Join Us in Making a Difference

At Shelter KC, we believe in the power of community. Every day, our volunteers help transform lives by providing support, hope, and dignity to men and women experiencing homelessness. Your time, skills, and compassion can make a real impact on those who need it most.

Why Volunteer with Us?

  • Be a part of change: Your presence can brighten someone’s day and offer the hope they need to rebuild their lives.
  • Build meaningful connections: Our volunteers often find a sense of purpose and community by working together for a common cause.
  • Learn and grow: Whether you’re volunteering to gain new skills, fulfill a passion, or simply give back, we offer a welcoming environment where you can make a lasting difference.

Volunteer Opportunities

We offer a wide range of volunteer roles to fit your availability, interests, and skills:

  • Meal Service: Help prepare and serve meals to our guests.
  • Administrative Support: Assist with office tasks to keep our day-to-day operations running smoothly.
  • Special Events: Help us with fundraising events and community outreach.
  • Donation Sorting: Sort and organize clothing, hygiene products, and other essential donations.

Not Sure Where to Start?

  1. Tell Us Who You Are: Fill out our general volunteer interest form and share your talents and interests or tell us about your group. You can also sign up for a Lunch & Learn to learn about our mission over lunch with a staff member. If you need to get in touch with our Volunteer Coordinator, you can do so, here.

  2. Create a VOMO Account: VOMO (Volunteer Movement) is an online platform that connects volunteers with opportunities. By creating a profile, you can:

    • Access current volunteer opportunities

    • Sign up and track hours at your convenience

    • Help us maintain a safe environment by coordinating who’s in the building

    • Stay updated with easy communication from Shelter KC

  3. View Opportunities: Browse available roles and find the best fit for you.

  4. Sign Up and Volunteer: Choose a regular schedule or join occasional events — whichever works best for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need prior experience?

No prior experience is required! We welcome volunteers from all walks of life. We’ll provide any training you need.

What is the time commitment?

 We’re flexible! Whether you can give a few hours a week or join us for one-time events, we appreciate all contributions.

Can groups volunteer?

Absolutely! We welcome groups from schools, churches, and companies. Just let us know, and we’ll work together to find the perfect project for your team.

Is there an age requirement to volunteer?

The minimum age to volunteer is 18+. Anyone interested younger than 18 is required to be accompanied by an adult, depending on the task.

What should I wear when volunteering?

Please wear comfortable, modest clothing that you don't mind getting a little dirty, especially if you're helping with meal prep or donation sorting. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for safety.

Can I volunteer if I have limited mobility?

Yes! We strive to accommodate all volunteers. Let us know if you have any physical limitations, and we’ll work to find a suitable role that allows you to contribute meaningfully.

Can I bring my children to volunteer?

Unfortunately, due to safety and the nature of some of our activities, we aren’t able to accommodate young children in most volunteer roles. However, we do have family-friendly events throughout the year—stay tuned for those!

What if I can't make it to my volunteer shift?

We understand that things come up! Just let us know as soon as possible so we can adjust and make sure all areas are covered.

Are there any specific skills you're looking for?

While no specific skills are required, we’re always looking for volunteers with specialized skills, such as hairstylits and barbers, fitness instructors, and chapel speakers. If you have a unique talent you'd like to share, let us know!

Can I do court-ordered community service hours?

Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate volunteers seeking to fulfill court-ordered community service. We encourage you to explore other local organizations that may have opportunities available for such service.

Ready to make a difference?