Opportunities From: Volunteers United

Help us make the holidays bright for children and families leaving homelessness behind. We need a group of 4-10 people/elves who are ready to roll up their sleeves and organize donated gifts so they can be distributed to families. Volunteers will organize gifts from Hope House's generous donors into age ranges and gift types so that parents and case managers can select perfect gifts for each child Hope House is serving. We are ideally looking for a group available for a 3-4 hour shift either Friday Dec 11th or Monday Dec 14th - hours are flexible

Have experience with photography? Looking to make a difference?

Hope House of Milwaukee is looking for a photographer to help us capture our 4th annual Hope Harvest event. This special event will feature a panel of case managers and clients who will share insights and real-world solutions to homelessness in Milwaukee. Panel is followed by guided tours of Hope House’s St. Catherine’s of Hope—an important asset in combatting housing insecurity in Milwaukee. We're looking for someone who can help document the evening's energy!

Photos will be used in newsletters, reports, social media. We also have an ongoing need for photography assistance which can be built around your availability.

Help weed, clean, and plant in Hope House's backyard - After being closed to clients due to a program partners' space needs, we are reopening Hope House's backyard to make a peaceful, restorative space for families staying at Hope House's shelter. Looking for groups who want to get their hands dirty and are open to gardeners who want to lend their vision for a welcoming space!

We can work with your team's schedule most weekdays in September and October.

This opportunity is specifically for groups of 5-20 people. Next steps for this project include major weeding, laying landscape fabric and creating a gravel pathway, planting and mulching, and arranging new donated furniture on the patio.

Host a Move-In Kit Drive at your workplace, place of worship, or school and help families moving from homelessness to housing. A Move-In Kit can include:

However, there is no wrong recipe for a Move-In Kit. All household items are welcome and help families establish a fresh start. Please note that Hope House cannot accept furniture or large appliances due to limited capacity.

Why Your Drive Matters

At 6 years old, a significant portion of Brielle’s experience included being homeless. Brielle’s family had been without housing for a year, doubling up with family and friends and when that was no longer an option, staying in emergency shelters before being connected with Hope House and moving into an apartment. Shortly after Brielle’s family moved into the apartment, their Case Manager, Leslie, visited with a move-in kit of household items and cleaning supplies. Something case managers at Hope House can do with the support of your donations.

Brielle excitedly greeted Leslie, gave her a big hug, and as her family went through the supplies, she found the dish detergent and said excitedly, “and now we get to wash our own dishes!” Brielle’s excitement for a task many take for granted is a reminder of the power of your support - providing stability, dignity, and the comfort of home to families.

How to Host a Drive

Hosting a drive is easy and you know your community best. We suggest having solid start and end dates for taking collections, sharing stories like the one above, and leaning into the strengths of your workplace, place of worship, or community. Hope House can provide signs and speak to your group (when available). We do ask that donations be dropped off at Hope House (209 W. Orchard St., Milwaukee, WI) at the end of the drive as we have limited capacity for pick-ups. Schedule drop off in advance and we'll be happy to give you a tour and share more of the amazing work being done together!