Volunteer

Volunteering with Heading Home is a very rewarding experience, and you will have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the men, women, and children we serve.  Volunteer needs depend upon what projects we have going on, so the availability of opportunities may vary. Please send all inquiries and applications (located at bottom of page) to:info@headinghomeinc.org, or fax to: 617-864-8140.

Volunteer Requirements:

  • Volunteers aged 14-15 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Volunteers aged 16-17 must have a consent form signed by a parent or guardian.
  • Volunteers must submit to a background check if working around children or planning to volunteer on more than one occasion.

HEADING HOME VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

ONGOING VOLUNTEER PROJECTS:

  • Serve dinner at our shelter in Cambridge from 6pm - 8pm (Monday - Friday).
  • Organize a group to purchase groceries, prepare and serve dinner at one of our programs.
  • Assist families with childcare during weeknights at our Medford Family Life Education Center (not available during the summer, must submit to a background check).
  • Stop by our Women's Drop-In Center in Cambridge during weekday afternoons to serve lunch or help with the clothing room.
  • Organize a household item donation drive to collect items from Heading Home's donation item list.
  • Put together "welcome baskets" for families moving into a new home. This would include household supplies and smaller items from Heading Home's welcome basket list.

SPECIAL PROJECTS & PROGRAMS:

1. UP & OUT
Up & Out is Heading Home's signature volunteer program that assists individuals and families who are moving into their own apartments for the first time after being homeless. Up & Out raises money and household donations, and coordinates volunteers to clean and furnish the apartment prior to the move.  It is a moving experience for volunteers and clients alike.

Ways to Participate in Up & Out:

  • Coordinate a group to sponsor a move – coordinate fundraising (each move requires approximately $2,500).
  • Organize friends, family and co-workers to donate household items for an upcoming move using Heading Home’s donation item list. Donation Item List
  • Put together "welcome baskets" for families moving into a new home. This will include household supplies and smaller items from Heading Home’s welcome basket list. Welcome Baskets List
  • New ideas are always welcome.
2. FAMILY DINNER & ENTERTAINMENT NIGHTS
Individuals and groups can sponsor a night of fun for the families at one of our shelters by throwing a holiday party. Volunteers are responsible for providing the food for all attendees including the families, as well as an activity for the kids. 

Ideas Include:

  • Halloween - Pumpkin carving
  • Christmas - Tree decorating
  • Valentine’s Day - Bake Valentine’s cookies
  • St. Patrick’s Day - Bake a green cake
  • Easter - Dye eggs
  • Mother’s Day - Make gifts for moms
  • Fourth of July - BBQ & face painting
  • New ideas are always welcome

3. ADOPT A FAMILY FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Help make the holidays special for a deserving family.  You will be assigned either a family or a group of families for whom you will buy presents or gift cards (recommended average gift range is $20 - $40).  You will be provided with the clients' names and ages as well as suggestions for possible gift ideas.

We do not accept gifts that are wrapped, so please put gift tags on the gifts and place them in a gift bag or plain bag.

  • Please no violent toys - please call our office with any questions regarding gift selection.
  • All donations must be delivered to our administrative offices 2 weeks prior to the holiday, so that they may be provided to the adopted families.

     
    VOLUNTEER APPLICATION.pdf

    WE LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR INVOLVEMENT!

 

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