Volunteers are a valuable resource at the Council for the Homeless. Currently, we have several key areas that rely on volunteer support. If you would like to apply, please email or call the associated staff member of the position you are interested in. Our application can be printed, filled out, and returned to CFTH via email to the contact persons identified with each position, or mailed to Council for the Homeless, 2500 Main Street, Vancouver, WA 98660. Thank you for your interest!
Would you like to volunteer? Fill out the volunteer application today! Please feel free to explore different volunteer opportunities below:
If you would like to volunteer at a shelter during winter weather, please visit Winter Weather Shelter Volunteering.
Duties include data entry, quality assurance, filing, answering incoming calls and making outbound calls, navigation of office programs, sorting and routing incoming mail and assisting with outgoing mailings, preparation of meeting materials, and assisting with special projects. Year round opportunities. Desired commitment of at least 4 hours per week for a minimum of six months. Hours take place during traditional Monday-Friday work week. Training and supervision provided. Volunteers subject to a criminal background check. Please contact our administrative office to inquire about the need at this time: info@councilforthehomeless.org or 360-993-9561.
Duties include answering telephones in a clear and concise manner, directing people in need of shelter and other resources, data entry, and accurate appointment scheduling. Year-round opportunities. Desired commitment of at least two 3-hour shifts per week, between 9am and 5pm Monday – Friday. Training is provided. Please contact our administrative office to inquire about the need at this time: info@councilforthehomeless.org or 360-993-9561.
Duties include data entry, making outbound calls, navigation of fundraising system database, and other office programs. The Development Volunteer will attend and assist at special events, communicate the mission and role of Council for the Homeless in the community, and help obtain items for raffles and live auction prizes. Other duties will include assisting in thanking donors for their support, and clients for sharing their stories during fundraising appeals. Desired commitment of at least 2-3 hours per week for at least six months. Hours can be flexible and take place during the traditional Monday-Friday work week. Training and supervision provided. Volunteers are subject to a criminal background check. Please contact our administrative office to inquire about the need at this time: info@councilforthehomeless.org or 360-993-9561.
Duties include receiving donated items, sorting, labeling, organizing, and stocking supplies in an organized and efficient manner. The Inventory Manager Volunteer will work closely with CFTH staff to determine what will be stored, and where, put together pre-made packets of supplies for clients, and keep staff informed about what we have too much of, and what we need more of. The Volunteer Inventory Manager will also interact with donors in a positive, professional manner that clearly expresses respect and gratitude for items donated. Desired commitment of 2 hours per week, for at least six months. Hours can be flexible and take place during the traditional Monday – Friday work week. Training and supervision provided. Volunteers are subject to a criminal background check. Please contact our administrative office to inquire about the need at this time: info@councilforthehomeless.org or 360-993-9561.
The HMIS Volunteer will assist CFTH Staff with tasks and responsibilities related to data collection, tracking, and reporting. Skills required are: basic Microsoft Windows-based computer skills, typing, ability to work independently, and phone skills. Volunteers will work in the Vancouver Housing Authority alongside HMIS staff and potentially with people experiencing homelessness. Desired commitment of at least 4 hours per week for at least 6 months. Hours can be flexible and take place during the traditional Monday – Friday work week. Training and supervision is provided. Volunteers are subject to a criminal background check. Please contact our administrative office to inquire about the need at this time: info@councilforthehomeless.org or 360-993-9561.
Duties include working to assist CFTH Staff and building capacity for the Diversion program efforts at the Housing Solutions Center. Tasks include working with households to provide empowerment based coaching to increase household stability. You will utilize motivational interviewing, active listening, mediation, and strengths-based approach using a trauma-informed lens. The Diversion Assistance Volunteer will engage in accurate note-taking and data entry skills, and upholding the ethics, values, and customer service standards of the Housing Solutions Center. Hours can be flexible and take place during the traditional Monday – Friday work week. Desired commitment of of at least 4 hours per week for at least six months. Training and Supervision is provided. Volunteers are subject to a criminal background check. Please contact our administrative office to inquire about the need at this time: info@councilforthehomeless.org or 360-993-9561.
Duties include entering client data into the Priority Pool and HMIS after receiving a Housing Assessment for various types of housing programs. The Housing Coordinator Volunteer will navigate the system database and other office programs. This person will also be gathering and providing basic needs supplies and information on community resources to help clients access resources after having an Assessment. The Housing Coordinator Volunteer will assist in placement process by calling clients, gathering documentation, and building and completing files as well as returning calls to households that call in to inquire about their status. Basic office support skills are also required. Hours can be flexible and take place during the traditional Monday – Friday work week. Desired commitment of at least 4 hours per week for at least six months. Training and supervision is provided. Volunteers are subject a criminal background check. Please contact our administrative office to inquire about the need at this time: info@councilforthehomeless.org or 360-993-9561.
Duties include stocking and providing outreach kits to clients, attending outreach meetings and trainings, learning and understanding basic HUD principles, housing assessment paperwork, documentation gathering, and going outside with CFTH Staff to build relationships and trust with people experiencing homelessness to meet them where they are and encourage them to access services to end their homelessness. Skills needed are excellent written and verbal communication, basic computer skills, and ability to interact and work closely with people experiencing homelessness and trauma. Hours can vary, and take place at designated days and times. Desired commitment of 4 hours per week for at least six months. Training and supervision is provided. Volunteers are subject to a criminal background check. Please contact our administrative office to inquire about the need at this time: info@councilforthehomeless.org or 360-993-9561.
Donate supplies for people in need:
For information about donating supplies, visit this page: https://www.councilforthehomeless.org/donating-supplies/