Volunteer roles for the Housing and Homelessness sector

Volunteer Fundraising Manager

Organisation: HomelessNest

Location: Flexible (remote with occasional London meetings)

Commitment: Approx. 6–8 hours per week

Type: Voluntary / Unpaid

About Us

HomelessNest is a registered UK charity committed to supporting individuals and families who are homeless, vulnerably housed, or otherwise at risk. We provide grants, essential items, advocacy, and practical services that create pathways to stability and independence.

The Role

We are seeking a Volunteer Fundraising Manager to help us grow our income, organise events, strengthen donor relationships, and ensure our services can reach more people in need.

You will play a key role in shaping and delivering our fundraising strategy, working closely with trustees and volunteers to build sustainable income streams.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a fundraising plan aligned with our mission.
• Research and apply for grants, trusts, and foundations.
• Build and maintain relationships with donors, sponsors, and partners.
• Coordinate community fundraising events and campaigns.
• Support and oversee volunteer fundraising officers and event coordinators.
• Ensure compliance with fundraising regulations and reporting requirements.

Person Specification

We are looking for someone with:

• Experience or strong aptitude in fundraising, bid writing, or donor relations (professional or voluntary).
• Excellent communication and networking skills.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to work independently.
• A proactive, creative approach to problem‑solving.
• Passion for tackling homelessness and social inequality.

What You’ll Gain

• The opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of people experiencing homelessness.
• Valuable experience in charity fundraising, leadership, and strategy.
• Flexible volunteering that fits around your schedule.
• The chance to be part of a supportive, passionate team.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Looking for an exciting opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of Londoners affected by homelessness, while contributing your professional insights to a forward-thinking and compassionate organisation? Why not join us as our Audit Committee Chair or as a Trustee!

About Evolve Housing + Support

At Evolve, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live a safe, fulfilled and independent life. We provide support in London, offering tailored programmes to meet people’s individual needs; including housing, employment and skills training, mentoring and counselling.

We do this through our work with young parents and children at risk of exclusion to build the skills and resilience that can help prevent homelessness, campaigning to end street homelessness, and building affordable homes to help people move on to an independent life.

Our company culture: the heart of what we do

We’re proud of our inclusive culture – one where everyone’s voice matters, and where diversity of background, thought and experience helps us make better decisions for the communities we serve. Our mission - to help children, young people and adults who are homeless or at risk of homelessness reach their potential, and move on to live happy, fulfilled lives. We ensure our values - Honest, Inclusive, Optimistic, Determined, Passionate & Creative inform everything we do.

The opportunities to join us

At Evolve Housing + Support, we are championing opportunity, dignity and independence for people affected by homelessness – a cause that may resonate with you and encourage you to lend your strategic oversight and financial skills to our Board.

We are looking for a new Audit Committee Chair and two Trustees to join our Board and play a key role in shaping our governance and strategic direction.

As our Audit Committee Chair, you’ll ensure we maintain the highest standards of financial stewardship, carry out all our affairs effectively under all regulatory bodies, while keeping our mission and values at the heart of decision-making through your leadership.

The Trustee roles present the opportunity to play a crucial part in the successful running of our organisation, in partnership with the leadership team, upholding excellent governance using your professional skills. 

Who are we looking for?

We are particularly interested in speaking with people who are able to lead and inspire, who also have the strategic and analytical thinking skills to lead through periods of change, and who can communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders and audiences.

You’ll need to have the ability to proactively support the values of Evolve Housing + Support, have a strong understanding of good governance practice along with a financial or HR background at a professional level, and a strong track record in a relevant sector, with empathy for our core customer group.

Don’t think you quite meet all of the specifications? Please don’t count yourself out – we’d still love to hear from you and learn more about you and your interest in joining Evolve!

Sounding good? Here’s how you can apply today!

Please read the Candidate Information Pack for more information before you apply. 

How to Apply:

Eastside People is supporting Evolve Housing + Support in the recruitment of these roles. Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter, both in Word doc format.

Please use the cover letter (max 2 pages) as an opportunity to add to the information you have shared in your CV and ensure that you cover the following: 

• Why are you interested in the Chair/Trustee role at Evolve Housing + Support? 
• Having read the information pack, what relevant experience and skills do you feel you would bring to this role? 

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us so we can support you appropriately.

