Local volunteer opportunities

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).

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:

Participate in several social events
Provide essential feminine hygiene products
Work with Schuyler staff and Grassroot Givers to organize book distribution events

Please contact the Westminster Office for more information or read our article: Reaching out to Schuyler Inn's Homeless Families.

FOCUS BREAKFAST PROGRAMS

The FOCUS Breakfast Programs provide over 18,000 breakfasts and bag lunches to guests annually. 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.

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.

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!