VOLUNTEERS

**Please note, due to COVID-19, St. Francis Center has modified programs and cut back on the number of volunteers needed to operate our essential services. There is a limited amount of volunteer availability and the volunteer needs calendar below may not be up to date. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on volunteering, please contact us at volunteer@sfcla.org, or fill out the volunteer inquiry form to the right.** 

The following information will better acquaint you with our volunteer opportunities at SFC.

1. Getting Started

If you have not, fill out our Volunteer Application. All potential volunteers must complete the Volunteer Application and contact the Volunteer Coordinator directly via telephone or email before your volunteer opportunity at SFC. NO WALK-IN VOLUNTEERS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Please refer to our Volunteer Needs Calendar below for volunteer opportunities. Our greatest need is for volunteers during our Tuesday-Friday breakfast program from 7 – 9:15 a.m. and Wednesday and Thursday pantry program from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  Please email our volunteer coordinator, at volunteer@sfcla.org or call 213.747.5347 x 111 to schedule any volunteer opportunities. All volunteer shifts must be confirmed with the Volunteer Coordinator. Dates, times and availability are subject to change without notice.

Note: Children between the ages of 8-13 are allowed to volunteer as long as they have adult supervision.

*Any inquiries about volunteering to fulfill court-mandated service need to first be approved by the volunteer coordinator and management.*

2. Donate safely and securely.

We ask our volunteers to make a donation to secure their first volunteer reservation. In these troubled times, every donation helps St. Francis Center fulfill its mission to care for the under-served men, women, and children of our community. You can donate by visiting our secure donation page  or by writing a check to St. Francis Center with “Volunteer Donation” in the memo. However, please do not let this requested donation deter you from our volunteer opportunities; if it proves to be a financial burden, the Center can work out alternative giving opportunities at no cost to you.

3. Logistics, etc.

SFC is located at 1835 S. Hope St., Los Angeles, CA 90015, approximately two miles south of the Central Business district, one block from Los Angeles Trade Tech College. Our facilities are well maintained and safe.

Parking: Metered parking (coins and credit cards accepted) outside our Center.

Attire: Please wear casual, comfortable attire with closed-toe shoes during volunteer opportunities.

Age Restrictions: We are happy to host volunteers ages 8+ (parent/guardian supervision required for volunteers ages 8-13).

It is St. Francis Center’s policy that volunteers DO NOT give money, medication, or rides to guests. If asked, volunteers should politely respond that we canʼt give out cash or rides. All requests for assistance should be referred to the Resource office.

4. Cancellations

Our volunteers are very important to us, and we depend upon their generosity and support to serve our community. To ensure that our programs run smoothly, volunteers must notify the volunteer coordinator of any cancellation via e-mail or phone call at least 24 hours in advance of their volunteer opportunity reservation (72 hours for weekend reservations). If the volunteer coordinator is not notified in advance, we may restrict future volunteering.

We understand that visiting St. Francis Center may seem intimidating, but our volunteers have told us that their apprehension disappears once they experience the welcoming environment at our Center.