Volunteer Opportunities

The Urban Ministry Center depends on the generosity of volunteers to meet the daily needs of our homeless neighbors. Every year, nearly 10,000 regular, seasonal and one-time volunteers lend their heart and hands to our work. Our hope is that the work at Urban Ministry Center brings change in people’s lives – in the lives of our homeless neighbors and in the lives of volunteers. We invite you to become a part of this ministry.

Learn more about the opportunities to make a difference and take the first step by completing our individual volunteer form or our group volunteer form. Once we receive your form, we will be in touch about next steps.

All volunteers must be scheduled by the volunteer office--we need to know you're coming! This enables us to ensure a rewarding experience and helps with safety and efficiency.
Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

For Individuals:
Weekday Support

Monday – Friday 8:20am – 12:00pm; 12:00pm - 1:30pm; or 1:20pm – 4:20pm

Front desk or upstairs reception
Counselor
Personal services assistant (shower and laundry)
Computer lab support
Job search support
Van driver
Mail sorter (10:30 – 12:30)
Office & staff assistant (times flexible)
Data Entry (times flexible)

Weekend Support

Saturday 9:30 am - 12:30 p.m.

Front Desk support
Computer Lab Assistance
Mail and office organization
Data entry

Program Assistance

ArtWorks945 email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
GardenWorks945 email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
StreetSoccer945 email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
HousingWorks email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Room In The Inn reception check-in (4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Dec through Mar) email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

For Groups:

If you have never partnered with us, please consider one of our many education opportunities before your service. These can be tailored to your needs (group size, age, knowledge), and can be held on-site in conjunction with other service, or provided at your location. The Education and Engagement you will receive will give you a simulated or first-hand account of homelessness here in Charlotte--essential to the understanding and awareness of our community. Options include the Faces of Homelessness Panel, Walk in My Shoes, My Name is Rachel, or for a very indepth study of poverty and homelessness, Bridges Out of Poverty. Descriptions of all programs and contact information can be found on our Community Education page.

The following groups can be self-scheduled by filling out our Group Form. Be sure to include the number in your group, the ages, and any extra information about your group that might be useful. Our coordinators will then send you a password so you can view our calendar and schedule your group!

Drink Groups (4-6 people): bring and serve drinks for 400 (200 on the weekends). Your group will set up in the dining room and pass out drinks to neighbors as they get their lunches. Bring either bottled drinks -or- cups, powdered drinks, and ice (~5 10lb bags) to serve 400 Monday-Friday, or 200 on Saturday or Sunday. Use the Group Form to self-schedule your group.
Operation Sandwich (any number to assemble, 1 to deliver): make 100-800 sandwiches for the Soup Kitchen. Click here for more information.
GardenWorks945 (2-12 people): no experience needed - Help us weed, harvest, and get things accomplished in our garden! Use the Group Form to self-schedule your group.

For groups larger than 15, please consider an off-site activity, a donation drive, or check in with us to make special arrangements. We may have other opportunities available, like bringing a treat (cookies, sno-cones, hot coffee, or a cook-out), deep cleaning, trail-mix assembly line and distribution, or running a bingo game or game day. We're open to your ideas too! Fill out the Group Form and let us know your needs/desires to help.

Solve the Puzzle Charlotte:

This website links you to ways to support the Charlotte-Mecklenburg 10-Year Plan to End and Prevent Homelessness, by connecting with agencies focused on prevention, housing, services, people, and advocacy.