WARM HEARTS & BEDS
At the nearby Emergency Overflow Shelter, Westminster volunteers have been welcoming guests and providing a hot meal since its inception in 2001. Every Sunday during the winter – from November until April – Westminster volunteers help settle guests in at the First Lutheran Site (646 State St). The shift is 6:00pm - 9:00 /10:00pm (depending on the need).
Not sure where you'd like to serve?
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Local volunteer opportunities
HELP IMPROVE LIVES OF HOMELESS FAMILIES
Volunteer to help improve the lives of homeless families and children living at Schuyler Inn in Menands. This former motel has a contract with Albany County to serve homeless families and follow them after they are placed in permanent housing.
Volunteers are needed to:
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Run several social events
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Operate Kid's Club for ages 5 - 12
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Stock a Closet with essential health and hygiene items
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Work with Schuyler staff and Grassroot Givers to prepare families for permanent housing
Please contact the Westminster Office for more information or read our article: Reaching out to Schuyler Inn's Homeless Families.
BREAKFAST EXPRESS PROGRAM
The FOCUS Breakfast Express Program provides a cold breakfast and a bag lunch to 100-150 people a week from April through November. Open Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the breakfast is staffed by volunteers who serve, clean, and engage the guests in conversation. Breakfast guests are all ages, though the great majority of them are adults and seniors. Volunteers are needed for 7:00 - 8:45 am Please call the FOCUS office at 518-443-0460 or email Belinda.
Also, volunteers are needed to provide Sunday night meals for the shelter guests. Generally, teams of two provide a large dish that can serve 20 people along with some side items. Meals are dropped off at 6:15 p.m. If interested, please contact the Westminster Office.
HELP CHILDREN LEARN
Support children in Albany, NY in the following ways:
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Tutoring in Classrooms
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Working at Wizard's Wardrobe: an after-school tutoring program.
To learn more, please contact the Westminster Office for more information or read our article: Helping Children at Giffen Memorial Elementary School.
SERVING THE SOUTH END
Throughout the year, we work with
AVillage, a community group in Albany's South End, on a range of programs and projects. Please check back here for updates and opportunities!
AVillage director & Westminster member, Willie White
FOCUS ON FOOD
The FOCUS Interfaith Food Pantry needs volunteers for a number of positions including interviewing guests and packing groceries.
Please contact the FOCUS office at 518-443-0460 if you are interested.
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and make a difference for someone's life.
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