Guelph Community Health Centre

H.O.M.E. Volunteer

Commitment:                        2 hours weekly, or every other week

Day/Time:                              Tuesday from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm (noon)

Supervisor:                             Ivy Kennedy-Bird, Outreach Worker

                                                Max Mancuso, Peer Worker

Location:                                Guelph Community Health Centre - Downtown Location

                                                176 Wyndham St North

Impact of Position:               Volunteering with H.O.M.E. supports the H.O.M.E. team to reach and impact more people in the unhoused community in Guelph and the Wellington County.         

DUTIES:                                   

• Preparing harm reduction kits
• Packing camping bags
• Sorting and organizing donations
• Supporting the H.O.M.E. team with organizing storage spaces
• Helping to load cars and the H.O.M.E. vehicle for distribution
• Assist staff with various other tasks and duties related to H.O.M.E. work, as needed.        

SKILLS REQUIRED:                  

• Respectful attitude, including patience and flexibility
• Attention to detail and ability to follow directions closely 
• Comfort with people, friendly attitude, team player
• Can lift up to 50 lbs
• Empathetic, compassionate, and non-judgmental when working with vulnerable populations

TRAINING Provided:             

• Role-specific training and ongoing support by Guelph CHC staff
• ACEs and Resiliency Training
• AODA Training
• Ongoing training and workshop opportunities

 Benefits for Volunteers:

• An in-person volunteer opportunity
• Gain experience working in a community centre setting
• Support vital community work
• Learn about Guelph Community Health Centre’s programming and community efforts
• Be appreciated for all of your hard work and commitment
• Build your network and the possibility to gain future references, if needed
• Have fun!

Risk: Low

• No direct contact with vulnerable clients
• Workspace with public visibility
• Support Staff is on site and available during shift
• Please ensure a safe approach when lifting and moving items

About H.O.M.E:

Health Outreach Mobile Engagement (HOME) provides mobile support, harm reduction supplies, access to basic needs, and resource navigation to people in Guelph-Wellington who are struggling with their substance use and experiencing homelessness or precariously housed.  

As a mobile program, we meet people where they are, overcoming common barriers to traditional health care. This program is an urgent response to drug poisoning deaths and other harms from substance use. HOME also helps to fill the gap left by the closure or transition of previous harm reduction services in our communities.