The Chattanooga Community Kitchen Volunteer Programs
The Community Kitchen does have paid staff to maintain our services. However, we could not operate, let alone be successful, without extensive volunteer support. Groups and individual volunteers are needed 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. If you or your group would like to volunteer, please look below, consider your interests and skills, call us and ask to speak to our volunteer coordinator: (423) 756-4222; you can also email volunteer@homelesschattanooga.org.
Click here for our downloadable Volunteer Brochure, with information on opportunities, policies and programs!
Click here for the Ways to Get Involved.
Downloadable Volunteer Policy Manual. Downloadable Volunteer Form. |
Family Housing Learning Center Click to open / Click to close
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
ONGOING NEEDS: Dish washer detergent, liquid dish detergent, pine-sol/409, soap, sponges, cleaning rags, floor cleaner, glass cleaner, laundry detergent, Clorox, dryer sheets, shampoo, conditioner, paper towels. Cough syrup, baby aspirin, Aleve, Tylenol, First Aid Kits, gas cards, Wal-mart cards to give as an incentive for attending meetings. LARGER NEEDS: Small appliances, towels, sheets, silverware, glasses, dishes, weed killer/mulch for playground, paint and paint supplies, cleaning supplies.
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Operations
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Jobs may vary depending upon needs. Groups and Individuals alike can be utilized. Typical projects include:
Volunteers are needed to clean kitchen equipment, refrigerators, walls, and floors. SUMMER GROUP PROJECTS: Contact Tim Wood to see what projects are needed. Tim will provide a list of projects for the group to choose. Each project will have a list of supplies/materials. When a group chooses a project, that group will be responsible for all project funding and/or supplies. Groups must have a team leader. Youth groups must have 1-2 adult supervisors per ten youth. Groups may choose more than one project, but no more that 16-17 people should be assigned to a project. Once a project is chosen, Tim will schedule a tour for the team leader and volunteers.
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St. Mathews Night Shelter for Men
Saint Matthew’s is an offsite night shelter for men operated by the Community Kitchen. Residents must be referred to the shelter by a program. The shelter is open seven days a week, 365 days a year from 5:30pm to 6:30am. Staff Coordinators open the shelter and are on call during the night, but rely on volunteers to spend the night. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
NEEDS:
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Food Service
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Please note kitchen staff prepare all meals and are present to direct volunteers.
RESTRICTIONS: Kitchen volunteers must be over 16 years old to work in food preparation or serving. Those who are 10-15 may come in small groups with one adult per 5 young people to volunteer in non food preparation activities (sorting, cleaning, etc.) Young children 10 years and under can best help us by having off site drives to collect food, clothing, recycle, hygiene products, and monetary donations to name a few. ** NO OPEN-TOED SHOES OR SHORTS ALLOWED IN FOOD SERVICE
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Outreach
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
NEEDS:
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Thrift Store
CONSIDER THE LILIES THRIFT STORE AND GIVE-AWAY PROGRAM
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Individuals or Groups:
Restrictions:
NEEDS:
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Front Desk
 The front desk/reception area serves as the entry way for clients, donors and volunteers. Clients utilize the front desk as a location to place and receive telephone calls, check mail, and acquire hygiene items. Donors and volunteers utilize the front desk to check in, make donations, and receive donation tax receipts. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: Up to two individuals at a time can sit at the desk during operating hours. Volunteers will greet donors and clients when they come in the front door, answer the telephone, take messages for clients, check mail for clients, assist donors with tax receipts, distribute hygiene items, and direct clients, volunteers and donors to individuals that can answer their questions.
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SAFAH
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Individuals are needed to teach life skills classes to include:
** Subject to approval of Case Manager
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Homeless Employment HELP II
The HELP II Program assists clients with finding and keeping jobs, including necessary life-skills training (such as resume, interviewing techniques, hygiene, consistency, etc.) Case managers work with clients to secure housing, transportation, and essential needs. After completing the program, clients are tracked for 90 days. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
NEEDS: Bus tickets, Bus passes, interview attire for men and women, furniture and household items.
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St. Catherine's Night Shelter for Women & Children
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
NEEDS:
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The Family Housing and Learning Center (FHLC) is a transitional housing program with ten apartments available to working families as they move from shelters to self-sufficiency. Case managers assist residents with finances, budgeting, parenting, education, paying bills, and other life-skills. Homeless families work toward home-ownership and self-sufficiency.
The Operations Department ensures that all programs operate efficiently and that all building and grounds maintenance tasks are current. All construction and maintenance projects are overseen by Operations.
nance, building repairs
The Community Kitchen serves 3 meals a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Meals are open to everyone. No questions asked. 
ezers and coolers
The Outreach Case Manager works to meet the needs of the homeless living on the streets, in camps, or with nowhere where to go. The case manager also visits clients in the hospital, provides spiritual guidance, and advocates for those struggling with the legal system. Foot-care is an essential part of outreach. 
SAFAH, Supplemental Assistance for Facilities To Aid the Homeless, is a program designed to prevent formerly homeless women and children (primarily victims of domestic violence) from cycling back into homelessness by helping make the transition from shelter to permanent housing. Assistance with the first month’s rent, security deposit, furniture, etc. are provided to help the clients succeed in permanent housing. Case Management is also provided for six months after the client has moved to housing to assist the client with success in becoming self-sufficient.
HOMELESS EMPLOYMENT AND LIFE-SKILLS PROGRAM (HELP II)
Saint Catherine’s Shelter for Women and Children is an offsite night shelter managed by the Community Kitchen. Residents must be referred to the shelter by a program. There are eight beds available to shelter residents. Staff Coordinators open the shelter and are on call during the night, but rely on volunteers to spend the night.