Volunteer

St. Francis Center is a seven days a week, year-round operation and we could not exist without the support of our volunteers. We offer a hospitable, safe and accepting environment to more than 300 different volunteers who work with us annually. There are many ways for volunteers to serve and SFC is able to accommodate a variety of schedules and circumstances.

Individual volunteers must be 18 years of age or older in order to volunteer in positions with direct contact with guests. Children under 18 years of age are welcome to volunteer with a legal guardian, although the child will not serve in areas with direct guest interaction.

Volunteers are asked to commit to volunteering for at least 3 months, although longer commitments are more beneficial.

In addition to regularly-scheduled volunteers we will also accept as volunteers those participating in student community service activities, student intern projects, corporate volunteer programs and other referrals as available.

For more information on volunteering with St. Francis Center, please contact:

Sarah Taylor – Director of Community Engagement and Volunteers

saraht@sfcdenver.org

720.510.3007 and press zero – ask the receptionist for Sarah.

Volunteer Application Process

Volunteers are placed into assignments based on their interests, skills, and the needs of SFC. Interests and skills are assessed through the completion of a volunteer application, background screening and personal interview. To ensure the best possible match between the interests and skills of potential volunteers and the needs of SFC, all volunteers must complete the application process, which includes an application, tour & interview, and training.

Apply to Volunteer at St. Francis Center

To become a volunteer, please complete the following online volunteer applications and we will contact you with next steps.

Volunteer Application

Volunteer Position Details

Day Center: Basic Services Volunteer

Basic Services volunteers provide hands-on care for community members experiencing homelessness by participating in the following critical onsite services, and can rotate through several areas during each volunteer shift:

  • Distribute mail, messages and hygiene items
  • Assist guests in accessing their items in storage
  • Assist guests who are shopping in the clothing room
  • Monitor use and distribute towels and hygiene items in the showers
  • Wash, dry, and fold towels and other donated items as needed
  • Sort and organize donations

Employment Services: Client Navigator

Client Navigators are an integral part of the Employment Services team at St. Francis Center, which helps men and women develop skills, gain work experience, and connect with full-time employment. This program is designed to end the cycle of poverty and promote economic self-sufficiency. Participants in the Employment Services program come from St. Francis Center’s day center program, drug and alcohol programs, parole and corrections transition services, and other community organizations.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Greet clients as they enter the building
  • Answer phone calls
  • Track client attendance
  • Advise and offer assistance with program registration forms
  • Assist clients with:
    • Computer searches
    • Resume writing
    • Job applications
  • Manage and maintain a list of community resources, current job openings, and current housing openings

Housing Services Volunteer (Front Desk, Driver, Resident Activities)

St. Francis Center has three affordable housing developments:

  • Cornerstone Apartments, 1001 Park Ave. West, Denver, CO 80205.
  • St. Francis Apartments at Cathedral Square, 1450 N. Washington St., Denver, CO 80218.
  • Warren Residences, 1630 E. 14th Ave. Denver, CO 80218.

Warren Residences needs volunteers to attend the Front Desk on Tuesday mornings from 8:30-12:30, the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month from 12:30 -4:00, and the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 8:30-4:30. The Front Desk Attendant will provide a physical presence to assist residents, enforce the rules of the building, and support the property manager in his/her efforts to ensure the property complies with all legal requirements. This position will collaborate with the property management team and the supportive services team to create a welcoming, trauma-informed care environment. This position reports to the Director of Housing, Jenn Downey. If you are interested in this volunteer position, please fill out an application, and under the “Assignment Preferences”, select “Front Desk [Housing – Warren]”.

St. Francis Apartments at Cathedral Square needs a driver for their residents. Using a passenger van provided by St. Francis Center, this volunteer drives residents to destinations such as the grocery store and clothing bank. Volunteers must be 18+ with a valid driver’s license. Experience driving a passenger van is preferred, but not required. If you are interested in this volunteer position, please fill out an application, and under the “Assignment Preferences”, select “Driving [Housing – St. Francis Apartments at Cathedral Square]”.

All three housing developments need Resident Activities volunteers to help build community for the residents living in SFC’s affordable housing program. Activities may include hosting bingo games, and meals, or assisting with regularly scheduled “tech hours.” Opportunities are also available based on the skills and interests of the volunteers, such as workout classes, book clubs, sewing/knitting, and more. If you are interested in this volunteer position, please fill out an application, and under the “Assignment Preferences”, select “Resident Activities”.

Other Opportunities

Volunteers are also used to provide vehicle maintenance, technical support services, work on the SFC Events Committee, and speak locally about issues that affect homelessness and the work that we do at St. Francis. The possibilities for volunteering are as many and varied as the volunteers who donate their time and skill. Please contact us with your ideas

Activities may include hosting bingo games, meals, or assisting with regularly scheduled “tech hours.” Opportunities are also available based on the skills and interests of the volunteers, such as workout classes, book clubs, sewing/knitting, and more.