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.

Please read our Frequently Asked Volunteer Questions sheet from our Volunteer Coordinator. If you have questions, contact:

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

Please print the Shelter House Volunteer Application Form or go to Shelter House to pick up an application if you are unable to print one. Once you have completed the application you can submit it by faxing it to Megan DeMeulenaere, the Volunteer Coordinator at 319-351-2137, mailing it to P.O. Box 3146, Iowa City, IA 52244, or dropping it off at Shelter House located at 331 N. Gilbert Street in Iowa City. You must include a photo copy of your government issued photo identification card when you submit your application.

Overflow Shelter Services

There are times when the need for shelter is greater than what our 331 N. Gilbert facilty can provide. In collaboration with the Consultation of Religious Communities, Shelter House is able to provide overflow shelter services from November through March. Each night Shelter House personnel vet individuals seeking shelter, preparing a roster of those persons who are above the Shelter House capacity. The rostered people undergo background checks and breathalyzer tests before their admission to the overflow.

[More About Overflow Volunteering]

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.

“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