Volunteer roles for the Housing and Homelessness sector

As the welcoming face of the food bank you’ll be sociable, enjoy meeting people and able to offer friendly and caring support to those in crisis. You’ll receive and check food vouchers, prepare food parcels and make refreshments for the people who visit the food bank. You’ll provide a listening ear and support people in accessing other services with compassion and dignity.

Why we want you

We are committed to ensuring anybody visiting a food bank is welcomed, valued and treated with dignity.  Volunteers take time to share a warm drink, discuss food requirements, offer a listening ear and, when appropriate, signpost people for further support and help.  

As a Food bank centre helper you will play a vital role giving direct support to people who use food banks, meeting and greeting people coming into the food bank, packing their food parcels, making them feel comfortable and providing further signposting support where appropriate.

In this role you can make a real difference to people’s lives providing vital help and support to those in crisis in your local community.

What you will be doing

• Welcome clients to the foodbank centre
• Receive vouchers, check validity, and prepare food parcels according to the standard packing lists
• Make refreshments and tidy up as required during the session
• Offer a listening ear and signpost clients, as required, to further support, using information from the signposting folder/leaflets
• Work under the guidance of the session leader and report any health & safety or safeguarding concerns to the project manager/session supervisor

The skills you need

• Strong team player
• Excellent communication skills
• Empathetic
• Has an eye for detail
• Organised and self-motivated

What's in it for you

• Using your existing skills to make a difference
• Meet new people who share your passion to eradicate poverty in the community
• Make a real difference to the running of your food bank

You’ll play an important role in taking time to listen to people in crisis, understanding what’s driving their poverty and identifying agencies they can be referred to for specific help. You’ll enjoy being alongside an enthusiastic team of volunteers. Using your empathy, confidentiality and motivation to support others you will truly make a difference and help to change lives.

What you will be doing;

• Listening to clients who visit the centre for food – providing a non-judgemental ear
• Looking at ways we can help them further

Wild Paths 2025 - Festival Support

16-18 October 2025

Various venues in Norwich city centre

This year, Shelter Norfolk have been chosen as the Charity Partner of Wild Paths Festival.

Wild Paths are asking for donations on ticket sales and at the bars. In return, Shelter are recruiting 20 volunteers to help at the festival across 13-19 October. Various shifts will be available.

Successful Shelter volunteers will be supported to join the Wild Paths Festival Team. They will have an induction to their role with the Wild Paths Team.

Roles Include:

• Stage & Venue Hand
• Stage Management
• 2nd Engineer
• Box Office / Tickets
• Artist Liaison
• Runner / Steward
• Comms Hub Operative

Other senior roles may be available if the experience level, ability and attitude is right - Production Assistant / Lead Tech (Audio/Visual) / Staff Coordinator / Comms Hub Supervisor / Deliveries & Backline Manager

Next steps

If you would like to volunteer at this event, click ‘fill in an application’. After you have applied, we’ll be in touch to say hi and discuss the volunteering opportunity further.

Please note, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us. It may limit the different ways that you can get involved, but please contact us if you require more information.

Lead contact: Maya Brodie-Dowden

Volunteer with Shelter at the Sandringham Half Marathon 2025

We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our team at the Sandringham Half Marathon. All we need you to do is create an inspirational buzz and provide much needed support to our fantastic runners, helping them in their mission to raise money for our Fight for Home.

Date: Sunday 28th September 2025

Time: 9:00am – 1:30pm (approx.)

Location: Sandringham Estate, Norfolk

Volunteer role: Cheer, Cheer, Cheer!!!

The main thing we need you to do is cheer! You will be a vital part of race day, supporting 10 Shelter runners from the side lines who  are raising money for the fight for home! You’ll need to help create a high energy, friendly atmosphere, motivating everyone on race day to do their best.

Your support is not only an amazing motivator to our event participants, but volunteering is also an opportunity to have fun, meet new people and experience some wonderful community spirit whilst contributing towards our mission.

Next steps

If you would like to volunteer at this event, please fill in an application. After you have applied, we’ll be in touch to say hi and discuss the volunteering opportunity further.

Please note, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us. It may limit the different ways that you can get involved, but please contact us if you require more information.

