VOLUNTEER
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 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.
Last year, 497 volunteers donated 9,795 hours to make sure every client who came through our doors received the care he or she deserved.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Community Meal
- Dinner Service at our Women’s Shelter
- Meal Prep at North County Women’s Center
- Dinner at our Men’s Shelter
- Other
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: Community Meal is served at 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 North County Women’s Center (NCWC) – Good for individuals
Help to serve dinner to the women and children staying in our Women’s Overnight Shelter.
Where: North County Women’s Center, 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 North County Women’s Center (NCWC) – Good for individuals
During the week our Meals Program prepares meals for multiple programs in the kitchen at our North County Women’s Center.
Where: North County Women’s Center, 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 our Men’s Housing Program (MHP) – Good for small groups (about 4-8 people)
A hot and nutritious meal is offered each evening for the men in the 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: Contact us for address: (510) 318-6633 or volunteers@bfhp.org
When: Approximately 5:00pm–8:00pm, with dinner being served at 7:00pm
What: For this volunteer opportunity groups purchase and bring in food for the meal, prepare it in our fully equipped kitchen, serve the approximately 50 men staying in the shelter that night, and clean up afterwards. It’s perfect for about 5-8 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.
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.
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) 318-6633 or volunteers@bfhp.org