Make Snack Bag Kits at Home
Help PATH build relationships with our neighbors experiencing homelessness! This a perfect opportunity to get a group together and get directly involved in making a difference! This opportunity would involve you or your group hosting a drive or purchasing non-perishable snacks, and then assembling the items into brown paper bags. Drop offs must be scheduled in advance. Snack Bags are an engagement tool that PATH utilizes to build relationships and connect with individuals experiencing homelessness. PATH street outreach teams distribute the Snack Bags to our neighbors experiencing homelessness. Snack Bags typically include a travel size water bottle or beverage and any individually wrapped nonperishable snack that can be eaten on-the-go such as: chips, granola bars, goldfish, crackers, trail mix, jerky, nuts, etc.
Donate to the Care Kits for Outreach Wishlist
As you shop for personal hygiene items, pick up a few extra supplies to help individuals currently experiencing homelessness or purchase them here Outreach Kits. and have them shipped directly to PATH. Urgent Needs: Hand sanitizer, Soap & shampoo, Cleansing wipes, Socks & cold weather clothing, Blankets, Non-perishable snacks & bottled water. NOTE: *For health and safety reasons, all Care Kit items must be new & unopened.
Collect Canned and Boxed Food for Hope the Missions Thanksgiving Drive
We need your help with food donations for Thanksgiving! We are collecting the following items: pumpkin pie puree (#10 cans), pasta, mac and cheese, corn, and cranberry sauce. The deadline for our Thanksgiving food drive collection is November 13, 2024. If you'd like to host a food drive for Hope the Mission, please reach out to us. Volunteers 13+ are needed.
Deck the Halls at Hope the Mission
Help us lighten the spirits of our participants this season by donating decorations and joining us in decorating our communal spaces and offices at our shelters. We invite you to bring your family, friends, co-workers, and employees to create a festive atmosphere together. Your efforts will bring joy and warmth to those we serve. Let's make this fall a beautiful celebration! Volunteers 13+ are needed.
Sponsor A Thanksgiving Meal at Hope the Mission
Help us bring warmth and comfort to those in need this holiday season. This year, we'll host Thanksgiving celebrations in all 23 of our shelters, serving a traditional meal complete with oven-roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, salads, and pumpkin pie. Your contribution, no matter the size, ensures that no one goes hungry at Hope the Mission this Thanksgiving. Check the link to sponsor a meal. Volunteers 13+ are needed.
Lend A Hand (Or Wing) At Hope the Missions Drumstick Dash
We're excited to invite you to volunteer at Drumstick Dash LA, Hope the Mission's 5K/10K Annual Turkey Trot! This is one of our biggest fundraisers, and we need all hands on deck to ensure its success. At this event, runners are moving their feet so others can eat. We're looking for volunteers to help with setup and breakdown, photography, medal distribution, swag area management, water distribution, and so much more.Volunteers 13+ are needed.
Donate to the Welcome Home Kits for Families Wishlist
WELCOME HOME KITS FOR FAMILIES Every week, PATH moves dozens of previously homeless families off the streets and into homes. As we anticipate the opening of two new permanent supportive housing sites in the Spring, help their new residents feel safe and comfortable in their new home by providing a "Welcome Home Kit" filled with basic home goods, kitchen items, and cleaning supplies. Welcome Home Kits are critical, especially amidst all the uncertainty of the pandemic. These kits not only meet our families' essential needs, but they can help start their journey of having a new place to call home! Please check out their Welcome Home Wishlist to help support!
Help Whip Up Some Lunch for Vets at PATH Everyday
PATH provides meals to their residents in interim housing. When groups sign up to provide meals, it helps PATH focus its resources on providing housing and support services for their residents. Their male veterans in West LA love to have home-cooked meals from volunteers. Shifts are currently available at their West LA site. They understand not everyone is comfortable with on-site volunteering. If you want to support the male veterans, ask them about sponsoring a meal through a meal delivery service or catering!
Support Downtown Women’s Onsite Day Center Mid-day Shift on Fridays
The Day Center is the point of entry for women coming through DWC's doors: it provides access to three meals a day; clean bathrooms and showers, changes of clothes, an address for individuals to receive mail, case management; and medical services. Day Center volunteers support our Day Center team by welcoming participants; helping distribute donations, mail, toiletry items, and meals; participating in and/or leading enrichment activities; and helping create a safe, welcoming space for the women receiving services in our community.
Help at Downtown Women’s Center Onsite Kitchen Early Morning Shift on Fridays
DWC's Kitchen served over 260,000 meals in 2020 alone: our incredible Kitchen team serves three nutritious meals seven days a week and offers an important space for women to connect and to share a meal with each other. Kitchen volunteers help with meal preparation (e.g. chopping and measuring); help keep the kitchen clean and organized (e.g. wiping counters, organizing the food pantry and cabinets); and serve our delicious meals to participants. Kitchen volunteering is a great fit for volunteers who like working in a team while also interacting with DWC participants.
