University Retirees Volunteer Center

Help at Your Door

Offering volunteer options guaranteed to Make a Difference!

Help At Your Door is a well-known and respected nonprofit organization serving the Twin Cities Metro Area to assist seniors and individuals with disabilities in maintaining their independence to be able to continue living in their homes. ( https://helpatyourdoor.org )

Currently there are a selection of volunteer opportunities available for you to help in a variety of ways. Check out these possibilities to see if there's one that fits your schedule and skills. Sign up to make someone smile today! 

Drivers In Demand: Do you have a little daytime flexibility, a car and a valid driver's license?  Help provide a senior's independence by transporting them to errands and appointments using your own vehicle. Drive as little as two times per month or as often as you’d like. You choose the rides based on your own schedule and geographic area. Rides are given on weekdays only. Enjoy the companionship of seniors and the knowledge that you are providing an essential service for those who cannot get around on their own.

Grocery Shopper for Seniors – Weekday mornings: Assist seniors and individuals with disabilities, who are unable to leave their homes, by filling their grocery orders. Orders are printed and ready for our volunteer shoppers on weekday mornings starting at about 6:00 a.m. Volunteers take the lists and walk through the stores, finding the items, filling grocery carts, assisting with the check-out process, and helping pack the groceries into totes to be ready for delivery. Shoppers do not pay for or deliver the groceries themselves.

Shopping shifts are typically  about 3 hours, and shoppers can sign up to help on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Store locations are in Bloomington or St. Anthony.  Volunteers may also work with a family member or friend. Volunteers must be available early morning to assist with this role.

Physical Expectations/Limitations: Ability to stand/walk/reach for items while shopping and lift groceries.

Volunteer eligibility and training requirements: Receive on-the-job training by shadowing another volunteer. Eligible volunteers have these qualities: 

• Attention to detail and ability to read product labels
• Fluency in English (read, write, speak, and understand)

Client Connector-Take Grocery Orders from Home: Want to volunteer but don't have much time? We're looking for volunteers who love seniors and who are comfortable working online with their own computer. In as little as one hour per week working as a Client Connector while volunteering from your home, you can build ongoing relationships and help older adults to remain living in their homes. You choose the day and the time, and we'll match you with clients who fit that schedule. Call to check on your client's well-being and take their grocery orders over the phone. Grocery items are entered into an online ordering system on your computer or tablet.

Home Support Volunteer: Can you set aside two hours once or twice a month to give a senior a helping hand in their home?  We need volunteers to assist with home support tasks. Examples include: washing windows, organizing, vacuuming, light cleaning, and other home maintenance tasks. Help once or twice each month for 1-2 hours each time, weekdays or weekends on a schedule that works for you.  Our seniors live throughout the Twin Cities and we will work to match you with someone close to you.  Volunteer individually or in a pair with a friend, family member or co-worker.   

Click the Sign Up Button below to receive more information.

Or contact the University Retirees Volunteer Center at:

URVC@UMN.EDU (preferred) or by phone at 612-625-8016