VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
WHERE YOU COME IN Shelterhouse exists to provide refuge, hope, and healing for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault of every gender and generation. The only way we are going to help survivors heal as individuals and heal as an entire community is to address both as a community. Whether you choose to join us on a weekly basis or for a one-time opportunity, there are multiple volunteer opportunities available at Shelterhouse! When you volunteer, you give back to your community in more ways than you could imagine. See which option best matches your passion, skills and interests and then start the process online at Shelterhousemidland.org/volunteer.
DETAIL KEY Hands on: Interactions directly with clients
Groups may participate
Background checks may be conducted based on the volunteer activity.
OPPORTUNITIES HELP WITH BUILDING MAINTENANCE Our new facility on Waldo is trauma-informed, beautiful, and provides a safe and welcoming space for survivors seeking emergency shelter. Help keep it in tip-top shape by deep cleaning, painting scuff marks on the walls, washing windows, vacuuming, etc. This is an ideal volunteer activity for groups.
Individuals may participate
Long-term commitment
CREATE A FRESH START KIT Help a survivor and their children take their first steps as they begin a “Fresh Start” with a Fresh Start Kit! By building a box full of all the things needed to make oneself feel at home, from cleaning to comfort items, you can help spark the feeling of home for children, teens and parents alike. Create your Fresh Start Kit(s) by yourself or as a group, and then schedule a drop-off.
GENERAL STORE VOLUNTEER Shelterhouse has a General Store, located in Shelterhouse’s Midland location. It is filled with items such as blankets, personal care items, and cleaning supplies. Additionally, food is available for non-residential clients in the General Store – perishable items are in the refrigerator/freezer located within the General Store. Volunteer to help keep the General Store in tip-top shape for our survivors.
Scheduled: You must report at a specific day/time
Flexible: You may complete these tasks at your leisure
Requires additional training
GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY BY HELPING WITH GROUNDSKEEPING Our new facility on Waldo has a peaceful and safe backyard with plenty of outdoor space and a playground for the little ones. Help bring more beauty to the outdoors by gardening, power washing the building and sidewalks, deep cleaning the playground, etc. This is an ideal volunteer activity for groups.
PUT YOUR BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION SKILLS TO USE We are still making enhancements to our new facility – adding an enclosed station for survivors waiting for the bus, building a bike-rack, fixing items as things need repair from time to time. Hard skills and certifications may be required based on the project.
SERVING COFFEE AND BREAKFAST TREATS Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault can be isolating. As a coffee and breakfast volunteer, you will help bring the sense of community and belonging to those staying at Shelterhouse by making coffee, setting up breakfast items, and hosting in the gathering room in the morning for clients of all ages.
PROVIDE A MEAL FOR THE SHELTER Our emergency shelter provides more than 5,300 safe nights a year, and we rely heavily on the support of our community to make survivors feel welcome, safe, and supported. You are welcome to either prepare your meal in and bring a ready-to-serve or catered meal for our clients to enjoy.
Ready to get started? Visit Shelterhousemidland.org/volunteer and start the application or email volunteer@shelterhousemidland.org.
Not seeing what you’re looking for? Didn’t see a group volunteer activity that worked well for your needs, or are you an individual with a passion or skillset that could be beneficial to our clients? We are happy to work with you to create an opportunity! In the past, favorite activities have included donated photography sessions, makeup classes and flower arrangement lessons for our residents. For group opportunities, we can always use assistance with setting up apartments, organizing storage and other as-needed activities. Contact volunteer@shelterhousemidland.org to get started!
2500 Waldo Ave. | Midland, MI 48642 24-Hour Helpline: 877-216-6383 | Shelterhousemidland.org