Help End Homelessness in Orlando! - Volunteer Service Navigator

Join us in providing essential services to our neighbors experiencing homelessness at our Downtown Orlando Comprehensive Mobile Drop-in Center. By volunteering with our Registration Team, you play a vital role in ensuring that folks can quickly and efficiently access essential services and resources.

How to Sign Up:

To schedule your volunteer shift, click 'Respond' at the top right of the page or scroll below to view available shifts. While shifts are typically 3 hours, we are flexible with your availability if you need to leave early. Let us know in the notes if you need to adjust your shift duration so we can prepare and accommodate accordingly. Please sign up at least 24 hours in advance so we know how many volunteers to expect the next day.

Orientation Details:

Orientation sessions begin promptly at 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM, followed by a tour of our drop-in center for new volunteers. We ask that you arrive on time to participate in the orientation, complete your training, and sign in for your volunteer shift. During your orientation, you will receive a volunteer badge to wear during your shift. Please remember to return this badge at the end of your volunteer shift.

Volunteer Responsibilities:

• Restocking hygiene and snack bins.
• Distributing hygiene and snack items after they have been reported.
• Distributing socks and underwear after they have been reported.
• Labeling, charging, and reporting clients' phones or devices.
• Looking for clients' mail.
• Assisting with other tasks as needed.
• Sunday Service Day - On Sundays, we operate a clothing distribution. Volunteer responsibilities: 
  • Greet and assist guests in identifying clothing items they require.
  • Retrieve clothing items and assemble outfits according to client specifications.
  • Assist in organizing and restocking clothing racks as needed.

Select Volunteer Training:

While this volunteer opportunity involves assisting the Registration Team, we are looking for a few dedicated volunteers to undergo additional training to work directly at the registration windows. This role requires more consistency and a deeper understanding of our services. If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact us at volunteer@saltoutreach.org for more information.

Attire Required for Safety and Comfort:

• Tops: Plain T-shirts or non-offensive graphic tees, made of breathable fabrics.
• Bottoms: Knee-length or above knee-length shorts, or loose breathable pants (khakis, cargos, sweats, scrubs, jeans).
• Shoes: Closed-toe sneakers or shoes.
• Jewelry: Avoid large chains, large hoop earrings, or excessive rings, especially when gloves may be worn.

Additional Notes:

This role requires sensitivity to guest needs and a willingness to interact with diverse populations. Many of the individuals we serve are experiencing homelessness and may also be navigating mental health struggles or substance use. It's important to approach each interaction with empathy and respect for their circumstances.

While we ask for this level of consideration from our volunteers, we also prioritize the safety of our staff, volunteers, and guests. We have contracted a security company to help manage and deescalate any situations that may arise, ensuring a safe environment for everyone.

We encourage volunteers to share their experiences on social media to help raise awareness and support for our cause. However, we ask that you always seek permission before taking photos with clients to respect their privacy and dignity.

Your commitment and compassion can make a significant difference in the lives of those we serve. Thank you for your dedication to helping our community.

Additional Information on the Need for Registration and Referral Services:

Registration and referral services are essential in helping unhoused folks access a wide range of resources. These services streamline the process of connecting clients with the support they need, from basic necessities to specialized care. Our team members operate these registration entry points to ensure resources and services are accessible. Support from volunteers in this capacity is greatly appreciated to us.

Research Insights:

1. Access to Services: Centralized registration points can significantly enhance the efficiency of service delivery, reducing wait times and ensuring that individuals receive timely support.
2. Holistic Support: By providing a comprehensive entry point, individuals are more likely to receive holistic support that addresses multiple needs simultaneously, improving their overall well-being .
3. Community Impact: Effective registration and referral services not only benefit individuals but also strengthen community networks, fostering collaboration among various service providers .

By volunteering with the Registration Team, you help create a welcoming and organized environment where individuals experiencing homelessness can access the resources they need. Our coordinated community effort can contribute to someone's journey towards stability and self-sufficiency.