The process of becoming a volunteer has three steps: 1. Submit a completed volunteer application 2. Attend a required Volunteer Open House 3. Pass a background check.

After you attend an Open House we process your application and perform your background check, which takes about one week. You will be notified of your approval status within one week of your Open House date.

Open Houses are held once each month at the Mission in Northridge. You must register for an Open House in advance.

At the Open House, you will learn more about who we are as an organization and why we do our work the way we do. You will also be trained in important volunteer policies, code of conduct, and safety information. You may not serve before attending an Open House.

* We are holding virtual open houses due to COVID-19. You may attend a live session or a recording. After you complete your application, Open House details will be emailed to you.

No. All volunteers must be scheduled in advance. With robust programming happening each day and hundreds of volunteers serving with us each month, in order to provide the best volunteer experience we schedule all opportunities in advance.

There are no age requirements to volunteer; however, not all volunteer opportunities are appropriate for children. Please inquire with our Volunteer Coordinator about volunteer opportunities that may be better suited for children.

We ask that children be monitored adequately by their parents/volunteer group leader at all times. Teens 15+ may be without a parent present. It is important to note that only volunteers ages 16+ may volunteer in our kitchen, in keeping with the Department of Health standards.

Yes! Groups of up to 10 people can be accommodated. A group leader must attend an Open House and share the information with the group (all volunteers must submit an application prior to service). Also, being a family shelter, our environment lends itself really well to family volunteering. Please note that parents and children will count towards the 10 person group size limit.

Volunteer Receptionist - Assist our intake coordinator at our front desk with clerical tasks and answering phones. Shifts available Mon - Fri available between 8:30 am - 7 pm

Meal Host - Bring a catered meal to serve to families or prepare a meal on-site in our kitchen (Dinner served daily at 6 pm & Brunch served Sat. at 10:00 am)

Volunteer Cook - Help prepare meals for the week in our commercial kitchen.

Children's Activities - Bring a fun activity to share with the children in our program between 7 pm - 8 pm (please inquire about availability)

Outreach Volunteer - Help with our mobile showers and meal program. Shifts available Mon - Fri between 6:30 am - noon.

For specific information on each volunteer opportunity please visit an Open House or contact our Volunteer Katherine Zuniga via email