Volunteer
How do I volunteer to help homeless in Seattle?
Volunteering with Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission is more than a service opportunity. It's the chance to give hope, healing, and help save lives.
Here are 5 ways to volunteer:
- Serve a meal at our shelter
- Bring a meal to our shelter
- Sort donated food, clothing, and supplies
- Mentor a homeless person in our recovery program
- Join Search & Rescue team to help with homeless outreach
Looking for more ways to volunteer your time? See all volunteer opportunities.
Group opportunities and service projects
Check out group volunteer opportunities and service projects! Volunteering with your group is flexible to your group’s needs, rewarding, and planned just for you by our Volunteer Engagement team. Your group can directly impact the lives of our homeless neighbors.
- Bring a meal to our shelter
- Sort donated food, clothing, and supplies
- Join "The Bridge" homeless outreach efforts
- Join "Transform Burien" homeless outreach efforts
Looking for more ways to volunteer as a group? See group volunteer opportunities and guidelines.
New volunteers
Take a few moments to review the Mission’s Volunteer Handbook. It helps to know our history, mission, and some basic dos and don’ts — like what kind of shoes are okay in the kitchen — to help have a fun and rewarding experience.
Next, create an account using our volunteer website. You’ll be asked to choose a username and password.
Please wait for 1-2 business days for your background check to be approved — you will receive a confirmation email once this has occurred, at which point you can jump right in and lend a hand! Sign up to volunteer now.
Want to know more before jumping in? Sign up for our New Volunteer Orientation. This class is designed for volunteers who have recently become or are interested in becoming a volunteer. You'll enjoy light refreshments while we share volunteer opportunities, inform you about homelessness, and equip you for volunteer service. We look forward to meeting you!
Contact us
Do you have questions about volunteering? Get in touch with our Volunteer Engagement Team — volunteer@ugm.org or (206) 723-0767.
BRING A MEAL
It's the perfect volunteer activity for groups! Purchase, prepare, and bring an entire meal to one of our shelters.
Our guests absolutely love special meals prepared by our wonderful volunteers!
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VOLUNTEER
When you give the gift of yourself it makes a real difference in the lives of those we serve.
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VOLUNTEER WITH A GROUP
One of the best team-building activities for any group is volunteering.
Volunteering together can be especially enriching; it is an opportunity to break
the routine and see another side of the people you're with.
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HIGH IMPACT VOLUNTEERS
Is God calling you to grow in your volunteer role at the Mission?
Is God asking you to use your gifts and talents to expand the impact you’re having on those in great need?
Do you want to go deeper, further, and
farther in your volunteer experience at the Mission?
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CORPORATIONS
Get ready. You won't believe the impact your company can have when you serve at the Mission.
Your experience will be easy, stress-free and rewarding for your employees.
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DRIVES
A drive makes a big impact. And it's a great way to build community through
the shared joy of giving with your friends, workplace, or church.
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