Volunteer

VOLUNTEER WITH NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE

Thank you for your interest in supporting Neighborhood House by giving your time! We are grateful for your support.

We are primarily looking for volunteers that can commit to a recuring schedule.

Volunteers must be 18+ for most roles. Positions that accept individuals under 18 are listed under requirements. (Hosting a food drive is a great way for youth to get involved and make a real impact.)

VOLUNTEER ROLES:

Free Food Market

Operating one of the largest food banks on Portland’s West Side is no small task! We always need volunteers to help sort, stock, unload, and shop with community members.

When we need you:

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays
Shifts between: 9:30 am – 6 pm

Location:

3445 SW Moss St., Portland, OR 97219

Requirements:

16 years+ & ability to commit to a recurring volunteer schedule

12-15 years old must volunteer with a parent/guardian

Next Steps:

We are pausing onboarding new volunteers until we move to our new home on Barbur Blvd in 2026! In the meantime, please complete: Adult Application Form – Neighborhood House.

Garden Volunteer

Each year volunteers grow around 1,500 pounds of fresh, nutritious vegetables that are harvested and then distributed directly through the Free Food Market. Garden Volunteers help plant, harvest, weed, mulch, repair raised beds and irrigation, and all things gardening.

When we need you:

Seasonal (spring, summer, fall) Weekdays & evenings

Location:

Multnomah Village

Requirements:

10 -17 years old must volunteer with a parent/guardian/chaperone

Next Steps: 

Volunteer opportunities are currently CLOSED for the season. Check back this spring!

The Center 55+

Volunteers engage with our community of senior members by providing hospitality support, helping at the front desk with administrative tasks, and leading activities/workshops. These are our greatest areas of need:

  • Book Club/Discussion Leader – Guide engaging conversations and foster a love of reading.
  • Chair Exercise Instructor – Lead gentle, accessible fitness classes to support wellness and mobility.
  • Dance Instructor – Share your passion for dance and keep our community moving to the rhythm.
  • Bingo Facilitator – Host lively bingo sessions that bring fun and camaraderie to participants.

If you have a skill or hobby you’d like to share, we’d love to hear from you – The Center 55+ is always looking for Volunteer Instructors!

When we need you:

Mondays – Fridays

Shifts between: 10 am – 3 pm

Next Steps: 

For more info. about The Center 55+ volunteer roles, please reach out to Volunteer@nhpdx.org.

Ride Connection Driver

Our Ride Connection Volunteer Drivers escort seniors to medical and personal appointments, recreational trips and errands, and help with shopping. This vital service requires drivers who are willing to use their own vehicle. This is a partnership with Ride Connection.

Next Steps: 

For more info. about being a Ride Connection Volunteer Driver for The Center, 55+ please reach out to Volunteer@nhpdx.org.

 

 

Childhood Education & Development

Do you have a knack for connecting with students, preschool age children, or infants? Want to help children succeed in school and build valuable skills? Our childhood education programs, Head Start (NW/SW Portland) and School Age (N/NE Portland) seek special volunteers to work as Community Volunteers and Classroom Assistants.

When we need you:

Tuesdays – Fridays
Shifts between: 8:15 am – 3:45 pm

Location: 

Four Sites within SW/NW Portland

Next Steps: 

For more info. about Head Start and School Age volunteer roles, please reach out to Volunteer@nhpdx.org.

VOLUNTEER RESOURCES

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ABOUT VOLUNTEERING?

Please reach out to Julia, Volunteer & Community Engagement Specialist

GROUP VOLUNTEERS:

Group Sizes: At this time we are able to support volunteer groups of 7-15 in the spring/summer/fall and groups of 6-7 in the winter.

Tasks: Volunteer groups will support work in our Garden and/or Free Food Market and/or provide administrative support.

Requirements: Signed Volunteer Liability Waiver and Photo Release Form 

Ages 12+ with a parent/guardian (Free Food Market)

Ages 10+ (Garden)

 

Food Drives

We encourage Group Volunteers to host food drives! It’s one of the best ways to make a difference together. 

Next Steps: 

For more info. about Group Volunteer opportunities, please reach out to Volunteer@nhpdx.org.

OTHER VOLUNTEER NEEDS:

Language Translation

Volunteers assist with translation services in Chinese, Mandarin, Farsi, Russian, Spanish, and other languages. 

Special Events & Community Outreach

On-site event support is needed throughout the year at a variety of fundraisers/community outreach events including (but not limited to) Welcome Home, SW Hope 5K Walk & Run, Multnomah Days, and more!

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