Volunteers make Project Homeless Connect work. Without you, it wouldn't happen. Before and during the event, volunteers have the chance the play many roles. Take a look at the opportunities below and find the one that's right for you.
Outreach
Volunteers are trained on principles and practices of doing outreach to homeless clients. The morning of the event, outreach volunteer teams are dispatched to target areas to invite homeless clients to come to PHC. Shuttle service is provided for volunteers and clients.
Navigator
Navigators are responsible for getting general information from clients and managing their intake and provider experience. First Navigators find a client and give him or her a warm welcome. Then they fill out the client’s Intake Form. Given the information from the Intake Form, Navigators consider clients’ needs for the day and take them to Service Specialist Volunteers to find which provider may serve them best. Navigators inform clients of the choice of services offered that best suit their needs and then organize appointment times for them. When each client has finished going to services, Navigators say good-bye to the client and take his or her Intake Form to Data Collection.
Time Keeper
Time Keepers are responsible for keeping the wait-list for the provider at which they are stationed. They update the list and let clients know how long the wait will be for their appointment.
Data Collection
Data Collectors print out Intake Forms for those who have an HMIS card. They also collect intake forms from Navigators. They then enter the information from the forms into a database that will report event information at the end of the day.
Childcare
Childcare volunteers supervise children while their parents seek services.
Food
Food volunteers coordinate and distribute food and care bags to clients.
Preparation
Preparation volunteers
assist with essential pre-event tasks such as stuffing care bags, distributing
flyers, and other vital logistical tasks.