You Make a Difference
Volunteers are vital to the work of OSH.
Every day of the year, dedicated groups and individuals serve meals, plan recreational activities, help with the maintenance of our properties, and so much more! In one year, over 2700 volunteers contribute more than 13,000 hours of their time, energy, and talent. Join us, and you will provide our guests and residents with support, the chance to start over, and a pathway home.
“Volunteering here has shown me another side to shelters. There are so many misconceptions about people who are experiencing homelessness. The people here are just like anyone else. They just ended up in a bad situation.”
– Allie, Shelter Volunteer
“Volunteering here has shown me another side to shelters. There are so many misconceptions about people who are experiencing homelessness. The people here are just like anyone else. They just ended up in a bad situation.”
– Allie, Shelter Volunteer
Basic Info
Why become an OSH volunteer?
People just like you volunteer at OSH for many different reasons:
- Desire to make a tangible impact in the lives of those experiencing homelessness
- Passion for housing and urban issues
- Opportunity to gain experience in a future career or to just try something new
- New friends and a fun, vibrant community
The list could go on and on, but don’t take our word for it. We’re happy to put you in contact with one of our current volunteers to give you the inside scoop on volunteering at OSH.
What do you look for in an OSH volunteer?
OSH volunteers come with diverse gifts, backgrounds, and experiences. However, we have found that certain qualities help to ensure a good fit and positive experience for everyone:
- Friendly, respectful, and compassionate towards all people
- Reliable and timely
- Self-directed with a high degree of initiative and flexibility
- Comfortable working with a wide diversity of guests, staff, and volunteers
What health and safety precautions are you taking during COVID?
We are taking every precaution to ensure individuals’ health and safety. We have renovated our shelter to reduce population density and allow each guest to have their own private room. We’ve also improved the ventilation system and purchased air purifiers for each room.
Additionally, we continue to follow known safety protocols, as we have throughout the pandemic:
- All staff, volunteers, and visitors in the shelter are required to wear a mask and face shield, regardless of vaccination status. Guests wear masks, unless they are alone in their private room. Everyone is also maintaining a social distance of at least six feet from others.
- Hand sanitizing stations are available around the shelter.
- We are implementing daily health checks with guests, including checking temperature and screening for COVID-related symptoms. Guests with symptoms are triaged to Healthcare for the Homeless and will isolate in a hotel until they no longer have symptoms.
- All guests now receive meals in their room, instead of communally. Volunteers deliver meals via cart to each guest’s room, served in disposable, individually packaged plates and containers.
- Professional cleaners are coming to the shelter 5-7 days per week, with staff doing additional cleaning and sanitation as needed.
Is your shelter safe and family friendly?
Staff, guests, and volunteers strive to maintain a sense of community and respect, and children are welcome at our shelter. Please note, however, that in recent years we have been serving an increasingly vulnerable population, resulting in more guests displaying acute symptoms of physical, mental, or chemical health challenges. We recommend keeping children age 10 and younger within eyesight and age 5 and younger within arm’s reach. In general, you should take the same safety precautions you normally would in any public setting.
Additionally, we use a “harm reduction” model. This means our priority is keeping people indoors and safe. If individuals are under the influence, they are welcome to stay as long as their behavior remains safe and non-disruptive. At the same time, we have high expectations for behavior. If you become concerned about someone’s behavior, please inform staff right away.
Our building has controlled entry, as well as indoor and outdoor security cameras. We have a parking lot right next to the building for volunteers’ use. Staff are always present any time volunteers and/or guests are onsite.
How do I become a volunteer?
3 easy steps to begin volunteering:
- Review volunteer opportunities—find the right fit for you.
- Complete our online application (for individuals or for groups) to begin the process, or contact our Volunteer Coordinator with questions.
- Our volunteer coordinator will contact you to set up an in person tour and meeting.