Lead contact: Maya Brodie-Dowden

As an Enhanced First Response Volunteer, you will drive our hire car and go out with a partner volunteer to look for referrals made by StreetLink, engaging with those found sleeping rough, and passing on information to the Outreach team. Enhanced First Responders play a crucial role in ensuring people sleeping rough receive vital support from the Outreach team to move away from the streets and get connected to other local services. Please note, you have to be 25 years old or over to drive the hire car, but if you don't meet this criteria, please still apply as you can support with note taking and navigation between referrals.

Are you passionate about helping people experiencing homelessness or domestic violence in your local area? Want to be part of a growing global team using tech for good?

We’re looking for Charity Liaison Officers (CLOs) across the UK and beyond.

Your role will involve:

• Helping onboard verified individuals to the Unify Giving app via trusted local organisations

• Reaching out to charities and community groups working with people in need

• Supporting profile creation and beneficiary verification

• Being the bridge between our tech and the people it’s designed to help

You don't need charity experience — just:
✅ Good people skills
✅ A passion for social impact
✅ A few hours a week to give
✅ Willingness to work remotely and independently

You’ll join a team that’s already active in multiple cities across the UK and play a key role in shaping our upcoming winter launch.

We're looking for a front-end developer (React Native) to join our growing remote team building a social impact app helping people experiencing homelessness and domestic violence.

Unify Giving is a digital donation platform that connects donors directly to verified individuals in need — no middlemen, full transparency. Think of it as a new way to give, where your impact is visible, personal, and meaningful.

What we're building:

• A React Native mobile app (launched March 2025) for iOS & Android

• Donor dashboards, beneficiary profiles, restricted purchases, and live impact tracking

• A system that empowers individuals through dignity and direct support

We're looking for someone who:

• Has solid experience with React Native and front-end development

• Can commit a few hours a week

• Is excited by social impact, ethical tech, and building something that matters

• Enjoys being part of a remote, collaborative, globally distributed team

This is a volunteer role, but one with purpose, autonomy, and real-world impact.

If you're passionate about coding for good and want to help us scale this work, we’d love to hear from you.

This is an exciting new role, the purpose of which is to gather feedback from both clients and stakeholder to assess the broader impact of our work.

We are looking for a volunteer to undertake follow up phone calls to clients, this might be after an intervention with them or at intervals after closure. To ensure we a complaint with GDPR, we record consent, and this is stored on our inhouse Client database CRM. 

The volunteer will be provided with a list of questions to ask to gather feedback and would be expected to detail the responses. 

Suggested Involvement: Approximately one day per week (can be more & can be flexible around your commitments) 

Availability: This volunteering opportunity will take place within our working hours, Monday-Friday, 9am – 5pm 

Location: Shelter Birmingham, 38 The Priory Queensway, Maple House, Birmingham, B4 7LA 

Supervised by: Birmingham Volunteer Coordinator

Why volunteer with Shelter? 

A home is a fundamental human need, as vital as education or healthcare. But in Britain today, that right is denied to millions of people whose lives are blighted by homelessness, bad housing conditions, soaring rents, discrimination and the threat of eviction. The time for change is now.

As a Client and Stakeholder Feedback Volunteer, you’ll be supporting the day-to-day work of Shelter’s and providing updates on client's experiences. Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experience our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering. 

We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the support we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity. 

Main Tasks include 

• Make follow-up phone calls to stakeholder and clients after they have accessed our services to gather feedback from them. 

• Ask set questions when speaking with stakeholders and clients to see if and how advice has made a difference to them and record their responses. 

• Assessing and adding in quantitative and qualitative data to our client database (CRM). 

• Present the responses in an accessible format e.g. using Word or Excel. 

• Identify key findings and/or trends and discuss with relevant team member(s) 

• Provide insight into improvements for the activities involved 

Skills and experience required 

The aim of the post is to gather information and feedback regarding the service we offer and the impact this has made. Therefore, we are looking for somebody who is:

• Comfortable interacting with stakeholders in person and over the telephone 

• Is considerate of tone and language during interactions. 

• Has good listening skills. 

