Why we need Volunteers
As a private, non-profit agency, the Mid Maine Homeless Shelter relies heavily on the dedicated involvement of volunteers to succeed in its mission. With only a handful of paid program staff members on duty each night, volunteers play a crucial role in delivering services to homeless residents. Their presence not only helps to expand the services that can be offered, but also brings fresh energy and enthusiasm to the staff and clients.
What Volunteers Can Do
You can help in many different ways, using whatever time, resources or skills you have. Some tasks can be done once a month or once a week, some are shift-oriented and some are special one-time projects.
Ticonic Street Shelter
Volunteers at the Ticonic Street Shelter are needed to help in the office, to provide meals, to visit with children, to help guests with Shelter cleaning and maintenance, and laundry.
Click here for more details on volunteering at Ticonic Street.
Overflow Shelter
Volunteers staff our Overflow Shelter located in the First Baptist Church at the corner of Park and Elm. A volunteer Shift Supervisor is responsible for the safety of the guests. Help is also needed at the overflow shelter to do laundry, provide snacks and light meals, and to help with cleaning not done by guests.
Click here for more details on volunteering at the Overflow Shelter.
Homeless Prevention
Individuals needed to work with Resource Specialits to mentor families and help with: budgeting, resumes, finding employment, Interview skills, etc.
Moving teams are needed to help transition guests to more permanent housing. Volunteers for this task must have access to a truck or trailer as well as physical ability to move some furniture.
Food Pantry
The Food Pantry, located at the Ticonic Street Shelter is open on Fridays from one to three. Volunteers are needed to collect food in the community and sort it at the pantry for distribution.
Donation Center
The Donation Center is located at the Pleasant Street United Methodist Church. It is open by appointment only. Volunteers are needed daily, in two to four hour shifts, to sort and prepare donations of used clothing, household supplies, personal care kits, etc.
How to Volunteer Your Time
To learn how to volunteer at the Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter, please contact Betty Pamer, the Executive Director at 872-8082 or 872-6550 or email shelter@mewireless.net .
All volunteers who are interested in work that involves interacting with guests are required to receive at least two hours of training and orientation.
Training includes the following:
- Complete Volunteer Application
- Background Check
- Confidentiality Policies
- Maintaining Self
- Basic Safety & Conversation
- Understanding the Homeless
Contributions of food, clothing, bedding are always welcomed and needed.
Fund-raising efforts will be in full force as we try to raise the funds to open our new facility. If you would like to help with a donation or in-kind donations - we would so appreciate it!