WAYS TO GIVE
VOLUNTEER
Our volunteers are at the heart of what we do.
Volunteers from the community make it possible for us to accomplish our mission. We have students, retirees, professionals, and other community members donate their time and talent daily. Volunteers come to SOS with a diverse set of skills that can be used to help us prevent and end homelessness for families. Our volunteers help operate the food pantry weekly, provide administrative support, assist with organizing and helping at events, work on committees, and more.
Current volunteers can access the new online volunteer portal to sign up for opportunities. Not sure what your login is? Contact our volunteer coordinator for help by emailing volunteer@soscs.org.
New volunteers can complete an online application and our volunteer coordinator will be in touch shortly.
Building a Stronger Community
Historically, SOS has mobilized volunteers for decades to help those most in need. Over the years SOS has been a place where people have had the opportunity to develop skills, connect to others, experience personal growth, and impact others’ lives. SOS has played a pivotal role in developing future leaders, and still does so today working with local college students.
We appreciate our volunteers! They help to provide budget relieving support, and gives the organization increased capacity. In Michigan, the estimated value of volunteer time is $23.56 per hour. On average, SOS’ 250 volunteers work 9,000 hours per year, which shows that the impact of annual volunteer time is approximately $200,000 per year.
Become a Volunteer
There are a variety of ways to get involved at SOS. We want to help you find a volunteer opportunity that matches your skills and interests. To become a volunteer today, please complete an online volunteer application and our volunteer coordinator will be in touch soon.
Volunteer Opportunities
Food Pantry Client Intake
Answer phones and work with consumers one-on-one to schedule their appointments. This position also assists with updating our online database as clients sign up and arrive for appointments. Shifts for this position are on Tuesdays from 9am to 12:30pm, 12 to 3:30pm, and 3 to 6:30pm, and on Wednesdays from 9am to 1pm.
Food Pantry Delivery Stocking
Help unload the Food Gatherers delivery truck, sort and bag produce, and stock shelves in the pantry. This position requires frequent movement and lifting, and is often fast paced. Shifts for this position are on Mondays from 1pm to 5pm.
Food Pantry Distribution
Collect orders as clients arrive for curbside delivery on-site at the Resource Center, complete walk-up orders, and help keep the pantry stocked during distribution hours. This position interacts directly with clients, requires frequent movement and lifting, and is often fast paced. Shifts for this position are on Tuesdays from 12pm to 3:30pm and 3pm to 6:30pm, or on Wednesdays from 9am to 1pm.
Food Pantry Preparation
Help fill client grocery orders and prepare for our weekly food distribution. Complete client orders by filling their packages with the requested products and label them appropriately so they’re ready to go. This position requires frequent movement and lifting, and is often fast paced. Shifts for this position are on Tuesdays from 9am to 12:30pm.
Resource Center Assistant
Support our Resource Specialist by helping with client intake and referrals, accepting and recording donations, and adding client information to our online database. Please note the position requires some computer training. Shifts for this position are on Thursdays and Fridays from 9am to 1pm and 1pm to 5pm.
Shelter Home Restock
You can help prepare our shelter homes for incoming families to make it the most welcoming environment possible! Assist with light cleaning like wiping down counters and sweeping, stock kitchen and bathroom products, and make beds for families before they arrive. This position does not have direct contact with clients and is on-site in our shelter homes.
Shelter Home Yard Beautifier
You can help prepare our shelter homes for incoming families to make it the most welcoming environment possible! Assist with mowing, raking, tree-trimming, weed removal, and general outdoor maintenance for our shelter families. This position does not have direct contact with clients and is on-site at our shelter homes.
On-Call Volunteer
Do you have an irregular schedule or work during our operating hours but still want to help? You can sign up to be contacted when we have random projects or tasks that could use extra help. If we contact you and you’re unavailable or not interested in the project, we’ll simply keep you in mind for the next opportunity.
Virtual Volunteer
Are you unable to volunteer during our operating hours but still want to help? You can sign up to be a virtual volunteer to help us find job postings for our clients.