Current Volunteer Opportunities

Description: Help guests take the next step toward employment by offering one-on-one support with writing or refining resumes and cover letters. Volunteers in this role should be comfortable providing basic editing assistance, helping guests identify transferable skills, and offering encouragement during the job search process. 

Ideal for: Volunteers with experience in HR, education, or professional writing—or anyone with a strong grasp of resumes and a heart for helping others succeed. Patience and flexibility needed. 

Time commitment: Flexible shifts; weekday mornings or afternoons. 

Description: Support guests in developing essential digital skills through informal lessons or one-on-one help. Topics may include setting up an email account, navigating job search websites, using basic word processing tools, or understanding online forms. 

Ideal for: Patient and tech-comfortable individuals who can explain basic computer and smartphone use clearly, even to beginners. 

Time commitment: Weekly or biweekly shifts; consistency preferred to build trust and learning momentum.

Description: Be a warm, welcoming presence for everyone who walks through the door. This role includes greeting guests, offering coffee or refreshments, helping visitors navigate the space, and setting a tone of respect and community. 

Ideal for: Outgoing, friendly individuals who enjoy conversation and creating a welcoming environment. No experience necessary—just a big heart and a listening ear. 

Time commitment: Morning shifts especially appreciated. 

Description: Sit with a guest and listen to them share their story. Training required by Listening Post staff. Learn more and apply online with The Listening Post.  

Ideal for: Adults who are comfortable with a dynamic environment and close contact with individuals in a shelter who want to hold the space for individuals who have a need for support. 

Time commitment: Hour and a half shift, every other Monday from 12:30-2:30, as often as desired. Signup for shifts happens via the Listening Post. 

We’re currently exploring opportunities to engage master’s-level and bachelor’s-level students in our behavioral health programming. This could include internships, practicum placements, or project-based learning experiences that support both clinical and administrative aspects of care. We’re especially interested in students who are passionate about community mental health, integrated care, and serving diverse populations in our community. Our team offers a supportive environment for skill development, mentorship, and exposure to innovative service models. 

Description: You are offering support for staff serving meals and cleaning up, and you are a calm, safe adult for clients to interact with as they go through the meal line. 

Ideal for: Adults who are available evenings or weekends, who are comfortable with a dynamic environment. 

Time commitment: Shifts are short, about an hour for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and are needed 7 days a week (7:45 am, 11:45 am or 5:45 pm). We prefer that you have a regular schedule, but it is not necessary. 

Description: Living in a shelter environment can be stressful and challenging, particularly with challenging personalities and the weather keeping folks cooped up. Enrichment activities are meant to engage guests, connecting them with others around them in a positive way. This improves their mental and emotional health. Creativity can be applied to ideas: knitting or crochet groups, nail painting, games, BINGO, crafts, or more.  

Ideal for: Organizations or small groups who want to help engage folks who cannot get out much, enjoy getting to know people and are willing to engage others in a dynamic environment. Flexibility is a must in this type of volunteer position. 

Time Commitment: Varies. This could be done on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis, or as a one-time event. Time of day could be worked out with shelter staff. Potentially daytimes or evenings. 

Description: Offering meals-to-go for BFS clients and visitors, particularly on weekends when sources of meals are less available, is a valuable service for those navigating homelessness. Volunteers pack 120 breakfasts and 120 lunches, assembly that requires no cooking, just a space to have an assembly line packing bags.

Ideal for: Small groups who need a flexible schedule for volunteering, one-time volunteer opportunities, or opportunities to volunteer evenings or weekends.

Time commitment: The time is about an hour, depending on the size of the group, plus delivery to BFS after meals have been assembled.

Description: Sit with a guest and listen to them share their story. Training required by Listening Post staff. Learn more and apply online with The Listening Post. This shift alternates weeks at BFS and 3RNC. 

Ideal for: Adults who are comfortable with a dynamic environment and close contact with individuals in a shelter who want to hold the space for individuals who have a need for support. 

Time commitment: Hour and a half shift, every other Monday from 12:30-2:30, as often as desired. Signup for shifts happens via the Listening Post. 

Description: Twice a week youth attend the Youth Cafe, supported by Clare House staff, for enrichment activities. Volunteers are needed to support staff during this time as it can get very busy! 

Ideal for: Individuals who want to support youth in a supportive setting guided by staff. 

Time Commitment: Youth Cafe happens Mondays and Thursdays 12-2. Either or both shifts, weekly. 

Description: When kids arrive home from school, Clare House public spaces get busy! Having planned activities or floating adults in the lobby area or play room to engage children from toddler age to teens is very helpful. This can be organized, such as a hula hoop class, art or music, knitting or some other passion you’d like to share. Or it can be open and flexible: read a book, play a game, or just be present for children as they are present in their temporary Clare House home. 

Ideal for: Individuals who love children, are comfortable with a dynamic environment, and able to be flexible. 

Time Commitment: Sometime between 2-6 pm Monday through Friday, for 1-4 hour shift. 