The closing date for applications is Mon 22 Dec 2025. Shortlisting interviews will take place shortly after and shortlisted candidates will have an interview with Evolve during the week beginning 12 January 2026.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Location: Remote / Hybrid (UK-based applicants only)
Commitment: Approx. 8–12 hours per month (flexible)
 

About Guardian Light Foundation

At Guardian Light Foundation (GLF), we believe that every child and single parent deserves a chance to rebuild, thrive, and shine again.

We are a growing social enterprise dedicated to helping homeless and abused children/teenagers and struggling single-parent families find hope, healing, and a pathway to a brighter future.

Our mission is to provide safe housing, life-changing mentorship, legal and emotional support, and employment pathways that empower individuals to live with dignity and independence.

As we build our Future Skills & Employment Hub, we’re looking for a compassionate, empowering, and dedicated Life Skills & Confidence Mentor to join our early-stage team and help us shape lives from the ground up.

About the Role

This is more than a freelance position — it’s a calling for someone who truly wants to make a difference.

As a Life Skills & Confidence Mentor, you will guide young people and single parents through the essential tools of everyday living — communication, self-esteem, decision-making, emotional resilience, and personal growth.

You’ll be part of a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment where your voice and expertise directly influence the future direction of our foundation and the lives we transform.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver interactive life skills and confidence-building workshops (online and in-person)

• Mentor participants on self-awareness, resilience, problem-solving, and positive communication

• Create a safe and inspiring space where participants feel heard and valued

• Develop session plans, resources, and engaging group activities

• Identify individuals needing emotional or practical support and refer them to our in-house wellbeing or counselling team

• Participate in team meetings via Microsoft Teams and share ideas for program improvement

• Act as an ambassador for Guardian Light Foundation at events or networking opportunities

What We’re Looking For

• Deep passion for helping children, teenagers, and single parents rebuild their lives

• Empathetic, patient, and inspiring communicator

• Experience in mentoring, youth work, coaching, or personal development training

• Understanding of trauma-informed approaches or working with vulnerable individuals

• Strong organisational and interpersonal skills

• DBS Certificate (or willingness to complete a Volunteer Enhanced DBS Check – £12.50)

• Commitment to 8–12 hours per month (flexible scheduling)

What You’ll Gain

Joining at this stage means you grow with us — and your contributions truly matter.

✨ Benefits include:

• Opportunity to become part of our Board of Directors or Advisory Board as the organisation grows

• Being a founding mentor in a groundbreaking, purpose-driven UK charity

• Direct impact on the lives of young people and families who need your guidance most

• Recognition on our website and social media for your incredible contribution

• Invitations to GLF’s future events, training, and community networking sessions

• Professional reference and certificate of contribution

• Flexible hours and remote working options

• Belonging to a warm, passionate, and supportive team dedicated to real change

Would you like to make a positive impact on your community and make a real difference to people's lives?

By joining Citizens Advice Enfield as a Trustee you can take an active part in board meetings to assist in setting policy and strategy direction, set targets and evaluate our performance.  You could work on specific projects with other trustees or staff members to further strategic objectives and learn about the range of issues that affect our clients such as benefits, debt, employment and housing.  You would need to attend 5 board meetings per year.

You will need:

• professional skills - expertise in areas such as finance, legal, HR, IT, marketing or fundraising
• strategic and leadership skills, lived experience and community knowledge.
• excellent verbal and written communication skills and good IT skills (Microsoft Office suite)
• to be friendly and approachable and non-judgmental, respecting views, values and cultures that are different to your own
• to be willing to undertake training.

What will you be doing?

Depending on your skills and availability, you may support with: 

• Welcoming and engaging women participants into the session
• Helping to set up and pack down the space (chairs, refreshments, sign-in sheets)
• Supporting the delivery of group activities (e.g. creative arts, health talks, mindfulness)
• Listening and signposting women to staff or support services
• Supporting guests with form-filling, where relevant
• Encouraging peer connection and reducing isolation
• Assisting with data collection, light admin or feedback forms 

You will be supported to work within WSUP’s trauma-informed and psychologically informed (TIC/PIE) approach. Lived experience is welcome but not essential. 

What are we looking for?

Skills and Qualities Needed 

• Friendly, empathetic and non-judgemental
• Able to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries
• Comfortable working in a trauma-informed, women-only environment
• Good listening and communication skills
• Reliable, consistent and open to feedback
• Ability to work as part of a diverse team
• Commitment to inclusion, safety and empowerment of women
• Any well-being qualifications/experience that could help in delivering and developing ideas to provide to the women (not essential)

Lived experience (e.g. of homelessness, violence, migration, or mental health issues) is welcomed and respected. 

