Opportunities From: Chatt Foundation

The Maclellan Shelter for Families (MSF) is an emergency shelter for families with minor children who are homeless. These clients stay at the shelter for 90 to 120 days, working through a case plan to reach their goals, gain permanent supportive housing, and ultimately achieve self-sufficiency. This Shelter serves families with children as small as newborns up to 21 years of age. At MSF, we cater to all family structures, supporting single mothers, single fathers, blended families, and more.

***THIS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY REQUIRES A BACKGROUND CHECK***

Overall Goal: Assist with the overall functions of the shelter, ensuring a safe environment for all residents, staff , and volunteers, upholding trauma-informed practices, and being available to meet the needs as dictated by the shelter’s staff .

Ideal Volunteers: Individuals or small groups willing to interact with homeless families and willing to assist staff with daily operations.

Daily Tasks and Operations:

Assisting staff with client intakes and in-person interviews Assisting residents by providing basic items, information, and attention.Assisting staff with room checks for cleanliness, as well as completing the daily volunteer cleaning checklist. Performing over-the-phone triage of prospective residents. Help with special projects or assignments from staff .

Administrative Support

Checking and answering voicemails Copying paperwork for intake files

Volunteers are also encouraged to play games and lead activities for the families. Volunteers are encouraged to assist with any school work the children may have. Volunteers are permitted to play any outdoor activities in the courtyard with the families.

By responding to this opportunity, you show your interest in volunteering. The volunteer coordinator will reach out for scheduling and orientation.

St. Catherine’s Shelter for Women and St. Matthew's Shelter for Men are overnight program shelters for homeless women and men. These clients stay at the shelter for 3 to 6 months, working through a case plan to reach their goals, gain permanent supportive housing, and ultimately achieve self-sufficiency. These 9-bed shelter provides private living quarters, in which clients can sleep nightly, and are provided a small room, have access to a shared living room, laundry, bathrooms, and kitchen, and may leave personal items during the day. This Shelter serves individuals who are established in one of the following programs: CHATT Foundation’s 90-day job training program, VIP addiction recovery with Homeless Healthcare, and CHATT Foundation’s Permanent Supportive Housing.

Overall Goal: To assist with the shelter's overall functions, ensure a safe environment for all residents, staff, and volunteers, uphold trauma-informed practices, and supervise the residents overnight. 

Ideal Volunteers: Volunteer(s) who are willing to stay overnight in the shelter and are interested in supporting homeless men and women. 

Nightly Tasks, Operations, and Schedule:

Arrive at the shelter no later than 6 pm. Assisting staff with client intakes and orientations.Assisting residents by providing basic items, information, and attention. Perform headcounts, room checks, and open/close procedures. Ensure all residents are out of the shelter by 6:30 am

Volunteer(s) are provided a private room with a private half bath. This room comes equipped with a twin bed, bed linens, pillows, and Wi-Fi access. Volunteers may also use the shared living room TV, and the shared kitchen’s fridge, microwave, dishwasher, and coffee maker.

Volunteers are also encouraged to interact with shelter residents. Using the shared living spaces, volunteers can connect with the residents and participate in activities like card games, dinners, movie nights, etc.

By responding to this opportunity, you show your interest in volunteering. The volunteer coordinator will reach out for scheduling and orientation.