Hearts & Hands for the Homeless

What services do you provide to the homeless or to those at risk of homelessness?

Volunteers of America Delaware Valley operates several shelters in the Southern New Jersey Region. We offer a comprehensive and full continuum of care to individuals experiencing homelessness. As a part of these services we offer immediate, direct services including comprehensive case management, linkage to medical, mental, and behavioral health care, job readiness, employment placement, education, and housing. Through the provision of rapid response and resource brokerage, we seek to streamline service delivery for at-risk individuals and divert them away from costly crisis-oriented systems, including emergency rooms and jails, and to social service providers who can more appropriately address their needs.

What population do you serve?

Volunteers of America Delaware Valley operates a wide range of high quality, outcome-driven assistance programs assisting individuals, veterans, and families. Our services range from homelessness, reentry, veterans’ assistance and affordable housing services to specialized programs for individuals with substance use disorder, traumatic brain injury and/or intellectual disabilities.

Please describe any opportunities you have for volunteers to assist your mission.

Currently we are unable to accept most volunteer participation due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Is this opportunity for individuals or groups?

either.

Is there an age restriction for volunteers?

Anyone below 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Is this a one time or recurring opportunity?

recurring.

Are there any special experience or skills needed?

Volunteers do not need to have any special experience or skills. We do ask that volunteers understand that they will be expected to treat our clients with respect, and that they should also expect to be treated that way. The privacy of our clients and our volunteers is equally important to us, as is the fact that we approach every activity with dignity. !

Will training be provided?

no.

How far in advance should someone reach out to sign up?

Individuals are able to sign up through our volunteer portal as soon as opportunities become available.

Please add any additional information that is important to know.

All of our volunteer opportunities can be found online at our website: voadv.org/volunteer. You can register here at any time and you will be informed of opportunities as they become available. Some volunteer opportunities require background checks, which are performed by the organization at no cost to the volunteer. Once the background check has been completed, volunteers are able to register for those volunteer opportunities.

What type of in-kind donations would help you fulfill your mission?

Our most needed items are new underwear for men, women, and children; soap; deodorant; oral care (toothbrushes, toothpaste, alcohol free mouthwash, etc); as new men’s loungewear. NEW: socks, diapers and wipes, lotions, cleaning products, feminine hygiene products, toiletries, homewarming kit items (pots, pans, dish soap, towels etc.), backpacks, school supplies, and non-perishable food items. GENTLY USED: clothing, housewares.

How can someone arrange a drive for you to collect these items?

Contact Alexis Degan, Director of Philanthropic Giving, at adegan@voadv.org..

What is the best time of year you need these items?

Winter.

Are there any other needs you have that you would like to share with potential volunteers or donors?

We have specific campaigns throughout the year including Operation Backpack in the summer and Adopt A Family in the winter. All year round we need items for personal care kits (travel soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, comb, wipes, and mask); and homewarming kits for individuals moving into new apartments.