Volunteer
If you have compassion and love to give... there's a place for you
Join MTM's team of volunteers and walk alongside our neighbors to help them overcome homelessness here in West Michigan.
The ultimate way to thank God for all he's done for us is to help others.– Doug Bailey, Volunteer
Featured Opportunities
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Friendship Ministry Volunteer
Become a friend and a spiritual support to one of our guests
Friendship Ministry
Become a friend and a spiritual support to one of our guests! Get to know them and spend quality time with them. Assist in finding church involvement opportunities or classes that would best enhance their spiritual growth.
This opportunity is available to: Individuals
This opportunity is available on: Weekdays, minimum two hoursThis is an ongoing volunteer commitment
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Flash Mob
September 8, 2018
We need volunteers to wear t-shirts and help disperse promotional items that share the stories of guests who are experiencing homelessness at Mel Trotter Ministries.
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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
Facilities
Beautify the building with the facilities team by painting, repairing and cleaning. We are looking for individuals with experience in construction, maintenance, painting, etc. If you have a unique talent or skillset in this area, please let us know.
The opportunity is available to: Individuals and groups (group max: 15 people)
This opportunity is available on: Weekdays (except Fridays)
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, 15 people on first Saturday of each month only)
This opportunity is available on: Weekdays and weekends
Programs
KIDZ KORNER
Supervise games and activities for children in the Pathway Home shelter program while parents attend Chapel and other career building and educational classes. Opportunities for groups to help with cleaning as needed.
This opportunity is available to: Individuals or groups
Kidz Korner is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Group Max: 6-8 people
ON-CALL LIFESKILLS COACH
Assist MTM advocates (case managers) in aiding our guests (men, women and youth) in a variety of tasks to support and guide them in their journey of overcoming homelessness. Duties may include: tutoring/mentoring and education in hygiene, personal health, housekeeping, money management, computer and job prep skills, etc.
This opportunity is available to: Individuals
This opportunity is available on: Weekdays, minimum two hours
This is an ongoing volunteer commitment with a two hour minimum
RECOVERY SUPPORT
Recovery Support volunteers will be paired with one of the guests in our Step-Up Recovery Program. Volunteers will be responsible for visiting with this guest on a continual basis to serve as a source of support and encouragement as they move along their recovery journey. Individuals who volunteer as Recovery Support are encouraged to take phone calls from guests who may be struggling as well as carry out follow up calls when guests have completed the recovery program.
This opportunity is available to:
Individuals
This opportunity is available on: Weekdays
This is an ongoing volunteer commitment with a two hour minimum
CHRISTIAN LEGAL ADVISORY SERVICES
If you are an Attorney interested in providing legal advice to those in crisis, MTM needs your help. Utilize your skills to offer free legal consultation and information to our guests. Free legal advisory services are offered on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month.
This opportunity is available to:
Individuals
This opportunity is available on: Select Wednesdays
This is an ongoing volunteer commitment
Clinics
To volunteer for clinics or to get more information, contact Nancy Bonin at or 616-588-8711.
CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC
Help relieve the physical pain of guests who are struggling with musculoskeletal challenges. This is a great volunteer opportunity for Chiropractors to join us in serving our program and community guests.
This is an ongoing volunteer commitment
DENTAL CLINIC
The clinic serves patients who are uninsured, under insured, and those insured through the Healthy Michigan Plans (some exceptions). Seeking Dentists, Hygienists and Dental Assistants who are interested in restoring smiles for those who have lost confidence and hope. Volunteers can earn Continuing Education Credits (2 hours volunteering = 1 free CE credit).
This opportunity is available to: Individuals
This opportunity is available on: Weekdays
This is an ongoing volunteer commitment
VISION CLINIC
Services are provided by professional volunteer Optometrists and Opticians. Patients are provided a vision exam once each year, and prescription glasses are provided every 2 years as necessary.
This opportunity is available to: Individuals
This opportunity is available on: Weekdays
This is an ongoing volunteer commitment
MEDICAL SERVICES
Volunteer opportunities are available for MD's, RNs, LPNs, EMTs, CNAs and other medically trained individuals to walk alongside guests in our Shelter for Public Inebriates and Recovery Center every day.
This opportunity is available to: Individuals
This opportunity is available on: Weekdays and weekends
This is an ongoing volunteer commitment
Ministry
BIBLE STUDY
Share the word of the Lord by leading a Bible Study for our men and women guests.
This opportunity is available to: Individuals or small groups
This opportunity is available on: Weekdays and weekends
CHAPEL
Provide nightly Chapel Services for guests in our program and our community. This is mainly for Churches or groups who are interested in helping our men and women grow in faith and eventually find a church home of their own.
This opportunity is available to: Committed church groups only
This opportunity is available on: Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday
This is an ongoing partnership
FRIENDSHIP MINISTRY
Become a friend and a spiritual support to one of our guests! Get to know them and spend quality time with them. Assist in finding church involvement opportunities or classes that would best enhance their spiritual growth.
This opportunity is available to: Individuals
This opportunity is available on: Weekdays, minimum two hours
This is an ongoing volunteer commitment
GAME NIGHT
Host a Game Night or Movie Night for guests at MTM. The Spiritual Life Department is looking for Churches and Youth Groups who would like to spend an evening fellowshipping with guests. Groups should be 20 people or more in size and volunteers should be 18 years or older.
Movie Night: MTM will provide the movie and set up. You provide the snacks and refreshments and the company.
Game Night: MTM will provide the games and help with facilitation. You provide the snacks, refreshments, energy and fellowship.
This opportunity is available to: Groups of 20 or more
This opportunity is available on: Wednesdays, 6:00-8:00 pm - Volunteer check in at 6:00pm with orientation. Game or Movie start at 6:30pm with an end time between 7:30pm-8:00pm. Brief assistance with clean up welcome.
Thrift Stores
Work side by side with the thrift store team as they organize, price, sort, take inventory and stock the shelves.
This opportunity is available to: Individuals or groups
This opportunity is available on: Weekdays and Saturdays
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 16 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: 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: There are a limited number of spaces designated for volunteers in the lot across from the main entrance (lot surrounded by black fence). If those spaces are full, please park at the meters on the street (at your own expense) or in the city parking ramp at the corner of Cherry Street and Commerce Avenue and your parking will be validated.
Prior to your volunteer shift, be sure to contact the Volunteer Coordinator Paula Seales with questions about volunteer parking at paulaseales@meltrotter.org or 616-588-8723.
Warning: If you park in a space that is not marked "volunteer parking" and you do not have a parking permit, you are at risk of being towed at your own expense.
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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.
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 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. This allows us to plan for and staff our events and locations appropriately.
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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. MTM reserves the right to ask volunteers to change or leave the property if clothing is inappropriate.
Contact Us
Questions about volunteering? Contact Volunteer Coordinator, Paula Seales at or call 616-588-8723