VOLUNTEER

Want to make a difference? We have a wide variety of options to meet nearly every need and interest. Volunteers are critical to our success. With your help we can give our neighbors in need a new start.

Volunteer at Father Joe’s Villages Today

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Volunteers can utilize their talents in various programs, including preparing and serving meals, assisting in Therapeutic Childcare, being a Residential Aide, and much more.  If you have a skill or talent you would like to share, please reach out.

*The minimum age to volunteer is ten with a parent, guardian, or chaperone, and is strictly for Food Services opportunities.

We welcome all types of volunteers and groups: individuals, families, religious organizations, community groups, military groups, corporations, local businesses, and more!

Have Fun

Enjoy your meaningful and rewarding experience! Over 3,300 volunteers give more than 46,000 hours of support annually, and we couldn’t do it without them. Your volunteer time makes our work possible.

Have additional questions? See our FAQs below.


Contact: 
Fill out form below619-645-6412 | volunteer@neighbor.org

“Father Joe’s Villages offers an all-encompassing variety of services, including shelter, food, health care, and career training, and I am very happy and proud to volunteer here.  I have been a part of Father Joe’s Villages since 2010, and I get so much more out of my experiences than I give.  I encourage everyone to donate time or money to this very important organization.”

Yvette Boodro, The Ladies Guild San Diego

“Volunteering here is a wonderful experience where you can gain as much as you give.”

Kyra Martin-Spencer

Day Center, Art Cass and Wednesday Mass Volunteer

Volunteer Interest Form

We’ll be in touch soon!

If you have not received a reply from a Volunteer Services team member within 3 days, please check your Junk email box.

How Volunteering Helps

Wherever you choose to volunteer, our staff looks forward to the opportunity to work with you to meet the needs of those in the community who rely on our assistance. With only a few hours of your time, you can improve the lives of thousands of people.

neighbors in need are provided life-sustaining services each year. Volunteers are essential to making this happen.

meals are provided to hungry neighbors each day. Without volunteers, this service would not be possible.

dollars are saved by Father Joe's Villages each year due to the work of just our Ladies Guild volunteer group alone.

LADIES GUILD

The Ladies Guild is a non-denominational service organization whose mission is to assist in the work of Father Joe’s Villages. It is an all-volunteer group of 250 women who raise funds dedicated solely to benefit the children at Father Joe’s Villages.

Frequently Asked Questions About Volunteering

If you have a question, please browse below to find an answer. If you still have urgent questions after reading, then contact volunteer@neighbor.org or (619) 645-6412.

Where are you located?

Father Joe’s Villages is located at 1501 Imperial Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101. We also have volunteer opportunities at other sites so location depends on the volunteer event. Our Volunteer Services Coordinators will provide further information and directions once you sign-up. For more volunteer information, please contact: volunteer@neighbor.org or 619-645-6412.

Are volunteers required to wear masks?

Father Joe’s Villages remains committed to keeping staff, clients, and volunteers safe. Father Joe’s Villages no longer requires face masks but volunteers are welcome to continue wearing them if they choose.

What are the vaccine requirements for volunteering?

Father Joe’s villages is requiring staff, clients, and volunteers to follow local, state and national guidelines, which states that homeless shelters fall under the same order as health care workers and are required to have proof of vaccination on file.

Father Joe’s Villages staff, volunteers, and vendors must meet this requirement. To comply with this order, we will need to have vaccination cards (front and back) sent to Volunteer Services before you volunteer.

As state and federal authorities release new health and safety guidance and requirements, Father Joe’s Villages will continue to review and update our coronavirus-related policies and procedures as warranted and inform you of any changes.

Do I need to schedule in advance?

Yes, all volunteers on Father Joe’s Villages sites must be signed-up for events prior to arriving.  No walk-ins are accepted. For general volunteer information, call 619-645-6412 or email volunteer@neighbor.org

Can I bring a group?

Yes. Volunteering at Father Joe’s Villages is an excellent team-building opportunity. We welcome schools, service organizations, alumni groups, families, fraternities and sororities, religious organizations, military and corporate teams. We also have group needs during the holiday season for events such as the Thanksgiving Day 5K. For more information: volunteer@neighbor.org or 619-645-6412.   

Can children volunteer?

The minimum age to volunteer is 10 years and strictly for meal services opportunities. An adult must accompany any minor under the age of 15. While volunteering is a great way to teach children about service, it is important to assess a child’s maturity level and ability to listen and follow directions before signing up.

Do you allow school groups to volunteer?

Yes. We welcome middle and high school and college groups. Call (619) 645-6411 or email volunteer@neighbor.org to check on availability.

Can I complete my school service hours?

We welcome middle and high school students to complete any school-required service hours, however, we would like to remind every volunteer that it is their responsibility to plan and schedule their visit well in advance, since registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Weekend availability is limited and scheduling early is recommended since many groups schedule the weekends a year in advance.

Can I complete court mandated community service hours?

Community service hours are accepted on a case-by-case basis and upon our availability. Misdemeanor or felony sexual offenses are not accepted. All court-mandated community service volunteers are required to submit additional documentation prior to volunteering. Please contact (619) 645-6412 for more information.

What is the dress code?

Father Joe’s Villages has a mostly casual dress code and comfortable attire is recommended.  Please wear long pants/jeans, a shirt or blouse that has sleeves (short or long is fine) and closed toe shoes. A ball cap is fine too. Many of the volunteer events are at least a two-hour commitment and tennis shoes or sneakers are highly recommended when working.

Is it safe to volunteer?

Father Joe’s Villages is committed to providing a safe environment for our clients, volunteers, staff, and guests, so we employ a trained, professional staff of Security Officers. Our security team is on-site at our Village campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our proactive and professional security team is highly successful in preventing criminal activities and reducing the cost of ambulance transportation through rapid response and compassionate resolution in emergencies.