Nic’s Crew— The Heartbeat of our House!
Nicholas House exists because of the hundreds of individuals and groups who give their time to serve our families each year. Volunteer projects meet a variety of needs at our shelter and in the community, helping families access the resources and support they need to achieve housing stability and become self-sufficient.
Last year, volunteers gave over 4,700 hours in support of our mission, including providing 5,685 meals to the residents of our Boulevard Shelter. We invite you to join the crew!
There are so many ways to share your time and talents with the families in our shelter and beyond. After a long day of working through whatever barriers are keeping them unhoused, shelter residents are so appreciative to see volunteers cleaning the house, organizing donation items, preparing a home-cooked meal, and hosting fun, educational activities for children and parents alike. It shows our families that they matter, and that there are plenty of people in this community who care about them and want to see their family succeed!
Volunteer Opportunities
Meal Service
One of the easiest, most tangible ways to meet a need at Nicholas House is to provide families a warm, nutritious meal. Dinner is provided by volunteers 365 days a year at the Boulevard Shelter! We also serve lunch when children are out of school.
Child Enrichment Activities
Building a strong community is at the core of ending homelessness. By hosting a social activity for the children and families at Nicholas House, you will be helping contribute to this sense of community, as well as provide a little fun and joy for kids who are going through a stressful time.
Service Projects
Boulevard Shelter service projects are the perfect opportunity for groups and can accommodate up to 40 volunteers.Service Projects are offered a couple times per month and are flexibly scheduled to meet your group’s availability. Assigned projects vary based on our organization’s greatest need at the time but can include facility cleaning, yardwork, minor maintenance, painting, or donation sorting.
Nic’s Activity Hour & Holiday Festivities
Whether decorating the shelter for fall, engaging the kids in a Mother’s Day craft project, or throwing a Halloween costume party, our volunteers know how to bring the festive cheer to Nicholas House! We have even been known to host a party just because– no holiday required. All party ideas are welcome! Staff Support & Interships These roles require at least a three-month time commitment from the volunteer. We have opportunities in all areas of our work, including admin, marketing, volunteer management, and client programs.
How to Sign Up
New Volunteers
Because of the sensitive nature of our work, all individual volunteers must attend an orientation session prior to serving with us. For large volunteer groups, we only require at least one group leader to attend an orientation session. These orientations are held on the first Friday and third Saturday of each month, directly following our open door tour. Click here to register for an upcoming orientation session.
Existing Volunteers
In April 2024, we launched an exciting new volunteer system that makes it easier than ever to sign up for a volunteer shift, track your hours, and browse our current volunteer needs. If you have already created an account with Bloomerang Volunteer, click here to sign in and browse our current opportunities. If you have volunteered with Nicholas House recently, but have never signed up using Bloomerang Volunteer, click here to create an account.
FAQ
I volunteered with Nicholas House in the past, but it’s been a few years. Do I need to attend an orientation session?
Yes, we think you should! Nicholas House is constantly evolving and our volunteer program is run a little differently than it was a few years ago. It would be a good idea for you to get a refresher on our work and your role as a volunteer.
Why do I have to create an account with Bloomerang Volunteer?
Every volunteer is a representative of Nicholas House. Out of respect for the safety of the families we serve, we need to know exactly who is engaging with our clients and that they are well-equipped to be a Nicholas House representative. By using Bloomerang Volunteer, you are helping us keep track of all required volunteer forms, schedules, and communications in one place. This makes the entire process run smoother for everyone involved, and will ensure your volunteer experience is the best it can be!
I forgot my password for Bloomerang Volunteer, can you tell me what it is?
We do not have access to your login information. You can reset your password on the login page.
For all other questions, please contact our Volunteer Manager at [email protected].