Volunteer Opportunities
For Individuals
Evening Shelter Aide
Help provide hospitality and support to 21 adults experiencing homelessness by volunteering at our emergency shelter. You will assist in keeping the shelter running smoothly during its busiest hours. Tasks may include the following:
- Visiting with guests
- Assisting volunteer groups serving dinner
- Answering the door and phone
- Doing laundry
- Cleaning
- Working on clerical tasks
- Performing other assorted activities
We are seeking individuals who are reliable, compassionate, friendly, self-directed, and flexible. By working closely with shelter staff and guests, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of homelessness and the satisfaction of knowing you’re doing something meaningful to help. Dinner is provided!
Qualifications:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must pass a criminal background check. (Prior criminal offenses will not automatically disqualify you from volunteering.)
- No experience or background in social services required. Staff provides the orientation, training, and support you need to be successful in your volunteer role.
Time Commitment:
- Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays., Fridays, or Saturdays, 5:30-8:30pm or 6:00-9:00pm
- Minimum of at least six months
Daytime Shelter Receptionist
As a Daytime Shelter Receptionist, you will provide a welcoming and helpful atmosphere for guests and visitors at the shelter. Tasks may include the following:
- Greeting and assisting guests and visitors with their needs and answering questions
- Completing various administrative tasks
- Keeping our lobby and front desk organized and clean
- Performing other office duties, as assigned
Qualifications:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Reliable and flexible
- Comfortable and compassionate when working with staff, guests, and volunteers who come from culturally diverse backgrounds
- Experience in customer service a plus
- Basic computer skills a plus
- Must pass a criminal background check. (Prior criminal offenses will not automatically disqualify you from volunteering.)
Time Commitment:
- Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays from 9:30am-1:00pm
- Every week preferably, or every other week, for at least four months
Daytime Projects Volunteer
We are seeking volunteers who are reliable, compassionate, friendly, self-directed, and flexible to assist staff with a variety of tasks to help keep the shelter comfortable and running smoothly. Tasks may include the following:
- Sorting and organizing donations
- Maintaining organization and cleanliness of shelter kitchen and pantry
- Performing other tasks, as assigned
Qualifications:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must pass a criminal background check. (Prior criminal offenses will not automatically disqualify you from volunteering.)
- Must be able to use stairs frequently and lift/carry up to 35 pounds
Time Commitment:
- Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9:30am-4:30pm (minimum 2 hour shift)
- Every week, every other week, or monthly
Shelter Bingo or Game Night Host
Try hosting Bingo or a Game Night in our shelter (best for 1-3 people). Bingo and other games are a fun way for our guests to relax and socialize in the evening.
For Bingo, we provide the Bingo set; you provide 5-10 small prizes, such as treats, gift cards, socks, or hygiene items. For Game Night, feel free to bring card or board games to share with residents, as well as a few small prizes.
Requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years of age (or accompanied by an adult if under 18)
- Adults must pass a criminal background check. (Prior criminal offenses will not automatically disqualify you from volunteering.)
Time Commitment:
- Monday-Sunday from 8:00-9:00pm
Contact our Volunteer Coordinator to check availability.
Internships
We occasionally work with students through internships related to public health, fundraising, communications, volunteer management, nonprofit administration, and other fields. We do not currently have a staffing model to supervise direct service internships for social work majors. If you have an idea for a non-social work internship, contact our Volunteer Coordinator.
For Families or Groups
Shelter Meal Service
Dinner
Volunteer dinner groups purchase, prepare, and serve a nutritious meal to 21 guests at our emergency shelter every night of the year. It’s a perfect opportunity for families, congregations, co-workers, or friends to join together for a fun and fulfilling evening!
You may prepare your meal in advance, or use the shelter kitchen to do so. Volunteers may return to using the shelter’s dishware and serving utensils. Dinner providers (volunteers) are expected to arrive at 6:30 PM. At 7:00PM our shelter staff will make an announcement letting our guests know they can go downstairs for dinner. Volunteers may return to serving “assembly line style,” rather than individual portions. Everyone is still required to wear a mask while on site.
Details:
- Best suited for groups of 2-4
- Total on-site time is about 2 hours with dinner served at 7pm, followed by clean-up
Click here to sign up for available dates. Then complete our group volunteer application.
Individuals or groups are also more than welcome to monetarily sponsor a dinner for shelter residents, up to $250. We will use that sponsorship to cater a meal or sponsor a group who would like to cook but does not have the funds to do so.