What difference will you make?

WSUP is a grassroots charity supporting people experiencing hardship and/or housing instability across Royal Borough of Greenwich. We work with people facing poverty, homelessness, substance misuse, trauma, and health inequalities. Our support is holistic, inclusive, and rooted in lived experience. 

WSUP is committed to creating safe, inclusive, and empowering spaces, particularly for women who may have experienced trauma, discrimination or marginalisation. This includes our Women Wednesday programme – a women-only community session offering practical support, creative wellbeing activities, peer connection, and access to health and housing services. 

Before you apply

This will be starting on Wednesday 5th November 2025. You can apply after this time and during the 5 months. 

If you would like to volunteer with us, please send us an email as per instructions below.

We will then send you an initial contact form, an invitation to come in to WSUP and then a final application where references will be sent for, and then a DBS check will be provided by WSUP. 

Looking for a way to give back to your local community without a long-term commitment? Not sure exactly what you’d like to do, but know you want to help?

Sometimes we come across one-off community tasks that just need a few volunteers to give us a good old Yorkshire helping hand. We also know life can get very busy and people don’t always have time to commit to a regular volunteering role.

Being a Community Squad volunteer is a flexible way to get involved. You’ll find out when and where one-off tasks are happening near you, and you can choose to help whenever it suits. There’s no ongoing commitment, you’re in control.

As a Squad volunteer, you’ll regularly receive updates about opportunities across Yorkshire. There’s no obligation to sign up for any of them, but if something catches your eye, just put your name forward. We’ll send you all the details you need, and you simply turn up on the day!

Tasks vary widely, so there’s something for everyone. You might help at a community clean-up, plant spring bulbs, hand out leaflets, put out grit or clear a path when it’s snowed for a neighbour. Or you could be handing out popcorn at a cinema event, making cups of tea at a social club, supporting someone with their digital devices, creating glitter tattoos at a children’s event, or writing letters to customers who are isolated.

There will be lots of varied things to help with!

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

We are looking for a dedicated Volunteer Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees and help guide the financial well-being of the charity as we grow and respond to increasing need. Becoming a Treasurer at Shiloh means more than just numbers. You’ll be helping us build stronger futures for some of the most vulnerable people in our community. It’s a chance to use your skills for good and to be part of a dedicated, friendly team.

As Treasurer, you will:

• Work closely with the Board, Chief Executive, and Finance Manager

• Ensure our finances remain sustainable, compliant, and transparent

• Be part of a passionate team committed to lasting change for people affected by homelessness

General Responsibilities of a Trustee

• Ensure the charity focuses on its purpose and all activities align with its aims and objectives

• Comply with the governing document and meet all legal requirements

• Act in the charity’s best interests

• Prepare for meetings, seek advice when needed, and make informed decisions

• Contribute to Shiloh’s strategy and policies, and support and guide the Chief Executive and staff team

Specific Responsibilities of the Treasurer

• Ensure the charity’s financial affairs are legal, constitutional, and in line with accepted accounting practice and Charity Commission guidelines

• Oversee accurate record-keeping and effective financial procedures and controls

• Lead the Finance Sub-Group (with the CEO and Finance Manager) to monitor financial health and report key updates at Board meetings (e.g. income/expenditure, balance sheet, cash flow, reserves)

• Oversee the timely preparation of the annual budget and recommend its adoption to the Board

• Guide trustees in assessing the financial viability of plans, proposals, and feasibility studies

• Ensure financial resources meet both present and future needs

• Maintain a robust overview of financial risks facing the charity

• Oversee the production of financial reports, returns, accounts, and independent examinations

What We’re Looking For

Knowledge and Understanding

• Experience in charity finance and fundraising

• Financial qualifications (desirable)

• Previous Treasurer experience (desirable)

• Trustee board or committee experience

• Knowledge of restricted, unrestricted, and designated funds

• Knowledge of Gift Aid

• Understanding of governance and the voluntary sector

• Awareness of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship

Key Skills and Abilities

• Strong analytical skills to assess proposals and financial implications

• Ability to lead Finance Sub-Group meetings ahead of Board meetings

• Availability to provide occasional ad hoc support to staff on finance-related queries

• Able to build strong relationships and act as an ambassador for Shiloh

• Collaborative team player who values diverse perspectives

Personal Attributes

• Commitment to Shiloh’s vision and values

• Good listener, open to feedback and other perspectives

• Positive, problem-solving attitude

• High integrity and commitment to the Seven Principles of Public Life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, leadership

About Crawley Open House

Crawley Open House provides vital support and services for those suffering the effects of homelessness, unemployment, loneliness, discrimination, or other forms of social exclusion in Crawley and neighbouring areas.