Support Downtown Women’s Onsite Day Center Morning Shift on Fridays
The Day Center is the point of entry for women coming through DWC's doors: it provides access to three meals a day; clean bathrooms and showers, changes of clothes, an address for individuals to receive mail, case management; and medical services. Day Center volunteers support our Day Center team by welcoming participants; helping distribute donations, mail, toiletry items, and meals; participating in and/or leading enrichment activities; and helping create a safe, welcoming space for the women receiving services in our community.
Assemble Essential Cleaning Home Kits for DWC Residents Offsite Monday – Friday
Clean Home Kits provide DWC residents with essential cleaning supplies as they move from homelessness into housing. Your thoughtful contribution will help these women create a safe space that they can call home. You can review our Clean Home Kit guidelines here.: https://downtownwomenscenter.org/help-from-home-kits/ We accept scheduled Toiletry Kits Monday Ð Friday between 8:00am to 1:00pm.
Assemble Essential Toiletry Kits for DWC Participants Offsite Monday – Friday
Toiletry Kits are essential to the women we serve at DWC. Our Day Center provides daily access to showers for women experiencing homelessness, making Toiletry Kits an everyday need for the women we serve. You can review our Toiletry Kit guidelines here: https://downtownwomenscenter.org/help-from-home-kits/ We accept scheduled Toiletry Kits Monday Ð Friday between 8:00am to 1:00pm.
Provide One-on-One Assistance at Downtown Women’s On-site Learning Center on Tu & W
As an integral part of DWC's Workforce Development programming, the Learning Center offers a safe space for women seeking employment to search and apply for jobs and to participate in academic and vocational counseling sessions and job readiness workshops. Volunteers create a supportive, peaceful Learning Center environment by providing one-on-one assistance with computer questions, helping equip participants with the skills necessary to prepare them for school or work, and more. Learning Center volunteers should have some basic comfort using computers and a desire to interact with participants. While not a requirement, this is a particularly good fit for volunteers with previous HR or tutoring/education experience.
Be a Resident Host for Downtown Women’s Center Permanent Housing Program on Fridays Morning Shift
DWC Permanent Supportive Housing Program provides 119 units of comfortable, safe, and affordable housing without time limits as residents work towards personal stability. Residence hosts provide a welcoming, supportive atmosphere in the lobby of DWC's permanent residences, welcoming and checking in with the women, signing for packages, answering the phone and door, and chatting with residents during downtime. This is a great fit if you're able to work independently and want to work directly with their residents.
Help at Downtown Women’s Center Onsite Kitchen Morning Shift on Fridays
DWC's Kitchen served over 260,000 meals in 2020 alone: our incredible Kitchen team serves three nutritious meals seven days a week and offers an important space for women to connect and to share a meal with each other. Kitchen volunteers help with meal preparation (e.g. chopping and measuring); help keep the kitchen clean and organized (e.g. wiping counters, organizing the food pantry and cabinets); and serve our delicious meals to participants. Kitchen volunteering is a great fit for volunteers who like working in a team while also interacting with DWC participants.
Help at Downtown Women’s Center Onsite Kitchen Afternoon Shift on Fridays
DWC's Kitchen served over 260,000 meals in 2020 alone: our incredible Kitchen team serves three nutritious meals seven days a week and offers an important space for women to connect and to share a meal with each other. Kitchen volunteers help with meal preparation (e.g. chopping and measuring); help keep the kitchen clean and organized (e.g. wiping counters, organizing the food pantry and cabinets); and serve our delicious meals to participants. Kitchen volunteering is a great fit for volunteers who like working in a team while also interacting with DWC participants.
Prepare Delicious To-Go Snack Packs for DWC Participants Offsite
Snack Packs are essential to the women we serve at DWC. They allow us to ensure that participants have a nutritious snack or meal to take with them before leaving the Day Center each afternoon. You can review our Snack Pack guidelines here https://downtownwomenscenter.org/help-from-home-kits/ Please reach out to with details of your snack pack building event and to schedule your delivery.
Provide One-on-One Assistance at Downtown Women’s On-site Learning Center on Tu & W
As an integral part of DWC's Workforce Development programming, the Learning Center offers a safe space for women seeking employment to search and apply for jobs and to participate in academic and vocational counseling sessions and job readiness workshops. Volunteers create a supportive, peaceful Learning Center environment by providing one-on-one assistance with computer questions, helping equip participants with the skills necessary to prepare them for school or work, and more. Learning Center volunteers should have some basic comfort using computers and a desire to interact with participants. While not a requirement, this is a particularly good fit for volunteers with previous HR or tutoring/education experience.
