Alpha House
Our network is our net worth
We get a lot of questions regarding volunteering and how best to help Alpha House serve the community efficiently and effectively. So, we've answered some of them here!
Looking for a meal-hosting FAQ page? Click HERE!
Volunteer FAQs
I want to volunteer! What can I do to help Alpha House?
Our volunteers are the backbone of this organization! If you're interested in volunteering, we have a few options for you.
1) The best thing you can do is to host a meal for the residents of Alpha House West on Jackson Road. Open dates and information about hosting a meal can be found at www.alphahouse-ihn.org/meal-hosting.
2) The second best thing is to host a donation drive! We are always in-need of non-perishables like mac & cheese cups, ramen, juice boxes, cereal, and granola bars, as well as non-food items like shampoo, razers, diapers, toothbrushes, toilet paper, and paper towels! More information about hosting a donation drive can be found at www.alphahouse-ihn.org/donate. Unfortunately, we cannot accept used clothes or toys at Alpha House... everything must be new!
3) Come to the shelter and clean! We often have volunteers offer to wash walls and windows, take linens to the laundromat, sort donations, and more! In the spring and summer, we often have volunteers gardening!
4) None of these strike your fancy? Reach out to Lee Solo, Communications Associate, about your desire to volunteer, and we will help you find something that works!
What do I need to know about volunteering at Alpha House?
We have a great Volunteer Guide that you must read before volunteering, but here are a few basics:
- You and any other adult in your party will be background checked prior to your visitation of either shelter.
- You cannot take pictures of or share information about the residents of Alpha House
- Our residents typically have jobs and their kids go to school, so if you're around during the day, you may not see anyone other than staff! If you do see some residents, feel free to say hello! This also means that, if you want to volunteer via reading to children, it may be difficult to find a time where the children will be present.
I want to help, but I don't have time to volunteer. What can I do?
Making any type of donation to Alpha House has one of the biggest impacts, whether its a financial donation or a donation of food and other supplies. Information about donating can be found at www.alphahouse-ihn.org/donations
I want to host a meal! How does this work?
Hosting a meal is a fantastic way to help out at Alpha House. More information can be found at www.alphahouse-ihn.org/meal-hosting, but here's the rundown:
Where should the food be prepared?
- It's up to you! You can purchase and bring all the ingredients to Alpha House West and do all the preparation in our kitchen, or you can take care of everything at home and bring the finished result to the shelter!