Description: Donation sorters help us organize the many donations we receive for women, children, and expectant mothers staying at Clare House. 

Ideal for: Adults who are comfortable working independently, sorting, laundering and organizing donations. 

Time commitment: This is a once-a-week ongoing volunteer position. 

Description: Parenting children while living in a shelter is a challenging task. Spa Hour for Moms could be anything that would be a treat for the moms while the kids are in school: getting their nails or hair done, coffee and sweet treats, an art activity or other relaxing activity that helps them relax and feel special. 

Ideal for: Organizations or small groups that enjoy putting together events for moms. Those who have nail or hair experience they are willing to share. This is open to the ideas and creativity of the volunteers. Complete the Group Volunteer Application if interested.  This is suggested as a small group (3-6 people) volunteer opportunity. 

Time Commitment: Once a month or one-time between 9 am and 1 pm. 

Description: Supplement the meals Beans Cafe provides at Clare House and prepare one nutritious, tasty dinner a month for 55-80 mothers/children at Clare House. 

Ideal for: Church group, youth group or other group large enough to provide 55-80 servings once a month. 

Time Commitment: Once a month. Meals are delivered between 2 and 4 p.m. on the selected day. 

Meal Team slots currently available are:
First Thursday of each month
Second Friday of each month
Third Tuesday of each month. 

If interested, email clarehousemeals@gmail.com or text 907-365-9482 with questions or to sign up. 

Description: Living in a shelter environment can be stressful and challenging, particularly with many people with medical challenges, personalities and the weather keeping folks cooped up. Enrichment activities are meant to engage clients, get them out of their rooms and connecting with others around them. This improves their mental and emotional health. Creativity can be applied to ideas:  knitting or crochet groups, nail painting, games, crafts or more.  

Ideal for: Organizations, small groups or friend groups who want to help engage folks who cannot get out much, enjoy getting to know people and are willing to engage others. 

Time Commitment: Varies. This could be done on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis, or as a one-time event. Time of day could be worked out with shelter staff. Potentially daytimes or evenings. 

Description: Sit with a guest and listen to them share their story. Training required by Listening Post staff. Learn more and apply online with The Listening Post. Volunteers still complete CSS volunteer application and background check. 

Ideal for: Adults who are comfortable with a dynamic environment and close contact with individuals in a shelter who want to hold the space for individuals who have a need for support. 

Time commitment: Hour and a half shift, 12:30 – 2:30 Tuesdays, as often as desired. Signup for shifts happens via the Listening Post after training.  

Description: Volunteers gather to support clients by tending to their feet and providing social and emotional wellbeing. This is a new offering being considered for Complex Care. We are assessing volunteer interest so no days or times have been chosen. If you might be interested in this, please select it. If you have medical experience, please note that in the comments section. 

Ideal for: Adults who are comfortable with close contact with individuals in a shelter and able to work closely with a team. 

Time commitment: Two-hour shifts, summers only 

Description: Volunteer needed 1-2 times a month to cut client hair in a corner of the Complex Care lobby. No washing  would be necessary.  

Ideal for: Hairdressers who work part time or have days off and would like to provide this service to the elderly and medically fragile clients at Complex Care. 

Time commitment: Ideally, 3 hours, one or two times per month. Needs to be between 10 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday so staff can support it. 

Description: Support staff in serving meals and cleaning up. You are a presence for clients to interact with as they go through the meal line. Chatting with them helps reduce isolation and improves their social and emotional health. 

Ideal for: Those who have a limited amount of time to volunteer. Adults who are available evenings or weekends, who are comfortable chatting with strangers and working with the staff. 

Time commitment: Shifts are short, about an hour for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and are needed 7 days a week (8:45 am, 11:45 am or 5:45 pm). We prefer that you have a regular weekly schedule, but flexibility is possible. 

Description: Assist staff with helping keep elderly and medically fragile clients healthy by doing a sanitization routine wiping down public surfaces throughout the Complex Care facility. Other light cleanup or organizational tasks as needed. 

Ideal for: Individuals with a short amount of time for volunteering. People who would like to help on a regular basis and like to clean or organize. Those who work weekdays and are only available on weekends or evenings. 

Time Commitment: One hour shifts available 7 days a week between 10 am and 3 pm or 5 to 7 pm. You will choose the day and time that works best for you weekly or bi-weekly. 

Description: Many donations come in for clients at Complex Care. A donation sorter would sort and organize the donations in the donation room, keeping it tidy and items easily accessible. 

Ideal for: Someone who likes to organize and sort things and can work independently. 

Time Commitment: 1-2 hour shift weekly or bi-weekly between 10-3 Monday through Friday. 

Description: Volunteers provide enrichment activities for children in the RAIS program while parents are in job readiness classes and working with Fresh International Garden staff. Parents are always present on site to assist with toileting.  

Ideal for: Summer months May – September: teachers, college students, or others who love children and are open to connecting with them outdoors in all weather. 

