BHCHP is fortunate to have a remarkable, talented corps of volunteers dedicated to our mission. We are delighted that you would consider joining.
There are a wide variety of opportunities for individuals and groups to impact the important work of caring for the health of Boston’s families and individuals experiencing homelessness.
Volunteers can serve on-site in our clinics, respite care facility, administrative offices or research department and off-site organizing donation drives that gather essential items that BHCHP’s doctors, nurses and case managers distribute to our patients.
When you choose to support BHCHP with your time and talents you join a committed group that plays a critical role in the care of our patients.
Individuals
Donating Your Time and Talents
We offer a variety of opportunities for individuals looking to make a regular, weekly commitment to our program and our patients. Whether providing administrative support or engaging directly with patients, volunteers are vital to our success. Although volunteers cannot engage in direct clinical work, their contributions expand and complement the care we provide to individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
Hours – Weekdays during normal business hours; weekend and evening shifts may also be available. Commitment – Because we require immunization history and background checks, we can’t accommodate volunteering for one day only. BHCHP requests you come in on a regular schedule (same day/same time every week) over a six month period.
Location – Multiple sites in and around Boston.
Becoming a Volunteer at BHCHP
All volunteers must be 18 years or older and able to commit to at least 6 months of service. All volunteers are required to complete the steps below before beginning their volunteer work.
- Complete our online application
- Complete a CORI check (must be completed in person with a valid ID)
- Submit immunization records, including proof of COVID vacination (Click here for requirements)
Available Roles
Volunteers generally commit to a recurring, weekly role. Different roles can have different shift parameters, so please read the role description carefully to make sure it fits in your schedule.
Role descriptions and shifts can be found HERE:
Please be aware that needs and shift availability can change rapidly, so availability of listed shifts cannot be guaranteed.
Unless otherwise noted, roles are at our Barbara McInnis House (780 Albany St., Boston) or Stacy Kirkpatrick House (461 Walnut Ave., Jamaica Plain) facilities.
Summer & Non-Summer Internships
BHCHP does sponsor a number of Summer Internships in cooperation with various colleges and universities. For more information on these internships, click here.
If your school does not have a formalized internship agreement with BHCHP, or you are looking to intern outside of the summer, we are willing to try and accommodate you, but this process will be handled through our volunteering process. Please be aware our ability to accommodate is based entirely on our needs and needs can be difficult to predict months into the future.
When you’re ready, click the Apply Now button below to begin your application.
Applications will be reviewed to determine whether you have the qualifications and availability we seek. Candidates are not considered until the application has been received.
We are very sorry, but due to the volume of applications, we are only able to contact those for whom a possible match is identified.
Thank you for your efforts and interest in serving at Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program.
Please email volunteer@bhchp.org for more information.
Groups
Working Together for Change
BHCHP offers opportunities for groups looking to make a collective impact on the care of our patients while building team unity at the same time. Community, corporate, faith-based, college groups, and families can share their time with our patients through recreational activities.
This level of support has a lasting impact on our patients and is incredibly helpful for staff. Volunteer groups often tell us that it has an enduring impact on them as well.
Volunteering During COVID
Our weekend Social Workers currently facilitate a Saturday afternoon activity block for patients which includes everyone’s favorite … Bingo! … and an adult coloring group. Group volunteers can support these activities in a variety of way, not least of which is just socializing with our patients and having a fun time! BHCHP staff will be on hand to support you every step of the way. A typical Saturday session might look like:
- Arrive at noon for a tour of the facility, followed by set up for the event,
- Bingo begins at 1pm. You might call out the numbers, man the prize table, or play a card yourself. If you have foreign language skills (particularly Spanish or Haitian Creole), you might assist a non-English speaker,
- Have fun until 2:30,
- Quick clean up and debrief, and you’re done (probably) by 3pm
Sound like a good time? Opportunities can be scheduled by contacting volunteer@bhchp.org. Please note that slots fill quickly; we are currently booking into April of 2023.
But what about COVID, you ask? What else do I need to know before my group volunteers?
- All volunteers should be COVID vaccinated and prepared to show their COVID card on their day of service,
- We will consider volunteers who are unvaccinated for health or religious reasons, but please let us know at least a week before your day of service. People who arrive then assert an exemption cannot be let in. Sorry,
- No more than 5 volunteers can be interacting with patients at any time. We will consider slightly larger groups, but only 5 at a time can be with the patients,
- In addition to showing your COVID card, you will be asked to sign patient confidentiality paperwork,
- Volunteers 16 or younger will be allowed to participate, but it is extremely important you let us know beforehand. Also:
- Volunteers 16 or under must be accompanied by a parent,
- Parents are responsible for watching their children. Unfortunately, staff cannot assist with this,
Corporate groups looking for volunteer service opportunities please click here.
Opportunities can be scheduled by contacting volunteer@bhchp.org. Please note that slots fill quickly; we are currently booking into April of 2023.
Corporations
To learn about the ways you and your company can engage in hands-on service with BHCHP, please reach out to Edith Gregory at egregory@bhchp.org.
