OSH Volunteer Opportunities - Our Saviour's Community Services

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 regularly work with students through social work and non-social work internships.

All direct-service internships for social work majors are arranged directly through select schools. We have worked with Augsburg College, Bethel University, St. Catherine University, St. Thomas University, and the University of Minnesota in the past and are open to additional partnerships. Please contact our Program Director for more information.

We occasionally offer internships in public health, fund development, communications, volunteer management, and other fields. 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 (not currently needed)

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 – http://bit.ly/OSH_Pot_and_Pan_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.

Drop-Off Sign Up

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.

View our full Wish List here!

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?

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.