Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington Headquarters

• Contribute to the Angel’s Watch culture of caring. 

• Support the residents’ sense of being by offering a calm and structured environment. 

• Gain insight into the challenges faced by people living on the margins of independence.   

• Be part of a highly functional team. 

• Cheerful, outgoing, and optimistic, and have a calm demeanor.  

• Compassionate and understanding of people experiencing homelessness.  

• Able to see and value the dignity of every person.  

• Able to recognize people and remember names.  

• Able to juggle multiple tasks at once.  

• Be at least 18 years old. 

• Demonstrate the personal and technical skills required for the particular position. 

• A staff mentor and onsite training. 

• Participation in the Catholic Charities Volunteer Orientation. 

• Are based on the requirements of each volunteer position. 

• Occur partially or completely on-site at Angel’s Watch Shelter. 

• Allow for flexibility, when possible, to accommodate volunteers’ schedules. 

• Welcome Team Volunteers are the first welcoming faces at Angel’s Watch Shelter. They greet residents and vendors at the front desk, liaison with and support other volunteers, help with projects and activities, and engage daily with residents. 

• Angel’s Watch Turnover Team Volunteers help welcome incoming families by working together to clean and lovingly prepare the Family Rooms that will be these families’ temporary homes.  

• New Home Team Volunteers help Angel’s Watch residents search for and move into stable and secure new homes. Under the direction of a case manager, volunteers work with each client individually to locate a new home that meets the client’s needs.  

• Special Project Volunteers collaborate with the Program Director to plan and implement events and activities that bolster community engagement. Volunteer activities are determined by the current needs and interests of the community and available resources. 

Next Steps:  

• Complete the application at the green button to the right  

• Have a brief, informal Get to Know You conversation with Catholic Charities Volunteer Office staff member
• Talk with the staff liaison for this role to match mutual expectations 

• Complete the required screening, e.g., criminal history check (not disqualifying) 

• Attend volunteer orientation 

• Schedule your service 

• Improve residents’ sense of being a priority in a calm and structured environment (e.g., not crisis) 
• Improve efficiency of the Angel’s Watch operation   

Individuals and small teams of 3-3 to volunteers to work together to 

• prepare a nutritious dinner for approximately 70 people.
• Follow the recipes and the groceries on-hand
• Serve the meals cafeteria-style to the families.
• Clean up the dining room and kitchen so it’s ready for the next day.

  Qualifications:  

• Volunteers must be at least 18 years old 
• Be able to lift and carry >10#s
• Be able to learn to use a commercial kitchen: oven, dishwasher, sinks, refrigerator, pots and pans 
• Complete Catholic Charities screening: application, present government ID (or alternative), up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination and booster record, criminal history check, reference check, and volunteer orientation 

• Cheerful, outgoing, optimistic, and calm demeanor 
• Compassionate and understanding of people experiencing homelessness 
• Recognize the dignity of each individual  
• Able to recognize people and remember names
• Able to juggle multiple tasks at once 

• Volunteers will contribute to the Angels’ Watch culture of caring that gives residents a sense of hope for acquiring housing and stability for their families 
• Volunteers will gain insight into the challenges people living on the margins of independence 
• Volunteers will join a highly functional team  

• Volunteers will have a staff mentor and point of contact 
• Volunteers will receive training in front desk operations
• Volunteers will become familiar with the Angels’ Watch shelter and team who operate it 

• 3-hour shifts, 4:30PM-7:40PM
• shifts available Monday - Sunday
• On-site at Angels’ Watch Shelter   

• This is an in-person volunteer opportunity 
• 11670 Doolittle Dr, Waldorf MD
• Parking is available on-site  
• Walkable from bus stop 

Next Steps:  

• Complete the application at the green button to the right  

• Have a brief, informal Get to Know You conversation with Catholic Charities Volunteer Office staff member
• Talk with the staff liaison for this role to match mutual expectations 

• Complete the required screening, e.g., criminal history check (not disqualifying) 

• Attend volunteer orientation 

• Schedule your service 

• Catholic Charities low-barrier shelters offer emergency housing to women over the age of 18. The Shelters are open from 5:00 PM to 9:00 AM and offer a hot dinner, access to case management, showers, feminine toiletries, and a bed each night. 

    

  Hope Corps Members act as leaders for other volunteers and will be integral in providing support to volunteer groups at Harriet Tubman Shelter, ensuring smooth operations when staff are busy attending to the needs of the people we serve.

• Hope Corps Members will enhance the overall volunteer experience by being a knowledgeable presence, answering questions, and ensuring volunteers feel supported and informed. Their impact will be evaluated through feedback from volunteer groups and staff and the overall efficiency of site operations during busy periods. 

• Welcome and orient volunteer groups upon arrival. 
• Provide tours of the facility and answer questions about the space and the services provided. 
• Assist with coordinating volunteer activities and ensuring tasks are completed as planned. 
• Step in to support service activities when staff members are occupied. 
• Maintain communication with staff to stay updated on daily priorities and needs. 

• Minimum age: 18 years. 
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively. 
• Comfortable interacting with diverse groups of people. 
• Basic knowledge of the services offered by Catholic Charities (training will be provided). 
• Physical ability to move around the service site and assist with various tasks. 
• Willingness to undergo additional training for the role. 

• Strong interpersonal skills. 

• Experience in a volunteer or customer service role is a plus. 
• Ability to adapt to changing environments and tasks. 
• Friendly, approachable, and reliable. 

• Opportunity to develop leadership and coordination skills. 
• Experience in a dynamic and supportive community service environment. 
• Networking opportunities with other volunteers and staff. 
• Increased awareness of community needs and service programs. 

• Comprehensive training provided to familiarize with the physical space and service operations. 
• Ongoing support and supervision from the Volunteer Engagement Office. 
• Access to staff for assistance and guidance during volunteering hours. 

• Ongoing Volunteers: Minimum commitment of 6 months, with 4-6 hours per week. Volunteering can be scheduled on weekdays, weekends, and evenings as needed. 

• Location will vary depending on the volunteer’s preference and the needs of the programs