
Volunteer
If you have compassion to give... there's a place for you
Join MTM's team of volunteers and help our vulnerable neighbors, one life at a time, overcome homelessness.
"The ultimate way to thank God for all he's done for us is to help others." - Doug Bailey, Volunteer
Sign Up To Volunteer
If you already have an account created on Volunteer Hub, it's easy to register for volunteer opportunities.
Steps To Get Involved
If you do not have a Volunteer Hub account created, follow these 3 easy steps to get registered.
1. Create a volunteer account
2. Application will be processed and an approval email will be sent from Volunteer Hub
3. Log back into volunteer hub and select a volunteer opportunity
Featured Opportunities
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Outreach Team Volunteer
Provide basic needs and meals to unsheltered people in the community
Outreach Team
Join the outreach team in building relationships, providing basic needs and meals to those who are unsheltered in our community. This role includes riding in the van to various encampments and locations around the city, building relationships, and handing out basic needs to the individuals we encounter. Other opportunities are in helping with the Mobile Shower Unit where we provide a hot shower for those who are in need. This includes helping with set up, tear down, handing out towels and hygiene kits, as well as building relationships.
This opportunity is available to: 1-2 people per shift
Sign Me Up!
This opportunity is available: Weekdays, a two hour commitment
We are looking for volunteers to join our team on a consistent basis. -
Donation Room Volunteer
Help to sort and organize donation items that come in to the mission from the community.
Donation Room
Help to sort and organize donation items that come into the mission from the community. Items include clothing, shoes, bedding and small household items. This opportunity is in the warehouse room supporting our Facility staff.
This opportunity is available to: individuals and groups up to 4 people.
This opportunity is available: Weekdays, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Sign Me Up! -
Medical Services Volunteer
Support our clinical team in serving our guests utilizing clinical services or PI.
Medical Services Volunteer
Volunteer opportunities are available for any licensed health care professional who is interested in supporting our clinical team in serving our guests utilizing clinical services or PI.
This opportunity is available to: Individuals
Sign Me Up!
This opportunity is available on: Any Day/Any Shift (shift opportunities from 4-8 hours)
1-time or ongoing commitment -
Kitchen Volunteer
Support our culinary services team in preparing a meal.
Kitchen Volunteer
Build relationships with MTM guests while serving a meal or assisting with prep and clean-up during this special fellowship opportunity.
The opportunity is available to: Individuals or groups (group max 4 people on weekdays)
This opportunity is available on: Weekdays and weekendsCovid testing required for this position.
Sign Me Up!
All current volunteer opportunities
Administration
Be a vital part of daily tasks and special projects in any department based on your passion and experience. Opportunities available based on current needs. Prior experience in an administrative capacity is recommended.
The opportunity is available to: Individuals and small groups
This opportunity is available on: Weekdays
Email Dawn at to sign up. Covid testing required for this position.
Facilities
Donation Room
Help to sort and organize donation items that come into the mission from the community. Items include clothing, shoes, bedding and small household items. This opportunity is in the warehouse room supporting our Facility staff.
The opportunity is available to: Individuals and groups (group max: 4 people)
This opportunity is available on: Weekdays, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Food Services
Kitchen
Build relationships with MTM guests while serving a meal or assisting with prep and clean-up during this special fellowship opportunity.
The opportunity is available to: Individuals or groups (group max 4 people on weekdays)
This opportunity is available on: Weekdays and weekends
Email Dawn at to sign up. Covid testing required for this position.
Pantry Room
Help to sort and organize the food donations that come into the mission from the community. This opportunity is in the pantry storage rooms supporting our Food Service staff.
The opportunity is available to: Individuals or groups (group max 4 people)
This opportunity is available on: Weekdays, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Programs
Outreach Team
Join the outreach team in building relationships, providing basic needs and meals to those who are unsheltered in our community. This role includes riding in the van to various encampments and locations around the city, building relationships, and handing out basic needs to the individuals we encounter. Other opportunities are in helping with the Mobile Shower Unit where we provide a hot shower for those who are in need. This includes helping with set up, tear down, handing out towels and hygiene kits, as well as building relationships.
