VOLUNTEER APPLICATION PROCESS
We have volunteer opportunities year-round for adults ages 18 years and older; please review the list below to see how you would like to help. We ask for a minimum commitment of three months, and most volunteers work one or two days per week for two to five hours per day.
For students ages 12-18, our volunteer opportunities are primarily during the summer months of June, July and August due to overlap between school hours and our hours of operation.
How To Volunteer
E-Mail Address: volunteer@stjosephctr.org
Fax: 310-399-3040
Mailing Address:
Shelly Aydin
Volunteer Relations Manager
St. Joseph Center
204 Hampton Drive
Venice, CA 90291-8633
Please review the list of Volunteer Opportunities below, fill out our Volunteer Application Form
Please be as specific as possible with regard to your program preferences and time availability.
We will confirm receipt of your application and then contact you when we have openings that match your interests and availability.
(**Please note: Recruitment for new volunteers is generally on hold from October through December, due to our busy holiday season.)
Group Volunteers
Contact:
Aurilla Stevson at (310) 396-6468, ext. 332
Volunteer Relations Assistant
For groups who want to support St. Joseph Center, we always welcome donation drives, especially for items noted on our Wishlist page, which are always in high demand at our Homeless Service Center and/or Food Pantry. Occasionally, we may also have opportunities for small groups of five to ten to volunteer together onsite.
Please contact Volunteer Relations Assistant Aurilla Stevson at (310) 396-6468, ext. 332 for more information about drives and potential group opportunities.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Food Pantry
Location SJC Main Campus
204 Hampton Drive, Venice, 90291
Mondays 8:00am-12:00pm,
Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:00am – 12:00pm; 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Our Food Pantry provides low-income households with supplemental groceries up to once per week.
Volunteer duties: Assisting Food Pantry staff with sorting through donations, assembling grocery bags for clients and grocery delivery drivers, stocking shelves with donations as needed, and helping to keep the Food Pantry clean and organized. Ability to be on feet for up to 3-4 hours, ability to lift up to 25lbs repeatedly.
Bilingual abilities in Spanish or Russian are very helpful.
Weekly commitment is preferred.
Food Pantry Grocery Delivery
Location: SJC Main Campus
204 Hampton Drive, Venice 90291
Tuesday and/or Thursday 9:30am – 12:30pm
Volunteer duties: Pick up groceries from our Food Pantry on Tuesday and/or Thursday mornings and deliver to clients’ doorsteps.
Requirements: Must have valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance to participate.
Weekly commitment is preferred.
Our café serves freshly made, hot meals to men and women who are unhoused in a restaurant-style setting. Volunteers should be prepared to remain for an entire shift.
Volunteer duties: Setting tables, preparing beverages, bread and fruit for the meal, greeting, and serving guests, and preparing for the next serving time.
Weekly commitment is preferred.
Homeless Service Center Mail Service
Location: 404 Lincoln Blvd, Venice 90291
Monday through Friday, 8:00am-12:00pm
**HSC currently has a summer internship opportunity. Volunteers must be able to
commit to the entire volunteer period.
More than one volunteer (up to one per day)
is possible.
For more information click on the link below or contact St. Joseph Centers Volunteer Relations Assistant Aurilla Stevson at (310) 396-6468, ext. 332 or via email astevson@stjosephctr.org
Learn More about the Summer Internship Opportunity Here >>
Our Homeless Service Center connects unhoused individuals with mental health services, housing, case management, and basic resources. We provide showers, mailboxes, device charging and assistance with registering to receive hot meals at Bread & Roses Café.
Volunteer duties: Pick up mail from our Hampton location and transport to our Homeless Services Center (HSC) to sort, alphabetize and stamp mail for clients to pick up.
Requirements: Volunteers must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, proof of insurance, able to stand for long periods, alphabetize mail, and greet clients.
Weekly commitment is preferred.
This is a virtual volunteer opportunity where volunteers can assist from their own homes.
Volunteer duties: Listen to recorded voicemails and return calls and/or route to correct departments (both inside and outside SJC) as needed. Volunteers are provided training to accurately route callers.
Requirements: Attend HSC Voicemail training and watch training video prior to starting.
“Voices of Hope” Auctions Gala Duties: assist by soliciting auction items, gift certificates and ads for the program journal. Other Special Events are held at various times of the year; please inquire for current opportunities: volunteer@stjosephctr.org
Annual Holiday Opportunities: Share The Season, Thanksgiving Basket Distribution (November), and Holiday Parties for clients (December). Ideal for individuals and groups of up to 10 volunteers.
This program provides low-income women with computer coding skills that will help them become employed in the tech sector. Volunteer duties include: assisting students as a web development tutor Mon., Tues., Thur., or Fri., from noon to 1 pm; serving as a guest speaker on a designated Friday. For more information about guest speaking opportunities please email codetalk@stjosephctr.org.
Ideal for tech professionals and individuals with well-developed coding skills.
OTHER WAYS TO HELP
IN-KIND DONATION GUIDE
Items Needed for Unhoused Clients
***We accept the following new or unused items for unhoused clients***
- Body Wash
- Chapstick
- Combs & Brushes
- Conditioner
- Dental Floss
- Deodorant
- Feminine Hygiene Products
- Hand Lotion
- Hand Sanitizer
- Pet Food (for cats and dogs)
- Rain Ponchos
- Razors
- Reading Glasses
- Wipes
- Reusable Water Bottles
- Shampoo
- Socks & Underwear
- Sunscreen
- Sweatshirts
- Flip Flops
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
- Towels
- T-Shirts
- Women’s Undergarments
- Portable Chargers
- Trash Bags
Food Items Needed for Housed Clients
**Please do not include items that have expired or items in glass containers
- Ensure Nutrition Drink for Seniors
- Baby Formula (powdered)
- Baby/Toddler Food -All ages and flavors, pouches preferred – Glass jars are okay for this item only
- Breakfast Cereal and/or Oatmeal
- Canned Meats, Soup and Broth
- Canned Vegetables
- Fresh Produce
- Pasta, Crackers, Cereal, Beans & Rice
- Peanut Butter
- Shelf Stable Milk
- Snacks for Children – Crackers, Teething Biscuits, Cookies, Raisins & 100% Dried Fruit Snacks
Non-Food Items Needed for Housed Clients
- Adult Diapers (Depends)
- Baby Wipes
- Diapers & Pull-Ups – (esp. sizes 4-6)
- Paper Grocery Bags with handles
- Pet Food (for cats & dogs)
- Plastic Produce Bags
- Reusable Grocery Bags
- School supplies – Three-ring binders, Backpacks, etc
Sign-up to bring birthday cheer by supporting our St. Joseph Center Birthday Club!