Beyond providing shelter in the short term, many shelters try to help residents rebuild their lives. That might mean directing them to council housing support or helping them access addiction services.
Why volunteer at a homeless shelter?
Volunteering at a homeless shelter is one of the most direct ways to make a positive impact in your community. For those experiencing homelessness, a shelter is often a lifeline and the work done by volunteers is vital to keeping these services running smoothly. Many shelters would struggle to offer the same level of care and support without volunteers.
It’s an opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life, hear their stories and understand the complex factors that can contribute to homelessness. People experiencing homelessness are still frequently treated poorly by society on the whole – people who volunteer tend to report gaining a deeper appreciation for the resilience of those facing incredibly tough circumstances.
On a practical level, volunteering can help you develop new skills too. Whether it’s cooking meals, managing donations or offering a friendly listening ear, you’ll gain experience that can be valuable in other areas of your life whether you’re a student, finding time alongside your job or a retiree looking to give back.
Most importantly, though, volunteering at a homeless shelter is about showing kindness and respect. For plenty of people forced to use shelters, being treated with dignity is as important as the practical support. Your presence as a volunteer can remind someone that they’re valued by their community.
Whether you have a few hours a week or just an occasional evening to spare, your efforts could make all the difference for a likely cash-strapped organisation and the people it helps.
What does a homeless shelter volunteer do?
The specific tasks you’ll perform as a homeless shelter volunteer depend on the shelter’s needs as well as your own skills.
Many volunteers help with the day-to-day running of the facility – this might involve preparing and serving meals, cleaning communal spaces, sorting donations or manning reception desks. If you’re good at organising you might help to make sure all the residents have the essentials, like toiletries and bedding, that they need during their stay, or support work in the office behind the scenes.
If you’ve got specific skills, there could be opportunities to use them for good. Some volunteers might run workshops on topics like budgeting or digital skills, helping residents prepare for a more independent life, or run activities like gardening or arts and crafts – if you’re a hairdresser you could even give haircuts.
Beyond the practical tasks, one of the most important things you’ll do is listen. That means listening to the experts running the facility, and to the people using it. Many people experiencing homelessness deal with major isolation so – just like meeting a homeless person in the street – taking the time to have a conversation can make a difference to someone going through a tough time.
How do I volunteer at a homeless shelter?
If you’re ready to get involved, the first step is to reach out to shelters in your area. Most organisations have a formal process for recruiting volunteers so you’ll usually fill out an application form, attend an induction session and undergo a background check. You need to be at least 18 to volunteer for most organisations.
Think about what skills and time you can offer when applying. Are you available for a regular weekly shift, or would you prefer to help out during busy periods like Christmas? Some shelters require a long-term commitment, while others welcome one-off volunteers. Be honest about what you can realistically manage, and remember you might not fit the needs of every shelter – particularly over Christmas, when more people are inclined to contribute in their community.
It’s important to approach the opportunity with an open mind. Working in a homeless shelter can be rewarding, but it can be emotionally challenging too. You might meet people dealing with addiction, mental illness or other traumas, and it’s important to approach every situation with empathy and without judgement.
How to find homeless shelter volunteer work near me
Most homeless charities have websites where you can search for volunteer opportunities by location. Simply searching online for “homeless shelters near me” or “volunteer at homeless shelter” is a great way to start.
Organisations like Crisis, Shelter, St Mungo’s and The Salvation Army are good resources. These charities run support centres and shelters across the country, alongside plenty of other UK homelessness charities. Many run charity shops too, which can only generate income thanks to the work of volunteers.
Local councils often maintain lists of shelters and services in your area, particularly during the colder months when more hubs open up to support rough sleepers. You can also check community notice boards or faith groups for information on how to get involved.
If you’re struggling to find opportunities, you might have more luck by broading your search to include other types of volunteering roles. Food banks and outreach programmes, for example, work closely with the homeless population and are always in need of extra hands. You can make a meaningful impact whether you’re based in a shelter or not.
And don’t underestimate the power of asking around. Many smaller shelters rely on word-of-mouth to recruit volunteers and might not advertise widely. If you’re not sure where to start, contact a local charity or community group – they’ll often be happy to point you in the right direction.
Do you have a story to tell or opinions to share about this? Get in touch and tell us more. Big Issue exists to give homeless and marginalised people the opportunity to earn an income. To support our work buy a copy of the magazine or get the app from the App Store or Google Play.
