Although financial contributions and items from our Wish List are EHC LifeBuilders’ greatest needs, volunteering time is another way you can get involved in ending homelessness in your community.

Who can volunteer at EHC LifeBuilders?

• Individuals; groups from faith-based, corporate, neighborhood, or community organizations; and families or groups of friends.
• Minors ages 16 and older may volunteer alone; 13-15 year-olds may volunteer accompanied by a responsible adult.
  

Current Opportunities:

The food service at our Boccardo Reception Location needs volunteers year-round to help prepare and serve meals with a light clean up afterwards. Groups are invited to bring in prepared meals or anyone can sponsor a meal, it is more affordable than you think!

Lunch service is from 11am to 1pm and Dinner Service is from 4pm to 6:30 pm seven days a week serving 250 clients each meal.

From November to March, the Cold Weather Shelter Program operates two additional shelters: The Sunnyvale and Gilroy Armories. Dinner service is from 6pm to 8:30pm at both locations and each site serves about 125 clients, seven days a week. Please note, the program does move off-site a few times a month and this may affect scheduling. Scheduling for the Armories normally occurs between September through January, so please inquire early on to request dates.

Holiday Meal Service

During this special time of year, we welcome volunteer assistance for meal preparation. Please note, volunteers working in the kitchen are now required to provide proof of TB clearance (see requirements below).

Requirement:

Proof of Tuberculosis Clearance: doctor’s note showing you are negative from TB, valid for 3 years. Click on this link for TB Clearance Locations within Santa Clara County.

How can I begin volunteering?

Here are the steps you need to take to begin volunteering:

(1) Please read our Volunteer Information & Code of Conduct and then fill-out our Volunteer Enrollment Form on your computer, print it out, and fax to Attn: BRC Volunteer Contact at 408-294-1400. Please allow 3-5 business days for someone to contact you.

(2) Once you are scheduled, if a form is required for your volunteer opportunity, please print and complete the applicable forms, indicate which volunteer opportunity you are interested in.

Boccardo Reception Center                     Sunnyvale Armory                     Gilroy Armory

(3) TB Clearances must be received and on file before your first shift. Please include your name, group name if applicable, and date of service on your TB Clearance Form to ensure proper filing. Please fax, mail, or send electronically to:

Attention: BRC Volunteer Contact
EHC LifeBuilders
2011 Little Orchard Street
San Jose, CA 95125
Fax: 408-294-1400
BRCVolunteerContact@ehclifebuilders.org

Click here for any additional information and volunteer forms you will need to start volunteering with EHC LifeBuilders.

Current Opportunities without TB Requirement

We understand the TB Requirement may be a bit daunting; therefore, you may help in other capacities. Between November and March, assist with client-intake, blanket distribution, set-up, and other activities not involving food preparation or service.

Both the Gilroy and Sunnyvale Armories need volunteers to help out with these tasks, for scheduling and more information, please email the site managers directly to schedule your shifts and you can print the forms needed and turn them into your supervisor when you begin.

Sunnyvale: Kelcy Fleming: kfleming@ehclifebuilders.org
Gilroy: Raul Padilla: rpadilla@ehclifebuilders.org

Seasonal Internships

Occasionally, EHC LifeBuilders needs interns to assist in various capacities, granting the perfect opportunity to gain experience and give back to the community! Internships typically require a 3 month commitment and can involve anything from assisting case managers, providing office assistance, or engaging in community outreach and much more. Please email VolunteerCoordinator@ehclifebuilders.org, or contact her by phone at 408-539-2131, for more information.

Seasonal Gift Giving/Holiday Decorations

During the holiday season, there are many ways you can help and brighten someone’s day. Plan to adopt a family or a site and provide gifts for clients; let us know which population you would like to work with, whether it is single adult men and women, families, youngsters, teens, or Veterans, we will provide you with a wish list for gifts. A great and easy way is to have everyone at work, church, or your organization shop for a few clients on the list and prepare these new gifts for distribution to our clients. Another way to help is by getting a group together to decorate a site, throw a party, or donate materials needed to bring joy to those who need it most. Inquiry should begin in October in order to allow adequate preparation for the holiday season.