Opportunities From: United Way of King County

Education Is a Key to Success, Continuing Education Instructor In Need Of Assistants

DESC has assisted hundreds of individuals obtain employment as their primary path out of homelessness and toward greater stability through two distinct programs: Supported Employment Program and continuing education classes. This program has been a great success, so much so it's more than one person can handle alone.

Below is a description of the continuing education program offered to DESC clients and the commitment needed from a volunteer assistant.

1. The class is for a wide range of abilities. Most students enter at very basic levels. This is not an ESL class but some non-native speakers, with no better options available, have spent time in the class and have coped well.

2. Clients join for a wide range of reasons including using time productively, self-improvement, gaining employment skills, gaining a GED or preparing for college interest admission tests.

3. Students do not need to commit to an attendance level. 

4. Classes are free. 

5. Monday and Tuesday from 8:30am-10:30am at the DESC's Gateway in Honor of Tenaya Wright.

We are still requiring masks in all client areas so masking is required for this particular volunteer opportunity. Must be vaccinated for Covid-19 or have a compelling reason not to be.

If you enjoy driving, DESC has a great way to get out and about in Seattle and help provide clothing and resources to our community that is experiencing homelessness!

DESC is looking for reliable drivers to deliver donations to DESC programs throughout the city, as needed. Also, a backup driver for Mondays and Fridays who can fill in to retrieve donated clothing from two Crossroads Clothing locations in the University District and Capitol Hill neighborhoods and take them to our donation center in Columbia City area of Seattle (5270 Rainier Ave S.) for processing and distribution.

Driver's pick up from Crossroads on Monday's and Fridays starting at 11AM. Complete shift should take around 2-3 hours.

*Driver's with large vehicles (pickup truck or large van) can utilize personal vehicle or DESC can provide a delivery van if needed. Please note, we can also utilize driver's for other various delivery needs if availability or vehicle size does not match.

*REQUIREMENTS: Washington State Driver’s License, clean driving record, personal vehicle insurance and ability to lift 25+ lbs. Commitment of at least 6 months. Vaccination/Proof of Vaccination for COVID required.

Like to organize and keep things tidy? We could use your help!  Many of DESC's programs have a resource closet.  We need your help in maintaining and upkeeping the items and making sure they are available for staff to give to clients in need.  This position will include performing a weekly inventory of clothing and other resources, partnering with staff about needs then communicating those needs to the donation center.

This position has limited interaction with clients and is more organizational in nature.  This opportunity is at our 216 James Clinic and the Lew Middleton Drop In Center in downtown Seattle.  The Lew Middleton Drop-In Center was started by Washington state’s longest-standing Certified Peer Counselor, Lew Middleton Jr. Since 1994, the center is and continuously aims to be a safe space for an incredibly special and diverse population. The center is staffed and operated by a team of Certified Peer Specialists, who receive intensive clinical training in order to best serve the community and provide recovery-oriented services.

Many of those we serve, have low to no income so these supplies are essential at ensuring their well being. This volunteer role would be responsible for maintaining the organization of these supplies so that they are easily accessible, as well as communicating any needs when supplies are low or out. Frequency in most cases would be weekly and schedule is flexible depending on volunteer schedule and location needs/abilities.

All volunteers must be fully vaccinated against COVID and adhere to any required safety guidelines. Submission of proof of vaccination is required and masking is still mandatory in our locations. Must be over 18 and complete a background check. We ask for a commitment of at least 6 months.

Do you have a special skill that you think would make a great group activity for our DESC residents/clients? Would you like to be involved with assisting someone else in their special skill or just spend time with some of the people that DESC serves?

DESC has 15 housing locations across the Seattle area as well as a few additional programs that lead a variety of group activities for DESC residents/clients. Activities range from bingo to art groups, etc. We are seeking volunteers to lead or assist staff with these activities. Type of group activity would depend on abilities/talents of the volunteer and the needs of the specific housing location. Frequency in most cases would be weekly and schedule is flexible depending on volunteer schedule and location needs/abilities.

If you are interested, please let us know if you prefer leading a group or assisting someone else with leading a group and what types of groups you might be interested in. If you have a special skill that you think would make a great group, let us know as we are always open to options and our housing programs main focus is just to create a group environment where our residents can connect as a community.

All volunteers must be fully vaccinated against COVID and adhere to any required safety guidelines. Submission of proof of vaccination is required. Must be over 18 and complete a background check. We ask for a commitment of at least 6 months.

DESC is looking for weekday/weekend volunteers to help sort through donations at our Donation Processing Center that will benefit our DESC clients/residents. Clothing resources, hygiene and household items are highly requested by our emergency housing/shelter, housing and outreach programs so your assistance would be vital to meeting those needs.

Clothing donations are delivered 2 days a week to our donations processing center, located in our Rainier House building in Columbia City area of Seattle, where you will be sorting. We also receive various donations from the community. Your responsibilities will include identifying items for use by DESC clients across various programs and shelving those items for pick up from case managers.

Hours are flexible and sorting can be done anytime between 8 AM - 8 PM any day of the week / weekend. It is preferred that volunteers choose a weekly scheduled shift but we can also offer flexible pop in shifts as well if schedule will not allow. Most shifts are done solo but sometimes there can be slight overlap.

All volunteers must be fully vaccinated against COVID and adhere to any required safety guidelines. Submission of proof of vaccination is required. DESC is a licensed healthcare provider and follows all direction given by the CDC. Sometimes lifting around 20-25 lbs is needed but we can adapt depending on individual needs if necessary. Must be over 18 and complete a background check. We ask for a commitment of at least 6 months.