Project Homeless Connect is a bi-monthly event where 1000 volunteers are needed to help provide services to the 2000 homeless San Franciscans that attend. Corporations are invited to collaborate with us and help sponsor one of our events.
Project Homeless Connect offers the following free services and more: Acupuncture, Childcare, Credit Counseling, Dental Services, DMV IDs, Domestic Violence Counseling, Eyeglasses, Family Services, Food, Lunches, Haircuts, HIV testing, Housing Information, Hygiene Products, Massage, Medical Care, Mental Health Services, Methadone and Needle Exchange, Substance Abuse Services, Shelter Reservations and more.
There are numerous volunteer opportunities available at Project Homeless Connect events. You do not have to have prior experience, only a commitment to help. We ask prospective volunteers to attend a one- hour training. Trainings are not mandatory. Trainings are announced periodically and highly recommended. We prefer if you sign up for a team and register for events, however you are more than welcome to just show up on the day and we will find a place for you. Project Homeless Connect needs your assistance. Without volunteers there would be no event.
Below is a list of volunteer opportunities. If you are still uncertain which team to volunteer with you can contact: volunteers@projecthomelessconnect.com.
Volunteering with Project Homeless Connect is a unique and, as many volunteers know, life changing event.
The main focus of your day will be connecting with individuals and bringing humanity and compassion to an everyday process. The individuals and families who come to Project Homeless Connect events are looking to be connected to receive needed services in a compassionate, safe and helpful environment.
Check-In
The chronic homeless adults who come to the Homeless Connect events need a wide range of information, services and appointments. In order to assist them to make successful connections with services, every client starts with Check-In. These individuals explain and obtain signed authorization for sharing information and take the client through a structured set of questions. This brief but critical survey of needs and information identifies the service areas that will best assist the individual that day.
Client Support
Client Support Escorts are crucial in making clients feel welcome and, as a result, can make an impact on the comfort level needed for clients to engage services. Escorts are stationed in the Check - In area and at individual service areas to assist clients in navigating the event and services. Escorts in the Check - In area will join a client and bring them to the first service area of their choice and will return to assist another client from Check - In. In the case that a client asks for continued support please stay with them as long as they need. Escorts stationed at particular service areas work within that service area either taking names for a wait list or any other task to begin the service process and assist the area Lead. In addition, Escorts at service areas will, if the client requests bring the client to the next service area. The most important role the Client Support Escort will play is that of compassionate greeter.
Street Outreach
Street Outreach volunteers work with HOT (Homeless Outreach Team) to reach out to individuals who are either unable or reluctant to approach the event on their own. Volunteers will be given a training the morning of the event and will work in a group lead by a HOT team member or an experienced Street Outreach volunteer. The majority of the Outreach is done in the Tenderloin and SOMA areas. This is a walking position. Transportation is available for clients who need assistance getting back to the site.
Medical
Street Outreach volunteers work with HOT (Homeless Outreach Team) to reach out to individuals who are either unable or reluctant to approach the event on their own. Volunteers will be given a training the morning of the event and will work in a group lead by a HOT team member or an experienced Street Outreach volunteer. The majority of the Outreach is done in the Tenderloin and SOMA areas. This is a walking position. Transportation is available for clients who need assistance getting back to the site.
Café Connect
Café Connect allows participants to either sit and be served a hot lunch or take away a bag lunch. A host greets and sits individuals while servers take orders and bring food to clients. Duties include: serving lunch, stocking food for servers, packaging take away food, bussing tables and greeting clients.
Books
Through generous donations we are able to give away books at Project Homeless Connect. This is a very popular area with our clients. Your main duties will be to keep books stacked and available and help clients search for book types they want.
Data Entry
Volunteers in Data Entry will input confidential client information into the project’s Salesforce database. This data is used to analyze results and program efficacy for reporting.
Check Out
The Check - Out area is the final stop before leaving Project Homeless Connect. Check out offers another opportunity to insure that clients received services they needed by reviewing their check list and asking questions. In addition, Check - Out is the time and place to get honest feed back from clients about what worked, what may need improvement and what they might like to see.
Pre-Event Volunteers
The day before the event volunteers are needed to assist in set up. Duties can range from: setting up service areas, assembling hygiene kits to posting signage. If you are available the day before the event please sign up here and send an email (there is an option for this when you register) of times you are available to work that day. We will then fit you into tasks that meet that timeline.
Post-Event
Help break down Project Homeless Connect. This service area is later in the day and is a good option for those who are unable to take the day off of work but are able to leave a little early. The shift runs from 3-5 in the afternoon.
General
General volunteers are important to the success and flow of the event as they are placed where needed. As each event is unique, volunteer needs can be greater or diminished in certain areas and we will need volunteers who are willing to work where needed and move to different areas.
Housing Information and Shelter
Volunteers at Housing Information and Shelter will attend a training to learn how to give information and make shelter reservations for clients. This service area is in demand and due to the shortage of resources, training on how to engage and communicate with clients is necessary.
Food Bank
PHC participants are able to choose food items donated by the San Francisco Food Bank. Volunteers are needed to help pass out groceries in a farmer's market style distribution. Volunteers will set up and lay out food on tables, re-stock and break down boxes. At times, the distribution can be very fast-paced. Some heavy lifting is involved.
Navigator
Volunteers will work in partnership with Medical Discharge, Behavioral Health and SSI at Project Homeless Connect events to connect with clients that day and be available to take another two hours during the week to accompanying them to follow-up appointments. We will provide training and materials for all volunteers interested in participating in this special program.
Volunteer Central
This service area works to welcome and support volunteers. Duties will include: registering volunteers, identifying their volunteer service area on a map or, if they are unassigned directing them to an area of need, answer questions about day of flow, reassigning volunteers if their initial area was not a fit or no longer needs people.
|
