There are many opportunities for you or your organization to volunteer at People Serving People. Volunteers make a difference! In 2007, People Serving People volunteers generously contributed 23,900 hours of service. Here are some ways you can help.

(I) = Individual (G) = Group

Assist facilities staff with organizing and cleaning projects throughout the shelter to maintain a safe and respectful environment for staff and residents. Contact the Volunteer Coordinator to schedule 2-4 hour shifts on Monday-Friday 8am-4pm, Saturday-Sunday 8am-2pm.


Assist staff by encouraging the involvement of PSP children (ages 3 - 17) in various recreational, social and educational activities. Help facilitate games, crafts, and free-time in age-appropriate environments. Monday - Friday, 5:30 - 8 p.m. weekend afternoons.


To encourage the involvement of children (ages 6 weeks-4 years) in various activities by assisting staff and implementation of age-appropriate structured activities in PSP’s Children’s Center. The Infant and Toddler Room (ages 6 weeks to 33 months) is located on the first floor and The Children's Center (ages 33 months to pre-Kindergarten) is located on the second floor, and have developed as a collaboration between the U of M Institute of Child Development and People Serving People to offer the best practices of early childhood education free of charge to the families in the facility.

Assist residents as they utilize the Technology Center at People Serving People. Mentors supervise the lab, assist guests with sign-in/sign-out policies, answer questions regarding personal computing and call for technical help when needed.


Work closely with the Development Department to assist with special events, grant writing & research and varied fund raising activities. Duties include: researching and contacting local businesses, church groups and community organizations for specific special event contributions, researching and writing grant proposals to local and national foundations for financial support, and administrative tasks as necessary.


Serve cafeteria-style meals to PSP children and families. Clean-up as necessary. Meal times are:

• » Breakfast: 7:30 - 9 a.m. (1 - 3 volunteers needed)
• » Lunch: 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. (4 - 6 volunteers needed)
• » Dinner: 4:15 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. (4 - 6 volunteers needed)

Supervise and provide quality care for children staying at People Serving People while parents attend monthly meetings (third Wednesday of each month) or weekly Women's Group.


Provide service in a safe, respectful environment to meet the basic needs of PSP guests at our front desk. Duties include assisting with guest check-in, answering phones, taking and distributing messages and necessities like diapers, formula, laundry detergent etc.


Organize books and reading materials in our children and adult libraries. Encourage children and adults to read books and provide story-time for children in our main lobby area and library.


Work with a team to plan, promote and coordinate fundraising events throughout the year. Sub-committees coordinate each major event: Chefs for Change throughout the year, the Annual Gala in the fall, and Strike Out Homelessness with the Twins in the summer. Members choose a sub-committee, and meet as needed.


Work one-on-one with elementary-aged school children in a group setting implementing educational activities. This program is offered during the school year on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 5:30 - 8 p.m. and into the summer on an as yet to be determined schedule.


If you would like to schedule Meal Service, Building Beautification, or a group activity e-mail the Volunteer Coordinator, Lindsey Tiede or call 612.277.0256.

If you would like to volunteer in Children Services, Resident Resources, Development or Community Integrated Services at People Serving People, please fill out an online application. These individual volunteer positions require a completed application and background study.

Thank you for your interest in PSP, and we look forward to hearing from you!