Trustee Opportunities

We are now seeking dedicated, passionate, and skilled individuals to join our Board of Trustees. As a Trustee, you will play a key role in shaping our future — sharing your expertise, guiding our strategy, and helping us continue to deliver life-changing support to some of the most vulnerable people in our community.

If you want to make a real difference and be part of an organisation that truly transforms lives, we’d love to hear from you.

Ideal candidates will have a strong interest in adult education, benefits systems and fundraising and a genuine commitment to contributing to social change.

We are looking to appoint more than one Trustee and welcomes expressions of interest from individuals with experience in one or more of the following areas:

Adult Education

Benefits System

Fundraising

IT infrastructure

Local/Central Government

Social Housing

Immigration

Trustees are responsible for a full range of Trustee duties including strategic oversight of Crawley Open House, financial accountable (we have a dedicated treasurer), planning and monitoring, transparency and accountability and we would ask you to volunteer within the charity at least once a year.

In line with its commitment to inclusion, Crawley Open House actively welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including underrepresented groups across age, ethnicity, geography, physical ability, and socio-economic experience.

For further information and details on how to apply, please visit the Crawley Open House

Charity no. 1048919

Shop Volunteering Opportunities

Islington

Our shops are at the heart of local communities raising vital funds for our fight against homelessness and bad housing - and they’re powered by our volunteers!

Suggested Involvement: It’s up to you! We have volunteers who support for one hour a week and others who volunteer more. Many people volunteer for a morning or an afternoon each week, but we’ll have a chat about your availability after you’ve applied.

Availability: The shop is open Monday - Saturday 10:00-18:00 and Sunday 11:00-17:00. We are particularly looking for volunteers who can support us on Tuesday mornings

Location: 159 Upper Street, Islington, N1 1US

Supervised by: Community Shop Manager/Assistant Manager

Why volunteer with Shelter? 

Home is a human right. It's our foundation and it's where we thrive. Yet, every day millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams ensure fighting the housing emergency never felt so fun. 

What can I do?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal chat to find the right role for you. Some roles involve a basic criminal record check being completed during recruitment. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us, but it may impact the ways you can get involved.

• Volunteering in the shop

Our retail volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

- You will not undergo a criminal record check for this role  

• Volunteering in the community

Our Van Driver’s mates are out and about supporting drivers with delivering and collecting stock throughout the local area. They play a key part in getting donations to and from shops. This role does require the ability to lift heavy items. 

• Volunteering in a leadership role

Our volunteer supervisors help with overseeing the running of our shop and creating a fantastic environment for our customers. You may be involved with coordinating and supporting other volunteers, operating computer systems, and being a key point of contact for the shop.

Skills and Experiences Required:

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need to have volunteered or worked in a shop before as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and willing to follow Shelter’s policies and can be an excellent ambassador for Shelter. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of bad housing or homelessness.

Induction, Learning and Development:

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

• Welcome you with a Volunteer Handbook
• Provide training, induction, and ongoing support from your Shop Manager to help you feel confident in your role
• Refund any 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 experience in a retail environment
• Getting involved in your local community and being part of a great team
• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills

We aim to respond to all applications within 14 days

If you would like to find out more about the volunteering opportunity before applying, why not pop into the shop, or contact us.

Make a Difference Where It Matters Most. Join Us as a Board Member.

Target Housing is a bold, purpose-driven charity providing safety, stability and hope for people facing some of life’s toughest challenges, from entrenched rough sleeping to domestic abuse, trauma, mental health and complex needs.

We’ve grown rapidly over the last five years. Today, we own 160+ homes and manage another 800+ across the region, delivering trauma-informed, people-centred support that changes lives for good.

Now we’re looking for new Board Members who want to use their skills for something that genuinely matters.

What You’ll Do

• Help steer a growing, values-led organisation making a real difference every single day.

• Bring your insight to strengthen our governance, people decisions and risk management.

• Support strategic thinking across housing, care and charitable services.

• Join Board meetings helld every two months in Rotherham (remote attendance also available), plus occasional sub-groups.

This is a voluntary role with expenses covered, but the impact you’ll have is priceless.

