provide you with a list of available dates: volunteers@bfhp.org

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. We are also regularly included in recurring service projects coordinated by other local organizations.

For other unique ways to volunteer with us, please see our listings and mentions on the following sites:

Volunteer Match
Hands on Bay Area
Project Peace 

Contact our Volunteer Coordinator at (510) 601-2613 or volunteers@bfhp.org