Breakfast/LUNCH
While providing a hot dinner is our priority, guests also appreciate a hot breakfast or lunch when possible. Volunteer breakfast/lunch groups purchase, prepare, and serve a nutritious meal to 21 residents at our emergency shelter.
You may prepare your meal in advance, or use the shelter kitchen to do so. Volunteers may return to using the shelter’s dishware and serving utensils. Volunteers may return to assembly line serving, rather than individual portions. Everyone is still required to wear a mask while on site.
Details:
- Best suited for groups of 2-4
- Total on-site time is about 2 hours with breakfast served at 8am and lunch served at 12pm, followed by clean-up
Please fill out our group volunteer application and contact our Volunteer Coordinator for open dates!
Sandwiches
Help guests stay fed and healthy even while they’re away from the shelter during the day by providing hearty and nutritious sandwiches.
This is a great opportunity for all ages and can include church groups, co-workers, school and civic clubs, youth groups, families, or friends who want to share in helping others.
Due to COVID, all snack bags must be assembled offsite, prior to your arrival. We accept donations of all sizes, but for your planning purposes, a group of 10 volunteers will usually make 150-200 sandwiches in one hour.
Details:
- Sandwiches can contain multiple slices of meat and cheese (except bologna) and whole wheat bread, if possible
- Please don’t put condiments or vegetables on the sandwiches, as these don’t keep
- Place each sandwich in a Ziploc style bag
- Pack the wrapped sandwiches back into the original bread bag
- Label the bread bag with the date and meat used
Please check with our Volunteer Coordinator before making and/or delivering sandwiches, as our refrigerator and freezer space are limited.
Snacks in Bulk
Help us provide our guests with snacks to add to the sandwiches for lunch! You can purchase snacks in bulk either online or at your local grocery store.
This is a great opportunity to support OSH and give something back with the least amount of effort! You can even have the snacks shipped directly to the shelter in case you are unable to make the drive.
Snacks might include fruit snacks, chips, crackers, trail mix, granola bars, cookies, beef jerky, etc. Please no fresh fruits or veggies, as they may spoil before use.
We accept donations of all sizes
Sign up for a timeslot in advance to drop off your snacks. All drop-offs occur Monday – Friday between 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Kit Assembly
Shelter Welcome
When guests enter our emergency shelter, they often lack things they need, such as personal care items. Your welcome kits will help us supply our guests with basic essentials. It’s the little things that make a place feel more like home!
Welcome kits contain the following:
- One new pillow
- One twin size sheet set
- One bath towel
- One washcloth
- One hand towel
We accept gently used items, pre-washed and free of stains or rips.
Shower
When guests enter our emergency shelter, they often lack things they need, such as personal care items. Shower kits are a smaller but useful alternative to a full “Shelter Welcome” kit and will still help us supply our residents’ with basic essentials.
Shower kits contain the following:
- One bath towel
- One washcloth
- One travel-size soap container
We accept gently used items, pre-washed and free of stains or rips.
Just pack the items into individual bags, and deliver them to our shelter!
Laundry
Clean clothes are among our guests’ most essential needs. We are able to provide a washer and dryer at our shelter, but guests must provide their own supplies. With each laundry kit, guests will be able to do several loads of laundry!
Laundry kits contain the following:
- Enough powdered laundry detergent for 2-3 washes or 2-3 detergent pods
- 2-3 dryer sheets
- 1 travel-size bottle or packet of stain remover.
Packing items into individual plastic snack or sandwich size baggies works best.
Undergarment essentials
Throughout the year, new undergarments are among our guests’ most urgent needs. You can help each guest in our shelter and resident in our housing programs feel comfortable and clean by coordinating your own drive or donating to ours. Please note all items should be new.
For Men:
- Boxers or briefs – sizes S-XXXL
- Socks – both winter and regular
- Undershirts (such as Hanes) – sizes S-XXXL
For Women:
- Underwear – sizes S-XL
- Socks – both winter and regular
- Pads and tampons
Flu Free
Homelessness puts significant stress on the body, which makes guests in our shelter more vulnerable to illness. Your flu free kits will help them maintain health all year round!