Prep and Deliver Delicious Sandwiches for Folks in Need Offsite Monday
LAFH needs you to make Sandwiches! Volunteers are needed to make sandwiches for LAFH's outreach efforts. Volunteers would purchase the necessary ingredients to assemble sandwiches at their living place and deliver them to LAFH. Preferred sandwiches include Peanut butter and jelly, Ham and cheese, and turkey. Please be aware that if you are participating in this volunteer opportunity to fulfill volunteering hours, every 20 sandwiches equals 1 hour of volunteering. In making these sandwiches, you are aiding our outreach team to build trust and bridge connections to further assistance. Your contributions will help our unhoused neighbors leave with a full stomach and an even fuller heart. Must be able to purchase the ingredients for sandwich preparation as LAFH does not provide them. Must assemble the sandwiches at your place of residence or other location. LAFH facilities are not available for this opportunity. Deliver sandwiches to our LAFH office during specified operating hours; we do not offer donation pickups. Must be individually wrapped.
Featured Projects
Host a Collection for Big Sunday’s 13th Annual Stuffing Event
Big Sunday,
berenice@bigsunday.org,
(323) 549-9944
Collections are happening all around town Ð in schools, faith groups and offices! This is a great way for students to receive community service hours. You can collect items and drop off at our offices by Friday, Nov 22 at 1pm, please.
Donate Clothes and Hygiene Essentials to Project Ropa
Project Ropa,
info@projectropa.org,
(310) 400-7114
By donating, you directly support Project Ropa’s programs and enable them to continue making a difference in the lives of those in need. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps to restore hope and dignity. They gladly accept in-kind donations of hygiene products, adult size clothing, shoes and accessories. Please review list of items they’re looking for and fill out their donation form to schedule a donation drop off or pick up.
Drop off Cold Weather Items & Snacks for Skid Row
Covenant House California,
mfarrell@covca.org,
(323) 461-3131
Covenant House California (CHC) is a non-profit youth shelter that provides sanctuary and support for youth experiencing homelessness, ages 18-24. We believe that no young person deserves to be homeless; that every young person in California deserves shelter, food, clothing, education and most importantly, to be loved.We are in need of Donations needed for Skid Row including warm socks, beanies, gloves, and a blanket and granola bars. Drop off items to Covenant House anytime up to December 8.
Assist with Kitchen Duties and Prepping Meals – Monday Dinner Shift
LA Family Housing,
Volunteer@LAFH.org,
Volunteering in the kitchen can be a great way to give back to your community. Whether you’re helping to prepare meals for those in need, or assisting with kitchen duties such as food serving, bussing, or greeting, your time and effort can make a significant impact on those transitioning away from homelessness. Please keep in mind that you will be asked to also tend to the dining area where you will interact with the participants that LAFH serves. Provide quality service by serving nourishing meals for those who may not otherwise have access to them. You can also help to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where people can gather and connect over a warm meal. Dress code: Pants, closed-toed shoes, and clean shirt. All volunteers will be wearing a hairnet and gloves. Volunteers need to be 18 plus.
Join Hollywood Wednesday Farmers Market Glean with Food Forward
Food Forward,
volunteer@foodforward.org,
(818) 764-1022
Recover produce, fight hunger, and build community at your local farmers market! We “glean”—meaning we collect fresh, surplus produce that would otherwise go to waste–and donate 100% to local hunger relief organizations. Join the Volunteer Glean Team to help collect fruit and vegetable donations from vendors at the farmers market, and then box, sort, and weigh the donations. Volunteers should be comfortable carrying boxes of produce that may weigh up to 40 pounds, but can register to volunteer with someone who can help them lift if 40 pounds is too heavy. Volunteers don’t need to worry about bringing equipment or transporting the food. This opportunity is open to volunteers 12 years old and older, though children under 16 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please check the Volunteer FAQ page on their website to learn more about what to expect at volunteer events.
Get Your Hands Dirty at Garden School Foundation’s Community Garden Day
Garden School Foundation,
join-us@gardenschoolfoundation.org,
(802) 779-2889
Garden School Foundation provides in-depth garden-based education to youth at Title I schools in Los Angeles, strengthening connections between food justice, environmental stewardship, and community health. By using the full transformative potential of school gardens as teaching sites, we nurture a healthy and mindful generation of children who care for their bodies, their communities, and the earth. We currently serve ten Title I elementary schools, reaching over 3,200 students and their families each year. As a GSF volunteer, you’ll play a indispensable role in maintaining our historic school garden at an elementary school in West Adams. Your work will help us maintain a space that is both educational and beautiful, and will positively impact both the environment and student growth. Join us to learn new skills, connect with nature, and enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding day with our local community. Together you’ll work alongside GSF staff and school families to weed the garden, refresh mulch pathways, harvest veggies from our production farm, build new raised beds, and more! After a morning of hard work and good vibes, we’ll share a light lunch together (provided by our partners at Sprouts) under the fig trees. Volunteers should wear close-toe shoes and loose, comfy clothes that are school-appropriate. Complimentary t-shirts will also be provided. We encourage volunteers to bring their own water bottles and sun protection.