Volunteering is essential to the mission at House of Charity.  Volunteers come alone or as members of family, church, school and corporate groups. Their smiles, friendly words and willing hearts demonstrate how a sense of community and the spirit of giving can transform lives.

House of Charity volunteers serve in a variety of ways. Most of our volunteers work in the Food Centre, where they help prepare and serve meals. Since the Food Centre serves meals every day of the week, volunteers are a vital part of our daily routine. Volunteers also help to keep our facilities clean and organized. Some of our volunteer groups choose to do special projects such as painting walls, performing musically, or holding food and clothing drives. It's appreciated when people volunteer as guest speakers, lending their medical, legal or other knowledge with our residents and guests. Volunteers can also teach and tutor students in the Computer Learning Center. The opportunities are endless.

House of Charity Volunteer Guidelines:  Thank you for choosing to volunteer at House of Charity.  We want your time at House of Charity to be a positive and rewarding experience for you, as well as for everyone you meet here. Therefore, we ask that all volunteers and staff abide by the following guidelines:

Guests – We think of those who come to our Food Centre as our guests.  Please extend your best hospitality to them.  Smiles and upbeat attitudes help our guests feel welcome.

Respect – We expect all House of Charity guests to be treated with dignity and respect by all staff, paid and volunteer, at all times.  Likewise, you should be treated respectfully.  If you feel that you have been mistreated by a guest, please notify us immediately.

Confidentiality – It is very important to respect the privacy of our guests, clients and community service volunteers.  Please do not share any personal or sensitive identifying information outside of this organization. 

Fraternization – We expect all volunteers and staff to have professional and appropriate interactions with our guests.  Inappropriate interactions include meeting guests or asking them to do any work outside of the normal course of House of Charity business, selling or assisting guests in the sale of items, making a trade or purchasing items for a guest, etc.  We also do not allow the lending or borrowing of money.

Personal Belongings - Please do not leave any personal items unattended (i.e. coats, purses, cameras, cell phones).  We cannot be responsible for any lost or stolen items.   Our staff will be happy to lock your items in the office when asked.

We appreciate your willingness to abide by these simple guidelines.   Again, we want you to have a great experience here.  Please feel free to ask questions.  Also, please remember that your smiles and friendly words are a big part of making our guests and residents feel welcome and accepted!

DIRECTIONS TO THE FOOD CENTRE

 714 Park Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN  55404

94 West:  Take the 5th Street exit.  It winds past the Metrodome.  Stay on 5th Street until you reach 4th Avenue.  Take a left on 4th Avenue to 8th Street.  Take a left onto 8th Street.  You will see House of Charity's main building on your left (510 S. Eighth Street).  Continue on 8th Street for a block and a half, then take a left onto Park Avenue.  The Food Centre is located on the left hand side of Park Ave., between 7th and 8th Streets.

94 East:  Take the 4th Street exit.  Continue on 4th Street to Portland Avenue.  Turn right on Portland until you reach 8th Street.  Turn left on 8th Street.  You will see House of Charity's main building on your left (510 S. Eighth Street).  Continue on 8th Street for a block and a half, then take a left onto Park Avenue.  The Food Centre is located on the left hand side of Park Ave., between 7th and 8th Streets.

35W South:  Take the Washington Avenue exit.  Turn right onto Washington.  Continue on Washington to Portland Avenue.  Turn left onto Portland and continue until you reach 8th Street.  You will see House of Charity's main building on your left (510 S. Eighth Street).  Continue on 8th Street for a block and a half, then take a left onto Park Avenue.  The Food Centre is located on the left hand side of Park Ave., between 7th and 8th Streets. 

If you'd like to become a volunteer or would like more information, please contact Michael Bennett, Food Services Manager, by phone (612-710-0532) or email (m.bennett@houseofcharity.org).