Who You Are

• Someone who cares about people, fairness and long-term change.

• Confident contributing to big-picture conversations, not just your specialism.

• Values driven, collaborative, and unafraid to ask the right questions.

• We are especially keen to hear from people who have legal or HR experience, ready to fill a crucial skills gap on our Board.

Why This Matters

Because behind every decision we make is someone trying to rebuild their life.
You’ll help ensure they get the safety, support and second chance they deserve.

If you're ready to use your expertise for real social impact, we’d love to hear from you. For an informal chat, please contact Steve Crane our CEO.

Enthusiastic, reliable and compassionate volunteers with good interpersonal skills and a desire to help others. Confident working with young people between the ages of 16 - 24.

To provide social and practical support to customers. Helping towards improving the life chances of people with experience of homelessness.

Clarion Housing Group operate a number of supported housing schemes, to support people to live independently, by providing residents with the life skills they will need to eventually go on to their own tenancy.

This opportunity is based in Strood, Rochester and Gillingham (Medway).

Volunteers empower our customers to identify their existing strengths and skills so they can achieve their goals and aspirations. As a volunteer, you can support customers to achieve their full potential by developing new skills and accessing opportunities.

Activities:
-Building an empathic and person-centred relationship with a young person who may be socially isolated or lack confidence.
-Provide opportunities for young people to become more self-confident, maintain contact with important people in their lives and build-up their social networks.

Practical activities could also include:
-Empowering young people to develop independent living skills and to access educational and employment opportunities
-Helping the young people to complete forms and paperwork including developing their CV and job applications
-Helping the young people to build important life skills e.g. cooking, cleaning and budgeting
-Organising activities within the schemes i.e. art/painting, games/quizzes, cooking

Support for Volunteers:

- To attend four half days of training, receive an induction and have access to any other relevant in house and external training

- Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed

- Volunteers will have a check in with the Volunteering Officer every 3 months to ensure they are happy with the role and to resolve any issues

Enthusiastic, reliable and compassionate volunteers with good interpersonal skills and a desire to help others. Confident working with young people between the ages of 16 - 24.

To provide social and practical support to customers. Helping towards improving the life chances of people with experience of homelessness.

Clarion Housing Group operate a number of supported housing schemes, to support people to live independently, by providing residents with the life skills they will need to eventually go on to their own tenancy.

This opportunity is based in Strood, Rochester and Gillingham (Medway).

Volunteers empower our customers to identify their existing strengths and skills so they can achieve their goals and aspirations. As a volunteer, you can support customers to achieve their full potential by developing new skills and accessing opportunities.

Activities:
-Building an empathic and person-centred relationship with a young person who may be socially isolated or lack confidence.
-Provide opportunities for young people to become more self-confident, maintain contact with important people in their lives and build-up their social networks.

Practical activities could also include:
-Empowering young people to develop independent living skills and to access educational and employment opportunities
-Helping the young people to complete forms and paperwork including developing their CV and job applications
-Helping the young people to build important life skills e.g. cooking, cleaning and budgeting
-Organising activities within the schemes i.e. art/painting, games/quizzes, cooking

Support for Volunteers:

- To attend four half days of training, receive an induction and have access to any other relevant in house and external training

- Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed

- Volunteers will have a check in with the Volunteering Officer every 3 months to ensure they are happy with the role and to resolve any issues

Connection Support has a range of services providing support to people at risk of homelessness or on the edge of needing social care. We work with people made vulnerable through debt, mental health issues, substance misuse, learning disability, and physical disabilities.

Volunteers play a key role in the provision of vital services to our clients.

Are you a reliable handyperson who can undertake, upkeep, and repair a range of tasks for our housing support clients?

• Do you have 1-2 hours a week to make basic home improvements to client’s accommodation?
• Are you a dab hand at DIY and want to put your handyperson skills to good use?
• Do you have an interest in motivating people to make positive changes in their lives through acquiring new skills?

If you can answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then we would love to hear from you!

Key responsibilities

Your role will include carrying out basic household repairs and alterations such as:

• Gardening work
• Flat pack furniture assembly
• Putting up curtain rails/blinds
• Hanging pictures and shelves

Skills required

No volunteering experience is required however the below skills are essential:

• Practical skills in DIY and/or gardening
• Good listening and communication skills
• Excellent people skills to enable you to work with a range of individuals with complex backgrounds

• Reliable and trustworthy
• Respect confidentiality
• Ability to build effective working relationships with clients in a non-patronising way