• Has strong written skills and the ability to take detailed and accurate notes of the discussion whilst on the telephone or in person. 

• Has good IT skills, including experience using MS Office software such as Excel and Forms. 

• Is resilient to potentially challenging conversations, while understanding the boundaries of the role. 

To enable you take part in this opportunity Shelter will

• Provide a volunteer pack including a Handbook and all Policies and Procedures. 

• Provide an induction into your role

• Provide access to our learning on data protection, safeguarding and screen wellness as well as other appropriate role specific training. 

• Reimburse “out of pocket” expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy. 

Benefits of Volunteering with Shelter 

• Supporting Shelter in our fight against bad housing and homelessness. 

• Gain valuable work experience and enhance your CV. 

• Meet new people and be part of a great team. 

• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills

This role will allow us to see the effects of the housing advice and workshop delivery received by clients and professionals and if there are any additional impacts such as increased sense of stability or more confidence in their rights. 

This role is an opportunity to make a real difference to the households we assist. You’ll be developing your own knowledge and skills to support local people with a range of housing issues. You will gain experience of volunteering within a recognised national housing charity, while supporting your local community. 

Ace of Clubs (AoC) is an independent charity based in Clapham that supports individuals experiencing homelessness. We serve up to 200 hot meals a day to adults who are homeless, hungry or facing adversity. 

With a small staff team, we need more volunteer help to support our admin - this includes writing emails, helping with communications or writing reports.  You will be helping out in areas such as fundraising, communications and charity co-ordination.  As this role requires significant writing, it is essential  that you have a high standard of written English and have close attention to detail.  You also need to be competent on using Microsoft packages.

Hours can be flexible during the working day Monday to Friday depending on your commitments.  However, we would like a minimum of 5 hours per week as we will also invest time to onboard, induct and train you.  We also ask for a commitment of ideally 6 months.  However, we do appreciate that you may have some planned leave etc. within that timeframe.

This role is ideal for individuals looking to gain experience in the charity sector or for people who have previously had careers, but now have some time and skills to give back to a charity.

We are a friendly and welcoming team with many volunteers also supporting our daily work, so you will be joining a bustling and inspiring environment.

As a Community Workshop Assistant volunteer, you will be an invaluable part of the Birmingham team, supporting the hub to deliver frontline services. This role is an exciting and new opportunity to make a real difference within the wider community.

The accessible workshops are delivered primarily out in the community to Shelter clients and professionals however we may also deliver these by Microsoft Teams. The aim is to help empower clients to understand their rights and provide necessary support and signposting in areas such as temporary accommodation and budgeting. You will play a supportive role, helping the Housing Rights Worker deliver these workshops and being part of the development of future workshops. 

In addition, you’ll be developing your own knowledge and skills to support local people with a range of housing issues as well as providing practical support within the workshop. You will gain experience of volunteering within a recognised national housing charity, while supporting your local community. 

Suggested Involvement: Approximately one day per month (can be more & can be flexible around your commitments) 

Availability: This volunteering opportunity will take place within our working hours, Monday-Friday, 9am – 5pm. 

Location: Shelter Birmingham 38 Priory Queensway, Maple House, Birmingham, B4 7LA but this role will be within the local community. 

Supervised by: Birmingham Volunteer Coordinator

Why volunteer with Shelter? 

A home is a fundamental human need, as vital as education or healthcare. But in Britain today, that right is denied to millions of people whose lives are blighted by homelessness, bad housing conditions, soaring rents, discrimination and the threat of eviction. The time for change is now.

Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experience our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering. 

We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the support we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity. 

Main Tasks include 

• Ensuring equipment is ready such as laptops and projectors 

• General administrative tasks (e.g. photocopying, scanning and filing).

• Help create a welcoming environment and being a welcoming face for clients attending the workshops 

• Handing out feedback forms & uploading feedback forms once the session is over 

• Supporting the Housing Rights Worker to facilitate the workshop

Skills and experience required 

• An interest in social welfare e.g. housing, welfare benefits, debt. 

• Good communication skills (this may be through experience of working with the public) 

• Ability to collaborate with a team. 