Flu Free kits contain the following:
- Hand sanitizer
- Tissue packs
- Antibacterial wipes
- Vitamin-C packs
- Travel size ibuprofen or acetaminophen
Beat the heat
These items are a great way to keep our shelter guests safe from the summer heat:
- Sunscreen (SPF 30-50)
- Lip balm containing SPF
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunglasses
- Baseball type cap or an umbrella
Move in basket
Move in baskets are needed each time a resident joins our Permanent Supportive Housing Program. After years of homelessness, these individuals finally have a place to call their own, but limited budgets make it tough for them to make their apartment a home. Your Move In Basket will help get our residents settled in this new phase of life.
Move in baskets contain the following:
- Durable mop (preferably not from a dollar store)
- Durable broom and stand up dust pan (preferably not from a dollar store)
- Plastic shower curtain and rings
- Toilet brush, plunger, and cleaner
- Multipurpose cleaner
- 13 gallon trash can and garbage bags
An extra special kit can include any of the following include:
- A microwave
- Full size or larger air mattress
- 10pc Aluminum Nonstick Cookware Set
Home Care
Home Care Kits are needed every month to sustain over 100 residents in our Permanent Supportive Housing Program. After years of homelessness, these individuals have finally found home in their own apartments, but limited budgets make it tough for them to purchase even simple home care items. Your Home Care Kits will help supply our residents with basic essentials.
Home Care Kits contain the following:
- 5-6 trash bags (13 gallon)
- 8 rolls of toilet paper
- 1-2 rolls of paper towel
- 1 bottle of dish soap (8 oz. or larger)
- 1 sponge
Packing all of the items into one of the garbage bags works best.
Kits are great projects for both youth and adults. You can assemble kits into individual bags at your home, office, school, or place of worship. When you are finished, sign up for a time slot to drop off your kits. All drop offs occur monday – Friday between 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Please contact our volunteer coordinator with any questions or see our Wish List for additional needed items. We welcome donations of any quantity.
For Individuals or Groups
Property Maintenance
Maintaining a clean and welcoming space for guests and residents takes many hands! Help with painting, cleaning, yard work, or other tasks around our properties. Throughout the year, we need groups of many different sizes and ages. We also welcome skilled trades professionals to help with special projects.
Donation Drive
A donation drive is an excellent way to provide needed supplies and spread the word about OSH! Gather items on your own, or organize efforts with your school, workplace, faith community, friends, etc.
Breakfast items for the days without hot breakfast at the shelter are especially needed right now:
- Cereal (biggest need)
- Creamy peanut butter
- Jelly or jam
- English muffins or bagels
- Cream cheese
- Nutritious breakfast bars
- Non-dairy creamer
- Coffee
- Sugar
- Disposable plates, bowls, utensils, and napkins
If you would like to make a material donation of any kind, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator in advance, as space is limited. OSH does not accept clothing, food, or children’s donations except those items listed on our Wish List.
Financial donations are also greatly appreciated!
Shelter Tour
Shelter tours can be a great way to deepen and add an educational component to your volunteer engagement. We are happy to provide tours by appointment Monday-Friday between 9:30am – 4:30pm. For more information, contact our Volunteer Coordinator.
Ready to Volunteer?
Individuals
Groups
Individuals
Groups

As a certified Service Enterprise organization, we align the passions and skills of volunteers with meaningful volunteer positions that achieve our mission and increase the impact in our community. We are proud to join this top 11 percent of organizations in volunteer management and organizational performance.
Thank you for choosing to make a difference in our guests’ and residents’ lives! We can’t wait to meet you and get started!
For questions or further information:
Wateen Osman
Volunteer Coordinator
volunteer@oshousing.org
612.872.4193×2

2315 Chicago Ave. So.
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Phone | 612.871.5900
Fax | 612.871.0017
Our Saviour’s Housing
2219 Chicago Ave. So.
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Phone | 612.872.4193
Fax | 612.872.4442
English Learning Center
2315 Chicago Ave. So.
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Phone | 612.874.9963
Fax | 612.871.0017