Volunteer

Heading Home relies heavily on volunteers to meet the needs of our programs through client assistance (life-skill workshops, meal preparation, children’s programming), holiday gift drives, property maintenance, administrative support, and event-planning assistance.

UP & OUT: Our Signature Volunteer Program

Perfect for volunteer groups, Up & Out helps client families make the milestone move from shelter into permanent housing. Similar to television’s “Extreme Home Makeover,” Up & Out has a consistently high emotional impact for both volunteers and clients alike.

How Up & Out Works Up & Out Video

HOLIDAY OPPORTUNITIES

Holiday Drive: Make the holidays brighter for our clients by adopting a family and fulfilling their holiday gift wish list. Visit our Holiday Headquarters at the Prudential Center from Friday (11/25) through Christmas Eve (12/24). Learn More →

Family Holiday Parties: Individuals and groups can share the holiday spirit by throwing a holiday party for families at one of our programs. Volunteers are responsible for providing food for all attendees including the families, as well as an activity for the kids.

ONGOING VOLUNTEER PROJECTS

  • Organize a group to purchase groceries, prepare and serve dinner at one of our programs.
  • Assist families with childcare during weeknights at our Medford Family Life Education Center (not available in summer, requires background check).
  • Stop by our Women’s Drop-In Program in Cambridge during the weekday to serve lunch or help with the clothing room.
  • Donate gently used adult clothing. All clothing donations are welcome, but the most needed articles of clothing are: winter coats, professional work attire and everyday clothing.
  • Organize a household item donation drive to collect items from Heading Home’s donation item list. Donation Item List
  • Put together “welcome baskets” for families moving into a new home. Learn More

Volunteer Requirements

  • All Volunteers must complete an application. Volunteer Application
  • Volunteers under age 18 must have a consent form signed by a parent or guardian; those aged 14-15 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Volunteers must submit to a background check if working around children or planning to volunteer on more than one occasion.

For more information on these and other volunteer opportunities, please contact Maeve Bacon at mbacon@headinghomeinc.org or 617.864.8140.