• Confident using IT including Microsoft Office programmes 

• Willingness to follow Shelter’s policies, including Volunteering, Health & Safety, Equality & Diversity, Confidentiality and Data Protection. 

Induction, learning & development 

To enable you take part in this opportunity Shelter will

• Provide a volunteer pack including a Handbook and all Policies and Procedures. 

• Provide an induction into your role

• Provide access to our learning on data protection, safeguarding and screen wellness as well as other appropriate role specific training. 

• Reimburse “out of pocket” expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy. 

Benefits of Volunteering with Shelter 

• Supporting Shelter in our fight against bad housing and homelessness. 

• Gain valuable work experience and enhance your CV. 

• Meet new people and be part of a great team. 

• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills. 

As a Welcome volunteer, you will be an invaluable part of the Birmingham team, supporting the hub to deliver vital frontline services. You'll be the first point of contact for clients and visitors, assisting the hub team with duties, and supporting the operation of the Shelter office in their day-to-day business 

You’ll act as the first point of contact for our clients, helping to understand their needs and help them access necessary advice and assistance through the duty or appointment services. Being a positive presence in the hub to ensure visitors feel comfortable and welcomed.

This role is an opportunity to make a real difference to the households we assist. You’ll be developing your own knowledge and skills to assist local people with a range of housing issues as well as providing practical guidance and providing a friendly, listening ear. You will gain experience of volunteering within a recognised national housing charity, while supporting your local community.

Suggested Involvement: Approximately one day per week (can be more & can be flexible around your commitments) 

Availability: This volunteering opportunity will take place within our working hours, Monday-Friday, 9am – 5pm 

Location: Shelter Birmingham, 38 The Priory Queensway, Maple House, Birmingham, B4 7LA 

Supervised by: Volunteer Coordinator

Why volunteer with Shelter? 

A home is a fundamental human need, as vital as education or healthcare. But in Britain today, that right is denied to millions of people whose lives are blighted by homelessness, bad housing conditions, soaring rents, discrimination and the threat of eviction. The time for change is now.

As a Welcome Volunteer, you’ll be supporting the day-to-day work of Shelter’s Advice Team as they provide advice and guidance to the people visiting the Birmingham hub. 

Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experience our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering. 

We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the advice we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity.

Main Tasks include:

• Greeting people who come to the office and aiding in Reception 

• Communicating with clients via phone and email to share updates on their case and to gather information. 

• To obtain feedback and service user consents 

• Signposting clients to relevant services and providing useful information. 

• General tasks (e.g. photocopying, scanning, and filing).

Skills and experience required:

• Good communication skills and the ability to understand the needs of our clients.

• The ability to speak Somalian or Arabic would be helpful, but certainly not essential 

• Interest in housing issues; welfare benefits; debt; community care 

• The ability to work as part of a team and value and communicate effectively with others

• Confident using Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel, Teams and PDF documents to a good standard 

• Willingness to follow Shelter’s policies, including volunteering, health & safety, equality & diversity, confidentiality & data protection 

To enable you take part in this opportunity Shelter will:

• Provide a volunteer pack including a Handbook and all Policies and Procedures. 

• Provide an induction into your role

• Provide access to our learning on data protection, safeguarding and screen wellness as well as other appropriate role specific training. 

• Reimburse “out of pocket” expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy.

Benefits of Volunteering with Shelter

• Supporting Shelter in our fight against bad housing and homelessness. 

• Gain valuable work experience and enhance your CV. 

• Meet new people and be part of a great team. 

• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills. 

Ace of Clubs (AoC) is an independent charity based in Clapham that supports individuals experiencing homelessness.  Each day we serve a hot meal to around 200 adults who are experiencing homelessness, adversity and hunger.  Alongside this we offer a range of other direct services including showers, clothing, laundry, health support and advice. 

This role is ideal for individuals looking to make a positive impact in the community while gaining valuable insight to the health/social care sector at a longstanding direct-service charity. As a Volunteer, you will mainly support our delivery of a high quality lunch service.

Duties include:

• Sorting through food donations
• Prepping and chopping ingredients for the lunch service
• Welcoming guests and signing them in at the front desk
• Serving hot lunch meals
• Serving coffee and teas to the guests
• Washing up plates, cutlery, and mugs
• Cleaning up after lunch service

Additionally, we are always seeking volunteers with skillsets in writing and admin on computers, social media, fundraising or communications.

