Volunteers at the San Diego Rescue Mission are some of the warmest, kindest, most generous people we know.

Our volunteers provide valuable services to our clients. In return they receive the satisfaction of knowing they are personally helping homeless and poor people create positive, lasting change in their lives.

Please note that we are unable at this time to work with court-mandated volunteers.

Due to insurance restrictions, volunteers must be age 16 and older. Are you part of a youth group under this age? We welcome your help with donation drives for urgently needed material items and are very happy to provide a tour of the Mission so you can find out more about our work.

Group Projects

Groups (corporate, church, school and others) are always welcome to help with our meal service, assisting in the warehouse, and “deep-cleaning” our emergency shelter. Please call 619.819.1897 for other ideas or to schedule a specific date.

• Groups of 6-8 are welcome to serve lunch or dinner here on site.
• Weekday groups of 10 individuals for deep cleaning or sorting projects in the Mission.
• Larger groups can schedule weekday morning shifts in our warehouse.

Not able to start volunteering immediately? Host a Drive (Urgent Needs, Food, or Hygiene Kits): You can hold a drive and collect needed items at your school, church, place of employment, community center, or neighborhoods-it’s an easy and very significant way to support the Rescue Mission! Thank you for doing your part to help the men, women and children here at the Mission.

Volunteer Process for Individuals

All volunteers, with the exception of those participating in a special event or one-time group volunteer opportunity MUST attend a volunteer orientation and submit an application and go through an on-line background check process at an $18 cost to the individual. Orientations are held every-other month. For non-food service opportunities we ask a 3-6 month commitment, interview, orientation, application and background check. Please call the Volunteer Coordinator to start the process.

Due to the large interest in our volunteer program, volunteer needs and opportunities change monthly and may include:

Food service

Potential Shifts: Three shifts available daily: 10:45 am-12:00 pm and 3:45 pm-5:00 pm in the men’s center; 11:30-12:30 and 4:00-5:00 in the women’s center. Emergency shelter: 6:30-7:30

Work with Children in Women & Children’s Center

• Sunday school teacher for the children Sunday AM
• Lead chapel services for the women on the 5th Monday of the month

Men’s Center

• Administrative Assistant: once a week help with copies, shredding, etc.
• PC-1000 instructor: teach a 16 week drug course. Curriculum provided. Once a week. Various day and early evening weekday times available.
• Mission Services / reception desk: Answer phones and greet visitors to the Mission. Accept and give receipts for in-kind donations. 4 hour weekday shifts.
• Computer lab instructor: lead a Microsoft Word or Excel basic class. No curriculum available. Weekday mid-day shifts.

Warehouse

Call center volunteer: handle phone calls with donors and scheduling pickups of in-kind goods. Weekday hours between 7:30-4:00.

Recuperative Care Unit (RCU)

• General Assistant: Individual volunteer at least 1 day per week for at least 2-3 hours per day. This would be a longer term position as it would involve training and learning over time. Service would include dropping off and picking up prescriptions, a variety of services around the unit including answering phones, making copies, running errands, and generally being available for any kind of small task that might present itself. Needed: someone who is sharp and a fast-learner, preferably with basic computer skills and good people skills. Daytime, M-F only.
• Activity coordinator: someone energetic and outgoing who would enjoy planning simple games, crafts, or activities appropriate for adults and encouraging clients to get involved. This would be once a week (or less often) for 1-2 hours. M-F only, anytime day or evening
• Nurse: prepare medication charts once every 2 weeks and/or come in once a week or more (2-3 hours) to help clients set up their medications for the week. Daytime M-F
• Volunteer with a certified pet therapy animal: willing to come in weekly or less often with their animal. Day and time are open.
• Meal server: individual or couple, once a week at 11am or 4pm for 1 hr to set up and serve meals, any day M-F for several weeks or more.