A-SPAN -- 2708 South Nelson Street, Arlington, Virginia -- 703-820-HELP (4357)


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    Volunteer Opportunities

    An Invitation....

    A-SPAN invites all individuals and groups to help guide people from the streets to health, homes and jobs. Anyone who is concerned about homeless people in Arlington is welcome, including those who are or have been homeless themselves. 

    Call our Volunteer Coordinator at 703-820-4357, ext. 17, for more information about any of the following volunteer opportunities, or click here to complete the Volunteer Profile form and return it by mail or fax.

    Emergency Winter Shelter (EWS)

    2049 N. 15th Street, Arlington, VA

    Evening Volunteer

    Hours of operation: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm, November 1, 2009 – March 31, 2010

    A-SPAN is really excited to be operating Arlington County’s Emergency Winter Shelter this year and we hope to make it a successful season with the help of volunteers like you.  Come join our team of dedicated staff and become an EWS Evening Volunteer.  Four to five volunteers, 18 years of age or older, are needed per shift at the Shelter each evening from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.  Sign up either as an individual or with a group and share the evening tasks.  Volunteers will assist staff members by either serving the evening meal, distributing bedding, monitoring the clothing room, watching the front door or completing a variety of other tasks to help the Shelter run smoothly.  Volunteers must sign in at the beginning of their shift and wear a volunteer badge during their time at the Shelter, and volunteers are expected to take their responsibilities seriously and treat every client with respect.

    Another great way to help out at the Shelter is to donate items or food used daily.  Our Shelter "Wish List" includes the following:

    -Hot meals or bagged lunches

    -Blankets

    -Twin fitted sheets

    -Any size flat sheets

    -Personal sized toiletries and hygiene supplies (shampoo, soap, razors, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc)

    -Flip-flops or similar shower shoes

    -Cereal

    -Good books, including those written in Spanish

    There is no minimum requirement for volunteering at the Shelter--you may volunteer as often or as sporadically as you like.  Click on the following link to view the online EWS Volunteer Schedule: http://tiny.cc/aspanshelter.  A-SPAN really depends on the generosity and willing spirit of volunteers like you to make the Shelter a success.

    For more information or to sign up as an EWS volunteer, contact Volunteer Coordinator Sarah Morse at smorse@a-span.org or call (703) 820-4357, x217.

    Opportunity Place (OP)                                                      2708 S. Nelson Street, Arlington, VA

    Assistant Front Desk Monitor

    Time commitment: 1-2 afternoons per week

    Hours of operation: 12:30pm-5:00pm, Monday – Thursday

    Volunteers are needed to staff the front desk at our drop-in program location: greeting clients, answering the phone, sorting mail, assisting in the distribution of hygiene supply items and clothing, coordinating use of shower and laundry facilities, receiving donations, and replenishing and organizing the clothing room.  This is a direct service position; ability to multi-task is essential.  Volunteers are trained and supported by the Director of Opportunity Place. 

    Administrative Assistant

    Time commitment: 4-6 hours per week

    Hours of operation: 9:00am-5:00pm, Monday – Friday

    As we grow, we need organizational and administrative support in our main office located at Opportunity Place Walk-In center. Volunteers are needed to assist with clerical duties such as filing, computer data entry, telephones, copying and periodic mailings. Volunteers must be comfortable working in a non-traditional office setting within Opportunity Place where our Outreach and Case management staff provides direct services to the homeless. 

    Homeless Bagged Meal Program (HBMP)

    Preparation Volunteers

    Time commitment: 1-2 afternoons per month

    Hours of operation: 4:00pm-6:00pm, 365 days a year

    Volunteer groups prepare 75 bagged meals and deliver them to a location in North Arlington to be served.  Bagged meals include: 2 sandwiches, 1 fruit, 1 salty snack, 1 sweet snack (no chocolate, please), and 1 beverage.  Food is purchased by the volunteer group, which then meets in a central location to prepare the meals.  This is a great activity for children and teenagers! 

    Serving Volunteers

    Time commitment: 1-2 evenings per month

    Hours of operation: 5:45pm-7:15pm, 365 days a year

    Individuals or groups of volunteers distribute hot food and bagged meals to homeless individuals at two outdoor locations in North Arlington.  A minimum of two volunteers are needed for this activity.  Individuals can be paired with other volunteers.  This is a direct service position for adult volunteers only.

    Click here for further details and instructions on the Homeless Bagged Meal Program.

    Click here to view the volunteer schedule for the Homeless Bagged Meal Program.

    Permanent Supportive Housing

    Volunteer Companion                                                                 

    Depending on need, A-SPAN matches volunteers with clients who request help in running daily errands, including trips to the grocery and to medical appointments.  This is a direct service position for adults only, and involves considerable one-on-one contact with clients.  Contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 703-820-4357 ext.17 or OPayton@a-span.org for more information.

    Resource Development

    Grant Writers

    Partner with our Director of Resource Development in seeking out grant opportunities and writing proposals.  The work can be done at A-SPAN office and also remotely; hours are flexible. We are looking for volunteers who have demonstrated successful human services grant writing experience. 

    Special Events

    Help plan events large & small. Make a difference join a dedicated group to plan and execute fundraising events and campaigns such as our Fall Gala and Fannie Mae National Walk-a-thon To End Homelessness.  Opportunities for both those with prior event planning experience and newbies who have time and energy to learn.

    Youth Education and Outreach

    Join A-SPAN as we reach out to Arlington County children and youth again this year as part of the Fannie Mae's “Help the Homeless Mini- Walk” Program. Schools, community-based organizations, and faith-based organizations in Arlington County host mini-walks to raise awareness and dollars that support A-SPAN’s efforts to end homelessness in our community. These walks primarily engage young people, but teachers, staff, parents, and other adults connected to the schools are encouraged to participate fully.  This year we are increasing our youth education aspect of this campaign and encourage volunteers seeking to make real impact to join our team.

    Donation Drives

    Individuals or groups hold drives in their places of worship, schools, businesses, or community groups for various items needed by A-SPAN’s homeless clients.  Please note that A-SPAN has specific needs and cannot accept all donations; contact the Volunteer Coordinator for a list of items before beginning a drive.  This is a great opportunity for young people to take on leadership roles in their schools and community organizations!

    Click here to see A-SPAN's Wish List for needed items.

    You Can Help

    You can become a part of the solution to end homelessness by volunteering at one of A-SPAN'S programs. For more information on becoming an A-SPAN Volunteer, please contact us at 703-820-4357 ext. 17.

    Summary of Volunteer Opportunities

    For a complete list and description of A-SPAN volunteer opportunities:

    1.Visit us at Arlington County Volunteer Office at: www.arlingtonva.us/volunteer,

    -- or --

    2. Click here to go to our page at the Volunteermatch.org site,

    -- or --

    3. Click here to go to our page at www.helping.org.

    Your help does make a difference.

     

     
    A-SPAN -- 2708 South Nelson Street, Arlington, Virginia -- 703-820-HELP (4357)

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