This is an exciting opportunity to delve into the world of social media, using social media platforms to enhance the online presence of Shelter Birmingham. You’ll be providing information, promoting our services, and increasing engagement with local and national campaigns. This role gives you the chance to volunteer across diverse and friendly teams, gain valuable experience in online communications, and put your own creative stamp onto projects. 

This is a great opportunity for someone looking to develop skills and experience within social media and who has an interest in social welfare. This may include personal experience of bad housing or homelessness which will enrich your knowledge, empathy, and authenticity within the role. 

Suggested time commitment:        

Location: This a flexible role, that can be undertaken from home or the office at times to suit you. During planned events, we may need a visible presence, but this will be arranged in advance. 

Supervised by: Volunteer coordinator

Why volunteer with Shelter? 

A home is a fundamental human right, as vital as education or healthcare. But in Britain today, that right is denied to millions of people whose lives are blighted by homelessness, unsuitable housing conditions, soaring rents, discrimination and the threat of eviction. The time for change is now. Together with individuals, in communities and across society, we will lead the way for a safe home for all. But we need your help to do it. 

Main Tasks can include: 

• Establishing and/or maintaining active social media accounts.

• Researching and creating creative content for different social media channels, starting with Twitter and Instagram, with view to expansion (you will have the opportunity to shape the role as you develop). 

• Helping to develop social media communication plans for sharing information that can help and support the local community.

• Liaising with the team in the Birmingham hub including to plan and promote national and local Shelter campaigns. 

• Identifying current news and issues affecting people locally around housing and benefits 

• Identifying target audiences and being up to date with current trends. 

• Attending events organised by Shelter Birmingham to provide updates on social media and making reels for Instagram going live on our Instagram account during live events. 

Skills and Experiences Required: 

• Confident in using technology. 

• Be familiar with some of the social media platforms and if needed learn how to use others use of various social media platforms including Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Tik Tok and Instagram. 

• Good communication skills. 

• A flexible and organised approach. 

• Creative. 

• Ability to write about relevant issues in an informed and non-bias manner. 

• Willingness to follow Shelter’s policies, including Volunteering, Safeguarding, Data Protection and Health & Safety. 

Induction, Learning and Development: 

To enable you to take part in this opportunity, Shelter will: 

• Provide you with a Volunteer Handbook and all Policies and Procedures. 

• Provide learning on topics including Safeguarding, Health and Safety and Data Protection. 

• Provide an induction to the role and other relevant training. 

• Reimburse "out of pocket" expenses in line with Shelter's volunteer expenses policy. 

Benefits of Volunteering with Shelter 

• Being part of Shelter’s Fight for Home. 

• Gaining valuable skills and experience and confidence that may be beneficial for future volunteering or employment opportunities. 

• Learning more about social media by volunteering alongside the social media team, including how to support a campaign using social media platforms. 

• Being part of a great team. 

• Learning about housing and homelessness issues 

999 Club IS RECRUITING NEW TRUSTEES!

999 Club is a charity doing big things with people facing homelessness. For over 30 years, we've provided a safe haven in the heart of Deptford — offering hot meals, showers, practical support, and a pathway out of homelessness for good.

We're now looking for up to three new trustees to help guide our growing organisation as we develop our new 5-year strategy.

We’re especially keen to hear from people with experience in:

· Fundraising – An ability to use your networks or knowledge to champion our cause and unlock new opportunities.

· Charity Finance – provide strategic financial oversight and potentially chair our Finance Committee.

· Property or Facilities Management – Help oversee the management and potential development of our buildings

What to expect:

As a trustee, you’ll gain leadership experience, broaden your network, and play a hands-on role in tackling homelessness and improving the mental wellbeing of our community. This is a voluntary role involving four board meetings a year (a mix of in-person and virtual), plus occasional events, emails, and committee work. Reasonable expenses are covered.

Inclusion:

We’re committed to building a diverse and representative board. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of homelessness, mental health challenges, or systemic disadvantage.