Incorporated in 1992, the mission of the Fair Housing Rights Center (FHRC) is to ensure equal access to housing opportunities for all people. To achieve this mission, the Center educates the public on fair housing laws, provides assistance to individuals who have experienced housing discrimination, monitors the community for compliance with applicable housing laws, and offers information and counseling on housing related issues.
Lutheran Children and Family Service of Eastern Pennsylvania commits itself to serve vulnerable children and families in community through culturally competent ministries of care, nurturing, shelter, advocacy, and counseling, including but not limited to foster care, adoption, family preservation, education, resettlement, housing and job development. Students can get involved with our refugee resettlement program, BOOST after school program, and our West Philadelphia Senior Community Center.
The Lutheran Children and Family Service Refugee Resettlement Program is a local affiliate of the National Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, which assists refugees and asylees through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of State. When a refugee family arrives to the area, Lutheran Children and Family Service is responsible for gathering available resources, finding housing and employment, and providing general cultural orientation. Our refugee resettlement services are designed to create a smooth transition to life in the local community and to promote economic self-sufficiency. Volunteers are needed to mentor refugee families, escort refugees to appointments, provide homework help for refugee youth, set up refugee homes, assist with ESL classes, tutor unaccompanied refugee minors, collect donations, and provide childcare at workshops.
BOOST (Best Out of School Time) is a program through Lutheran Children and Family Service that provides before and after school programs to over 900 youth at 11 schools in Southwest, West, North, and Northeast Philadelphia. Volunteers are needed to assist with homework and lead clubs and workshops for our students.
The West Philadelphia Senior Community Center (WPSCC) is a program through Lutheran Children and Family Service that offers dynamic and rewarding activities and events for older adults, ages 50 and above, who are residents of Philadelphia. WPSCC offers a computer lab with new computers and iPads for instruction and use, a fitness room with physical trainer and various exercise programs, as well as an array of daily classes and activities that enrich the mind, body and spirit. Volunteers are needed to teach classes in topics such as Spanish, quilting, woodworking, and scrapbooking.
If interested, please complete a volunteer applicationhere!
The mission of Project H.O.M.E. is to empower adults, children, and families to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty, and to alleviate the underlying causes of poverty. Project H.O.M.E. achieves this through a continuum of care comprised of street outreach, a range of supportive housing, and other comprehensive services. The organization addresses the root causes of homelessness through neighborhood-based affordable housing, economic development, and environmental enhancement programs, as well as by providing access to employment opportunities, adult and youth education, and health care.
Volunteer opportunities include: aiding residents in daily activities, serving as a computer skills tutor, helping staff in an administrative capacity, and creating rewarding workshops and classes for residents.
Established in 1902, Lutheran Settlement House (LSH) is a non-profit, community-based organization committed to serving vulnerable children, adults, and families living in Philadelphia. The mission of Lutheran Settlement House is to empower individuals, families, and communities to achieve and maintain self-sufficiency through an integrated program of social, educational, and advocacy services. LSH has various programs to serve seniors, adults who would like to continue with their education or find a job, and those who have experienced domestic violence and homelessness. Volunteers have opportunities to volunteer with any of LSH’s four programs (domestic violence, community education and employment, their senior center, and their home for women and children).
Saint John’s Hospice is a community grounded in faith and service where homeless persons find dignity, respect, nourishment and opportunities for new beginnings. St.John’s provides daily meals for 300-350 men, mail services for close to 2,000 men, a residential program for approximately 40 men, and a residential program for 12 medically needy homeless men (the majority of whom have HIV/AIDS). St. John’s also provides casework services to link men with shelter, substance abuse, medical, employment, and other services. There are volunteer opportunities available in a number of different areas including helping in the mail room, serving food as a kitchen worker, sorting gifts (seasonal), and driving (seasonal).
Genesis Housing Corporation is dedicated to the development of affordable housing and to the education of consumers on housing and financial issues. Genesis Housing Corporation rehabilitates vacant and owner occupied properties throughout Montgomery County including special programs in Pottstown and Norristown. Volunteers help with grant writing, research on housing areas, and administrative tasks.
ACLAMO stands for Accion Comunal Latinoamericana de Montgomery County, or the Latin American Community Action of Montgomery County. ACLAMO is also derived from the Spanish verb “aclamar,” which means “to proclaim, to shout forth.” We want our community to know that they, too, can achieve the American Dream of success. ACLAMO Family Centers provides educational programs, social services and health access to Latino and other low income residents by empowering them to succeed and become productive members of society.
Established in 1988, Dignity Housing is the first housing and supportive services program in the nation to be founded and guided by homeless people and activists. Since its inception, Dignity has provided both quality, affordable housing and supportive services to thousands of people – primarily single African American women and their children. Heads of households residing at Dignity Housing are working on goals of self-sufficiency; children and teens improve their study habits and grades; a number of adults pursue higher education in trade schools and colleges/universities. Various volunteer opportunities are available: after-school help, distributing/sorting donations, special events/fundraising, and workshop presentations on money management, health, and nutrition.
Habitat Philadelphia is on a mission to transform lives and our city by building and repairing quality homes in partnership with families in need, and uniting all Philadelphians around the cause of affordable housing. Volunteer opportunities are available in constructing a Habitat home, supporting Habitat’s non-profit building supply/interior design storefront by organizing and pricing donated items, and performing data entry and helping to manage programs in the Habitat office.