This opportunity is available to: 1-2 people per shift
This opportunity is available: Weekdays, a two hour commitment
We are looking for volunteers to join our team on a consistent basis.
Clinics
Medical Services
Volunteer opportunities are available for any licensed health care professional who is interested in supporting our clinical team in serving our guests utilizing clinical services or PI.
This opportunity is available to: Individuals
This opportunity is available on: Any Day/Any Shift (shift opportunities from 4-8 hours)
1-time or ongoing commitment
All it took was one time and we were hooked!– Carol Ashcroft, Volunteer
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: Is there a minimum age to volunteer?
A: Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or chaperone. Even with a guardian, some opportunities have age restrictions, please inquire with the volunteer coordinator at the time of sign up.
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Q: Can I just drop in and volunteer or do I need to schedule ahead of time?
A: We require all volunteers to create an account and schedule your volunteer shift in advance. With covid precautions that are in place, this allows us to plan for and staff our events and locations appropriately.
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Q: What is the minimum time commitment?
A: Time commitments vary. We ask that you sign up for a minimum of a two hour time commitment unless otherwise stated in the volunteer opportunity. Some opportunities require a long-term volunteer commitment while others can be one-time opportunities.
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Q: Why do you do a background check and volunteer orientation?
A: Because our guests are vulnerable adults and children, and safety is our top priority. We must get to know the volunteers who will be coming in contact with them.
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Q: Can I volunteer just once?
A: Yes, there are many one-time volunteer opportunities but we hope that you'll want to come back and bring some friends.
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Q: I have a group of people who want to volunteer together, can we do that?
A: Yes, we can accommodate groups of various sizes here at MTM. Based on the size of your group, volunteering options may be limited. When you register your group, please include the number of people in your group; the ages of the people in your group; and when you group is usually available to volunteer. Please be as specific as possible for the quickest and most accurate response.
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Q: Is the Mission safe?
A: Yes. The safety of our guests, visitors, volunteers and staff are the top priority at Mel Trotter Ministries. That's why we have Guest Safety Services staff that greet all visitors to the Mission and ensure that everyone feels welcome and safe. We also ensure the building is secure in various areas so the public cannot access living spaces, offices etc. without a security badge.
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Q: Where do I park?
A: Prior to your volunteer shift, be sure to contact the Volunteer Coordinator Dawn VanHorn with questions about volunteer parking at dawnvanhorn@meltrotter.org or 616-588-8723. You can either park on the street or there is a ramp near the mission.
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Q: I'm ready to volunteer! Where do I start?
A: The very first step is to create a volunteer account.
- When you create an account be sure to write down your username and password so you remember it.
- Please note that most of our volunteer opportunities have an age limit of 18 and up with a few opportunities available for ages 14 and up.
- After creating your account, it will await activation (1-2 days) by a member of our staff. All volunteers must undergo a background check screening before volunteering.
- All "ongoing" volunteers must attend Volunteer Orientation. Subject to change with covid precautions.
Once you've created an account, your account will await activation by a member of our staff pending a background check and interview with the volunteer coordinator (1-2 days).
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Q: Can I serve at MTM if I have a criminal history?
A: Having a criminal history does not necessarily prevent you from being able to serve. Please indicate this when you create your account so that we can reach out to you to discuss your service further.
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Q: What should I wear?
A: Please dress appropriately for the conditions and performance of your volunteer duties. Volunteers should be in modest attire. For safety reasons, closed toed shoes should be warn for all food service and facilities activities.
Demonstrating compassion
Contact Us
Questions about volunteering? Contact Volunteer Coordinator Dawn VanHorn with questions at or 616-588-8723.