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Join Our Team of Volunteers

1
Learn
Read on to learn about our various volunteer opportunities and discover how you can make a difference for families in need.
2
Apply
Take a moment to fill out our simple online application below. Once you hit submit, our Volunteer Coordinator will reach out to you personally!
3
Sign Up!
After completing your application, don't forget to sign up at the bottom of this page. We're excited for you to join us in providing Strength Next Door!
Meal Volunteer - Prepare a meal for our guests - make it in our kitchen or cater in!
Gift Shop - Greet customers, run the register, stock inventory. Proceeds benefit Hope’s Harbor.
Maintenance - painting, electrical issues, repairing fixtures, furniture or appliances, and more.
House Projects - Cleaning, reorganizing, and more!
Garden - Prune, weed, plant, and keep our garden looking beautiful.

Volunteer Application & Waiver 

We are delighted that you are interested in volunteering at Hope’s Harbor! Click “Start now” to complete our volunteer application and waiver. Our Volunteer Coordinator will reach out to you personally soon after your submission.

 

Start Now

Sign Up!

Volunteers interested in providing a meal can sign up in the Meal Calendar. For all other roles, email our Volunteer Coordinator.

Meal Calendar Volunteer Coordinator

Questions?

Do we have to prepare the meal at Hope’s Harbor?

If the meal is not prepared in our kitchen, then it must be catered by a restaurant, come prepackaged from a grocery store (i.e. Gordons, Costco, Kroger, etc.), or prepared in a commercial kitchen. These are the guidelines from the Allen County Department of Health that we are required to follow. 

We have a beautiful kitchen that is perfect for meal preparation. We have all the equipment needed to help you prepare a wonderful meal.  

How many people will we be serving?

We recommend preparing a meal for 12-15 people for our Lutheran Campus House and 8-10 people for our Dupont Campus House.  

What time are meals?

At Hope’s Harbor, we have no set mealtimes. We understand that guests need to have the flexibility to come and go as their loved ones needs them. We have a meal calendar that guests are able to view and we let them know when a meal is ready.  

Do I have to bring the food to cook with or do you have a pantry?

Our volunteers can utilize a combination of items in our pantry, such as spices or cooking oils, and purchase the remaining items needed to prepare a complete meal.  

How long do I have to make the meal?

Using the calendar, you can select the time you wish to arrive to the house. The kitchen will be reserved for you for the day. 

Should we stay and clean up?

Yes, please take the time to wash dishes in our commercial dishwasher, put dishes away, clean the counters and sweep the floor. 

What about food allergies or dietary restrictions?

Guests are responsible for managing their own food allergies and dietary restrictions. You are welcome to leave a list of ingredients for guests awareness. 

Should we bring something to drink?

You can bring beverages for guests, but it is not required. Bottled water is always welcome! 

How many volunteers can we have? Are there age limits?

At our Lutheran Campus House, you may have up to 8 volunteers. At our Dupont Campus House, you may have up to 6 volunteers. We welcome volunteers of all ages, as long as there is a adult supervision. Minors should have a special waiver signed by a parent. Email our Volunteer Coordinator for details.  

What do I do with the left over ingredients?

You are welcome to leave them at the house for guests to use at a later date or you can take them home with you. Things like milk, eggs, and cheese are always useful. 

What are other ways I can help?

Considering looking at our other volunteer opportunities for more ways to get involved. View our downloadable shopping list or Amazon wish list of essential items we need. Provide a monetary donation that can used as needed or for a directed purpose.  

Are there time commitments for volunteers?

Meal volunteers have no minimum requirement, but are encouraged to sign up on a regular schedule when possible (ie monthly, quarterly, etc.) Volunteers at the gift shop typically work 4-hour shifts on a weekly basis. However, our Gift Shop Manager is flexible and can accommodate any consistent schedule.