Seattle's Union Gospel Mission | Reaching out and touching lives since 1932

Meet Our Volunteers
Opportunities
Volunteer Now

Opportunities

Individuals
Professional Services
Administrative Assistance
Leadership Opportunities
Youth Services
Housekeeping Services
Serving Meals
Facilities
Church and Group Opportunities
Seasonal

Individuals
The Department of Volunteer Efforts (DOVE) matches people with volunteer opportunities at Seattle's Union Gospel Mission. If you have specific skills or training that you would like to share that are not listed below, please let us know. For more information please contact Carol at 206.723.0767 x169.

Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission (UGM) welcomes professionals in a variety of fields. If your area of interest isn’t listed, please contact the Volunteer Office at 206.723.0767 and let us know how you would like to help. Also browse opportunities listed under Life Skills Classes.

Return to Top

Professional Services
Dental professionals – Dentists, hygienists and assistants provide quality dentistry for homeless men, women and children in a state-of-the-art dental clinic located at the Men’s Shelter. For more information please contact Juanita’ at 206.621.7695.

Legal professionals – Attorneys and law students (under the supervision of a lawyer) provide limited legal advice to homeless clients at weekly legal clinics. Attorneys may also provide pro bono representation to homeless clients. For more information please contact Esther at 206.682.4642.

Information Technology – Volunteers are welcome to assist staff with hardware and software support in the Mission’s learning centers located at one or our facilities. Contact the Volunteer Office for details 206.723.0767.

Return to Top

Administrative Assistance
There is always in need of office support. These positions are generally needed during traditional business hours but some evening and weekend opportunities are available. For information about any administrative opportunities, contact the Volunteer Office at 206.723.0767.

Receptionist volunteers assist staff with phones, greeting visitors and light clerical work at the following locations:

Administrative Offices in the Rainier Valley
Son Shine Inn on Capitol Hill
Men’s Shelter and Dental Clinic in Pioneer Square
Women and Children's Shelter in the International District
Riverton Place in South Seattle

Telephone Support is needed to personally thank new donors for their generosity. The schedule is flexible.
Mailroom and Clerical openings are available at many locations. Times vary to suit schedules but must be within traditional business hours.

Return to Top

Leadership Opportunities
Volunteer leaders are needed for special projects and holiday events. People with organizational and leadership abilities who enjoy working with others as a team, are welcome to lend a hand to provide special services to the poor.

Prison Ministries volunteer needs include Bible study teachers (in jail), Mentors (in jail and out), Bible study correspondence graders and Pen Pals.

Tutors and Mentors serve in relationship-building positions with children, women and men. The personal one-on-one attention these volunteers give often makes the difference between success and discouragement in the lives of those involved with UGM. These positions require a time commitment of once a week for a set period of time.

Bible Study Leaders are needed for adults and youth in many of the Mission’s programs. Teaching aids and resources available at some locations.

Life Skills Teachers offer their expertise to the participants in Mission programs. Topics such as personal finance, interview skills, resume writing, and parenting are needed. If you’d like to teach a class in your area of interest or expertise please let us know.

Return to Top

Youth Services
Volunteers minister to our kids in relationship-building positions through out the year in a variety of position.

Bible study leaders are needed to work with elementary, middle and high school programs.

Outreach workers serve on teams in the elementary after-school program and the middle and high school youth programs.

Coaches and assistant coaches are needed for basketball, track and volleyball.

Performing art teachers and mentors are needed with skills such as drama, dance, poetry, speech presentations, choir, music, instruments, set construction, lighting and sound.

The Youth Services can use volunteers on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings to cook dinner for our youth programs. Assistance is also needed in organizing and maintaining kitchen supplies.

For more information about Youth Services contact Sang at 206.723.0767 x178.

Return to Top

Housekeeping Services
Housekeeping Service pairs volunteers to projects like cleaning, window washing, and general light housekeeping at the Men’s Shelter and Women and Children's Shelter located downtown.

Return to Top

Serving Meals
Kitchen/Dining Room Service volunteers are welcome every day of the year at the public meals service at the Men’s Shelter located in Pioneer Square.

Volunteer work shifts:
Breakfast – 6:00a.m. to 9:00a.m.
Lunch – 11:00a.m. to 1:00p.m.
Dinners – 4:00p.m. to 6:00p.m., and 7:30p.m. to 9:30p.m.

The Women and Children's Shelter can use volunteers in the kitchen Monday through Friday to help cook, serve meals, clean up or be a hostess who greets guests and help with children when needed.

Return to Top

Facilities
The Mission’s Facilities Department is looking for professionals and people with skills such as: remodeling, plumbing, painting, carpentry, electricians, landscaping and general maintenance. For more information please contact the Volunteer Office at 206.723.0767.

Return to Top

Church and Group Opportunities
There are projects for families, school groups, church groups, businesses etc. We encourage you and group to get creative and let us know if there is something you would like to do. Below are some ideas.

Plant flowers at one of the Mission’s nine facilities.
Visit a low-income senior.
Organize a collection drive for items needed by the homeless, and drop them off at one of the Mission’s facilities. Some of the items needed: socks, diapers, bus tickets, gift certificates, coats, underwear, toiletries, school supplies and bulk food items.
Provide music for a chapel service.
Serve a meal to the homeless.
Sort and hang clothing at our retail center.
Sponsor a pizza/movie night at one of our facilities.
Help a low-income grandmother give birthday cards/gifts to her family. Sponsor a low-income senior for the year, celebrating the holidays and their birthday with them.

Return to Top

Seasonal
Build and/or run a booth at the Youth Services Halloween Alternative Party.
Sing Christmas carols at a shelter during meals.
Adopt a family for Christmas.
Help put on a Christmas party at the Women & Children's Shelter.
Put up Christmas decorations at one of the Mission’s Facilities.
Sponsor a cookie decorating party at the Women & Children's Shelter.

Return to Top