Community Shelter and Transitional Services
       

Volunteer Opportunities

There are a number of ways to become involved with Shelter House from supporting staff during the day to preparing and serving an evening meal.  We can accommodate short term volunteers (10 hours or less), long-term volunteer opportunities (more than 10 hours divided into 1-2 hours per week), and groups of 2 or more people.

If you would like to volunteer at our current facility throughout the summer, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Megan DeMeulenaere at 351-0326 or megan@shelterhouseiowa.org to learn about our current volunteer positions.

In October 2010 we will open a new facility which will more than double our residential capacity and will allow for expanded services.  We are looking for volunteers to help us fill many roles in the new facility; we hope you are able to join us in serving homeless people in our community.  Please see below for descriptions and volunteer applications for the positions opening in October 2010.

  • Client Services Volunteers:
    Our Client Services Volunteer Positions give you a chance to work directly with our clients, staff, and other volunteers to provide services to the homeless.  These volunteer positions require a 3 hour shift scheduled every week for 6 months.  Shifts are available from 9am to 9pm Monday through Friday and from 8am-11am and 5pm-9pm on Saturday and Sunday’s.
     
  • Specialized Volunteers:
    Our Specialized Volunteer positions give you a chance to share your professional skills with our clients.  These volunteer positions require different time commitments ranging from weekly to once every 3 months.  For more information on scheduling needs, see the volunteer descriptions below and work with the volunteer coordinator to create a schedule that works for you. 
  • One-time Event or Group Volunteer:
    If you have limited time to give or are not ready to commit to a lengthier volunteer position, these volunteer opportunities are a great way to get involved.  They can be done by an individual, family, or community group.  You can help Shelter House and the homeless clients we serve by giving just a few hours of your time!
  • Internship Opportunities:
    Shelter House is seeking an Intern for the Fall of 2010.  We are looking for an individual who is passionate, caring, outgoing, hardworking, and dedicated to improving the quality of life for our residents who are homeless.  This internship is offered for college credit through the University of Iowa Pomerantz Career Center.  Go to https://www.myinterfase.com/uiowa/student/ to apply.

    If you are interested in this Internship Position without college credit, contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Megan DeMeulenaere by calling her at 351-0326 or emailing her at megan@shelterhouseiowa.org for more information. The deadline to apply is August 6, 2010.

If you have questions, contact:

Megan DeMeulenaere
Client Services and Volunteer Coordinator
Shelter House
P.O. Box 3146
Iowa City, IA 52244
351-0326
megan@shelterhouseiowa.org
 

Samantha is a Specialized Volunteer for Shelter House of Iowa City.
Samantha is a Shelter House Volunteer.

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

Contact Megan DeMeulenaere, Shelter House Volunteer Coordinator, for more information about upcoming opportunities.

To learn more about other volunteer opportunities in Johnson County, check the 10,000 Hours Show  and the United Way of Johnson County web sites.
 

Provide Dinner

Another great way for you or your organization to get involved at the shelter is to provide dinner to our residents. We serve 30-40 homeless men, women, and children every night. Please read the Dinner Instructions for options available for this activity.

Then, view the Shelter House Dinner Calendar to view available dates and to sign up for a date to provide dinner.

Shelter House Meals Calendar





 

 

“During 3 years of helping with the homeless overflow shelter at St. Mary’s church, we came to understand the need for our community’s homeless shelter program.  We talked with people who needed temporary shelter because of short-term situations related to finances, family break ups, illnesses, and other misfortunes.  We also met individuals facing chronic problems who were making sincere efforts to get back on their feet through efforts supported through Shelter House programs.”  Margaret & Chuck Felling, Volunteers 

Shelter House  |  331 N. Gilbert St  |  Iowa City, IA 52240  |  MAP  | 319-351-0326

Administration/STAR  |  114 E. Prentiss St.  |  Iowa City, IA 52240  |  MAP  |  319-338-5416

©Copyright 2009 Shelter House Community Shelter & Transition Services.  All Rights Reserved.