Volunteer
"Be the reason someone feels welcomed, seen, heard, valued, loved, and supported." ~Unknown
Be a part of our awesome team of volunteers and give back while having a great time. Volunteer on your own or with a group of friends or co-workers. We need more than 35 volunteers a day to help meet our guests’ needs.
Check out the requirements and shifts below, then follow the link to complete an application. Our Volunteer Coordinator, Amy Rossi, will be in touch with the next steps.
Already a wonderful Volunteer?
How to Get Started
1. Submit a Volunteer Application
Begin by submitting a volunteer application by clicking the “Submit an Application” button on this page.
2. Volunteer Duties
In addition to serving food, volunteers may be asked to assist with tasks such as washing dishes, cleaning bathrooms, sweeping, and mopping.
3. Age Requirements
You must be at least 14 years old to volunteer for our meal service shifts.
Volunteers ages 14 and 15 must be accompanied by an adult — it’s a great family experience!
Volunteers ages 16 and older may volunteer independently. We would love to have you join us!
How to Help at Any Age
Basic Needs Closet
Organize a toiletry donation drive for Samaritan Center’s Basic Needs Closet. Gather essential items such as bar soap, deodorant, and toilet paper for individuals and families in need.
This is a fantastic volunteer opportunity for schools, churches, scout troops, and community groups to get involved and make a difference.
Bagged Lunch Program
Help provide a nutritious take-away meal when the Samaritan Center is closed.
This volunteer opportunity is a great fit for local businesses, church groups, confirmation classes, and Bible study groups looking to serve our community.
MyPlace Program
Gather essential items for individuals and families moving into a new home.
MyPlace Boxes provide comfort, stability, and support as individuals work toward self-sufficiency.
This volunteer opportunity is ideal for families with children who do not meet our on-site age requirements. It is also a meaningful way to honor a loved one’s memory or create a family service project during the holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach us at Volunteer@samcenter.org if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Once you arrive at the Center, stow any personal items in the office, and sign in. You will receive your job assignment and have it explained. Each time you volunteer, we will do our best to assign you something different so you gain the most from your volunteer experience. Please review your Rights and Responsibilities as a Volunteer as well as our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy.
Our guests may have a variety of social and psychological challenges that sometimes create behavioral issues. If you experience any behavior that you feel is inappropriate, please inform a staff member immediately. We will take proper action to address the situation.
Samaritan Center has hundreds of volunteers scheduled each week. In order to ensure we don't have too many, or too few, volunteers to run our programs, all volunteers should be scheduled ahead of time. The first step is to fill out a volunteer application then our Volunteer Coordinator will be in touch to get you scheduled. Unfortunately, we will not be able to accommodate pop-in volunteers and will very likely need to send you home.
We will do our best to help you complete your school community service hours. Students are strongly encouraged to plan ahead to meet their requirements. We cannot guarantee we will be able to accommodate last-minute requests to meet your deadlines. Unfortunately, we are unable to assist with court-mandated community service hours.
Yes. Volunteers must wear closed-toed shoes (sorry, no sandals), hair (including beards) must be contained under a hat or hairnet. Because you may be dealing with hot foods, shirts must have sleeves, and shorts must hit just above the knee. Clothes should not be "revealing" in nature.
There is limited parking in the lot right next to the building, but we cannot guarantee there will be a spot available for you. There is street, metered parking available on North State Street and Pearl Street, both in proximity to the building. We encourage carpooling if you are coming with friends or a group. You should enter the double doors at the top of the accessibility ramp at the front of the building. You will find a doorbell to the left of the doors. Ring the bell, and we'll be able to buzz you in.
Our Volunteers
Learn More About Hunger and Homelessness
If you’re interested in learning more about hunger and homelessness in our community, we would love to connect with you.
We can arrange a tour of the Samaritan Center or connect you with someone who can share more about the challenges our guests experience and the ways you can make a difference.
Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at: volunteer@samcenter.org