Volunteer

A note from Volunteer Coordinator Megan Dunning

Welcome to the volunteer information section of the Project PLASE website. Thank you for your interest in Project PLASE and for acting on whatever it is inside of you that makes you want to help our community's most needy citizens.

If you are considering volunteering at Project PLASE, we have many opportunities to choose from. If you or your group would like to know more, please call 410-837-1400 x 36. I would be happy to give you a tour of Project PLASE before you commit to volunteering. Personally, I enjoy giving tours so people in our community can see what PLASE is all about. Moreover, by meeting with me before you or your group volunteers, we can get a feel for how your talents match our needs.

I want you, the volunteer, to feel comfortable and I want to be assured that we have both made the right match!

So give me a call. Come on down and I will do all I can to help you share in the joy of volunteering!

 

Volunteer Application

Potential volunteers may submit a completed application to:

 

Be a part of our Board of Directors

Project PLASE is looking for a few good men and women to serve on our Board of Directors. We need professionals and retired persons who are passionate about advocating for the homeless and free to financially support our work. We are currently seeking board and advisory committee members. We especially need people with professional experience in housing development, real estate, marketing, events planning, graphic design and public relations. 
 

Benefits of Volunteering

At Project PLASE, we work hard to ensure our volunteers have rewarding experiences. We want our volunteers to come away from their time at Project PLASE with an increased understanding and knowledge of homelessness, greater interest in community service, and a deeper feeling of connection to and concern for the Baltimore community. Volunteering also brings networking opportunities, increased self-awareness, and personal satisfaction.

PLASE also strives to ensure that volunteers are recognized for their contributions.

Our Programs

Regularly Scheduled Direct Service Activities

Many individuals enjoy serving our clients on some regular schedule in one of our four shelters: The women's shelter, the men's shelter, the co-ed shelter, and our facility for the medically fragile. Some volunteers decide to commit at least one hour per week for at least four weeks. PLASE also has six-month and one-year positions available for those interested in long-term, dedicated service. Our long-term programs include mentoring and tutoring residents on weekends, participating in social activities, moving residents, providing arts and crafts instruction, repairing or maintaining our buildings, facilitating exercise or relaxation classes (yoga, walking, tai chi), and leading self-esteem groups. Such programs have a powerful impact on our clients, staff and volunteers!

Youth Based Learning Programs

Project PLASE, Inc. is an approved service-learning site offering quality community service projects for students, groups, and individuals. Students can complete student service-learning hours through volunteer work at Project PLASE. Our programs for youth volunteers include conducting donation drives or facility improvement projects, preparing meals, and serving as "art guides" in our client art program.

The Special Needs Program

Working with full-time volunteers and staff, special needs volunteers help us arrange donation pick ups (furniture, clothing, household appliances and goods and personal hygiene items, etc.) and send out thank-you letters. They solicit items from the Project PLASE Wish List, collect items for upcoming events, and organize special drives.

 

DID YOU KNOW?

According to a 2001 study, Helping America's Homeless, it is estimated that 842,000 people were homeless in a given week. In the same year, an estimated 3.5 million people were homeless over the course of a year. (http://www.bphc.hrsa.gov/hchirc/about/)

see more homelessness facts

© 2003-2008 Project PLASE

Last Modified 07/8/08 03:32