Volunteer

We are seeking patient, reliable and flexible volunteers interested in working with children daily during after-school hours, helping with administrative and clerical tasks during normal business hours, outside and inside maintenance work, assisting with pets in shelter, making and serving meals in the evenings, and more!

Put your special skills and background to good use and let us know how you want to make a difference!

Volunteer Today!

Pet Program Volunteer: We house pets for families that stay in our shelter and pets that belong to owners in other homeless shelters in Cincinnati. We are able to house 4 dogs and up to 6 cats and one smaller animal such as a turtle or lizard. We are in need of volunteers to come in and help the pet program coordinator take care of these animals while their families are working to achieve self-sufficiency and move into housing. The amount of animals we have differs from week to week.

Responsibilities:
– Refilling food and water bowls for all animals
– Cleaning litter boxes and outdoor dog area
– Spending time/playing with animals for exercise and social well-being
– Communicating with the Pet Coordinator about any problems or issues
Time Commitment: Shifts would be 1-2 hours on any day of the week. Volunteers will be instrumental in the expansion of our program to serve more pets than in the past.
Contact: Garrett Parsons, Pet Program Coordinator: garrett@ihncincinnati.org 513-324-3067

Child Enrichment Volunteer:  Assist with childcare during after-school activities that are fun and engaging with children experiencing homelessness.
Responsibilities:
– Assist staff with activities which may include crafts, general play, homework help
-Oversee children/participate/take photos during guest activities such as therapy dog visits, kid’s yoga, circus visits, etc.
– Read stories to children
– Offer homework help
– Help with cleaning of playroom and toys
– Understand that the number of children present and their ages varies day-to-day.
Time Commitment:  Activity time takes place from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday. Volunteers can serve as little or often as they are available.
Contact: Child & Youth Services Coordinator at 513-471-1100 ext. 124

Host a Party for Children in Shelter: Volunteer groups can plan and facilitate a party for children in shelter. We have had birthday parties for everyone, holiday themed parties, etc.
Responsibilities:
-Plan games and entertainment for a one hour party
-Provide dessert for a maximum of 32 people
-Understand that the number of children present for an activity is constantly subject to change
-Provide goody bags for up to 24 children
-Communicate with Child Enrichment Coordinator about date, plans and number of anticipated participants
Time Commitment: This can be a one-time volunteer opportunity for small groups. The party will take place on a scheduled date during Tuesday-Friday from 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Contact: Child & youth Services Coordinator at 513-471-1100 ext 124

Day Center Volunteer Groups/Individual: At times we may have administrative or building maintenance volunteer opportunities. These could include assisting with our clothing closet, painting, tending to flower beds, assisting with annual mailings, and more. Please contact Meghan Snyder, Shelter Operations Coordinator, for information about various volunteer needs at meghan@ihncincinnati.org or 513-471-1100 ext 110.