Winter months October – April indoors at the Welcome Center: retirees, moms, college students needing service hours, or others with a love for children. 

Time Commitment: Days and times vary depending on the season. 

Winters: Tuesday and Thursday with shifts from 9-11 or 11-1  

Summers: Monday through Thursday with shifts from 9-11 or 11-1  

Description: We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help plan and facilitate fun, hands-on health and wellness workshops for refugee and immigrant clients. Volunteers do not need to be health experts or certified instructors—just people who enjoy sharing ideas about healthy living and helping others learn in a welcoming, supportive environment. 

Workshops may include topics like nutrition, exercise, stress management, or self-care. Volunteers assist with planning activities, setting up materials, and engaging participants in discussions and demonstrations. 

This is a great opportunity to make a positive impact while promoting healthy habits and community connection! 

Ideal for: Individuals who have a passion to support the health of refugees, have experience teaching or training, and are willing to work closely with CSS staff health team members. 

Time Commitment: As needed, depending on the Health & Wellness Workshop schedule. 

Description: We’re seeking compassionate and reliable volunteers to help refugee and immigrant clients get to and from their medical appointments. Volunteers will provide safe, friendly transportation within the Anchorage area, helping clients access essential healthcare services.  

Responsibilities: Pick up clients from their homes (or our office) and transport them to scheduled medical appointments, wait during the appointment (as needed) and provide return transportation, and communicate with staff to confirm ride details and schedules 

Ideal for: Retirees or people with flexible schedules who are available daytimes, weekdays. Reliable transportation and ability to coordinate with CSS staff and clients is essential. 

Qualifications: 

• Valid driver’s license, up-to-date auto insurance, clean driving record, and access to a reliable vehicle 

• Comfortable interacting with people from diverse backgrounds 

• Friendly, patient, and dependable 

Time Commitment: As needed, for medical appointment transportation. 

Description: We’re seeking volunteers to help deliver groceries to refugee and immigrant clients. Teams load the groceries into the vehicles, the driver’s assistant contacts the clients to inform them of the upcoming delivery, and communicates with Volunteer Coordinator 

Ideal for: Those with minimal ability to volunteer but who want to help and are able to lift at least 25 pounds. 

Qualifications: 

• Drivers: Valid driver’s license, up-to-date auto insurance, and access to a reliable vehicle 

• Comfortable interacting with people from diverse backgrounds 

• Friendly, patient, and dependable and willing to work with a team 

Time Commitment:  Volunteers meet every 2nd and 4th Friday of every month at 10:00 am at St. Francis House Food Pantry. Shifts last about 1 ½ to 2 hours. 

Description: Make a meaningful impact by speaking English with refugees in our community. This is especially helpful for older refugees. Help individuals and families navigate their new environment, build confidence, and connect through language. Conversation practice can happen in a coffee shop, while shopping together, at a local event, or at a library. Volunteers are matched and then then coordinate directly with the client. 

Ideal for: People who work and are available evenings or weekends or who need a flexible volunteer schedule.  

Time Commitment: A couple hours, every other week. 

 If you would like to be trained to tutor English and support the refugee population, please reach out to one of our close partners, the Alaska Literacy Program, to tutor.  They have been helping folks learn English for 50 years. Volunteers with ALP must complete 17 hours of online training as well as an in-person training. Contact Kayla Franklin, Director of Community Integration and Instructors at kfranklin@alaskaliteracyprogram.org 

Description: As a family mentor, your role is to help the family integrate into American and Alaskan life by guiding them through aspects of our everyday lives that may not be familiar to them. Family mentors will establish a supportive and trustworthy relationship with the refugee family so they can achieve self-sufficiency in their new community. You can offer friendship and support as families adjust to their lives in Alaska.  

Ideal for: Individuals or couples who would like to support those new to our community. Experience with people from other cultures is helpful. The schedule can be flexible, as worked out with the mentee family.  

Time Commitment: 2-4 hours per month or more. 

Description: We are looking for youth mentors to support refugee youth (ages 15–24) as they adjust to life in Alaska. Mentors offer friendship and encouragement during a critical time. Placement might be one-on-one or assisting with group activities for youth. No experience needed—just a commitment to show up and be present. 

Ideal for: Those who are able to connect well with young adults, need a flexible volunteer schedule, and are willing to coordinate with a youth’s schedule or enjoy group activities with youth.  

Time Commitment: A few hours a month 

Description: Older refugees often have challenges staying connected and getting out, particularly in the winter. The Older Refugees Program connects people who are willing to take a refugee out for coffee, for an outing in the community, or even just call them on the phone. These small things help with a sense of belonging and inclusion in their new home and can also give them valuable practice speaking English. 

Ideal for: Those willing to connect with older adults, need a flexible volunteer schedule, and are willing to coordinate and suggest activities that could encourage an older refugee to get connected in the community. 

Time Commitment: Willingness to connect with their elder at least a couple hours every other week.