From that day forward, I found a new passion and began volunteering weekly at the Jacobs Hope Cafeteria. In 2025, I decided to fully walk in that purpose by joining the Hope Center as an employee. Addiction and homelessness have touched my life in ways many people may not understand, but through this experience, I realized I could help invite others to be part of meaningful change. Today, I serve as the Volunteer Coordinator and am passionate about maximizing community engagement. The Hope Center changed my life through volunteering, and now it is my mission to give others that same opportunity.
At the Hope Center, volunteers are truly the heart of what we do. They help fuel our mission of helping, healing, and giving hope to those in need. Volunteers make our programs possible, but more importantly, they help our clients feel seen, valued, and supported. On our main campus on W. Loudon Avenue, volunteers can sign up for daily shifts at both the Jacobs Hope Cafeteria and the Emergency Shelter. At the cafeteria, we serve over 7,000 meals each month to Emergency Shelter residents, as well as dinner to the public. Each shift allows up to six volunteers to help serve meals three times a day, seven days a week—breakfast (6:30-7:30am weekdays and 8-9am on weekends), lunch (12-1pm, and dinner (5-6pm). Volunteers must be at least twelve years old, and those under eighteen must be accompanied by an adult.Our 24/7 Emergency Shelter serves up to 200 men each night, with extended capacity during the winter months. Volunteers can assist on Tuesdays and Thursdays by organizing donations or cleaning sleeping mats. While these tasks may seem simple, they play a critical role in maintaining a safe, clean, and dignified environment for our residents.
Because the Hope Center offers a wide range of services and programs, there are countless ways to get involved. We provide flexible opportunities for individuals and groups alike. Volunteers with skills in baking, food service, health, sanitation, anger management, meditation, or other life skills can lead classes for clients in our recovery programs. Large groups can work with me to coordinate service opportunities such as preparing sandwiches or sack lunches for our Hope Mobile and Street Outreach teams, or assembling hygiene kits for our Men’s Emergency Shelter. Groups can choose to serve on campus at our Don Ball Campus Center in the Blue Community Room or contribute by preparing and dropping off items. When weather permits, volunteers can also help clean sleeping mats outdoors. In addition, we often need volunteers for special events, such as our Hope for the Holidays celebration, Education Builds Hope Luncheon, and Night of Hope event. We truly welcome anyone with a passion for serving others or unique talents—whether that’s photography, art, organization, or simply a willingness to help.
If you are interested in volunteering, I encourage you to visitwww.hopectr.org and complete our volunteer application. The process is simple, just click “Get Involved,” select “Volunteer,” and fill out your information. Once approved, you can sign up for shifts that best fit your schedule. If you have questions, are part of a large group, or have ideas for collaboration, please feel free to email me at mfields@hopectr.org. I would love to help get you connected. Without our volunteers, the Hope Center’s work would not be possible. They are not only the heart of our organization—they are the reason we are able to provide life-sustaining and life-rebuilding services to those facing substance use disorder, mental health challenges, and homelessness. Volunteering does more than support our mission, it transforms lives, including your own.