Volunteers With Us
and Our Member Organizations
Walk With Me
Walking Alongside A Vulnerable Person
Weekly, your schedule; 12-month commitment
Transitioning out of homelessness is about much more than moving into a new apartment. It’s about reclaiming dignity, rejoining community, and starting a new life. Friends play a vital role in the process of transition by providing emotional and moral support, compassionate listening, connections to resources, and the invaluable gift of friendship. Training and coaching are provided during the course of the relationship.
Contact: russlenk@yahoo.com or go to the website.
Mentor a Teen
Who is in Need of a Positive Role Model
Weekly, your schedule; 1-year commitment
Youth facing the biggest obstacles need the most support. They need a caring and qualified adult who will take the time to listen, learn, and walk with them long-term. Youth For Christ connects youth (11-19) in one-on-one mentoring relationships with adult leaders. These young people may be referred to YFC by the Prison Fellowship's Angel Tree program, the SD County Probation Department, a homeless shelter, or another community partner such as a church or school. Mentored youth are more likely to improve in school, avoid self-destructive activities, and gain hope and vision for the future.
*Our faith motivates us to action, but our mentoring is open to youth of all backgrounds and beliefs.
Contact: tina.flannery@yfcsandiego.org. 619-723-8462
Create a Safe Setting for Kids in East Village
Thursdays, 3-6pm
Living Water Church of the Nazarene is located in the heart of East Village, at 16th & Market. Many kids who live in East Village lack safe, supportive places to spend time after school during the week. Living Water Church provides exactly that every Thursday afternoon. They need volunteers to make it happen!
Contact: afterschool@livingwaternazarene.com
Tutor a Student in Reading
Weekly, various times and locations
Many students struggle in school because of poverty and the fact that, for many of them, English is their second language. Their parents work hard but are often inhibited from helping their children with homework because of the language barrier. Giving these students one-on-one attention and guidance as a tutor can change their whole outlook on learning and encourages them to dream big. 87% of Kids at Heart students are at or above their grade's reading level by the end of the year! Learn more here, including times and locations of active tutoring sites.
Kids at Heart is operated by UPLIFT San Diego.
Contact: rosav@upliftsandiego.com | 619-536-8060
Help Someone Get Back to Work
Your schedule
New GateWay Solutions seeks to prevent homelessness by helping people get back to work before the rent money runs out. You may be able to use your professional experiences and skills to help someone else get back on their feet.
Send your resume to Michelle John (mjohn@newgateway.org) to see how you can help. New Gateway Solutions also offers several unpaid internships. Check out the job descriptions here.
Provide 1-to-1 Discipleship
Weekly; 6-month commitment
The San Diego Rescue Mission seeks to pair every man and woman in their year-long residential programs with an individual mentor who provides spiritual care and discipleship on a weekly basis. Curriculum and training is provided.
Assist in the Women's Shelter Linen Closet
Thurs-Sun, 7-8:30pm; 3-month commitment
Female volunteers are needed to assist in the linen closet at the women's emergency shelter, Nueva Vida Haven. Volunteers help pass out clothing, linens, and hygiene items to the women and children residents.
Contact: Debbie Krakauer, Volunteer Coordinator
dkrakauer@sdrescue.org | 619-819-1897
Volunteer at PATH Connections Housing
Your schedule
PATH is one of the main providers of shelter and housing in San Diego, and has also been one of Downtown Fellowship's closest agency partners. Volunteer opportunities abound at their downtown shelter, including:
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Cooking and serving dinner
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Driving to pick up food donations
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Organizing their clothing closet
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Creating "Welcome Home kits"
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Assembling hygiene kits
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Staffing the on-site computer lab
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Cutting hair or providing other "personal care" services
To get involved at PATH, click here.
Sleepless Service Days (currently suspended due to Covid)
Every other month, Downtown Fellowship partners with the San Diego Rescue Mission and Downtown Partnership Clean & Safe to clean up the streets of East Village and outreach to the homeless community. This service is greatly appreciated by local residents, including everyone from those in the high rises to those on the streets. To stay in the loop for Community Clean-Up Days, enter your email address below.
