Once this step is completed, reach out to Glenn Olson, Senior Volunteer Officer at golson@ugm.org or (206) 723-0767; he can share additional information as needed or help connect you directly with Mission Program staff you would be working with.
Have a question or don’t see a specialized skill you might have to offer? Get in touch with the Volunteer Experience Team at volunteer@ugm.org or (206) 723-0767.
Specialized Opportunities
The Mission often seeks volunteers with specialized skills. Currently, we are looking for the following:
Once this step is completed, reach out to Glenn Olson, Senior Volunteer Officer at golson@ugm.org or (206) 432-8474; he can share additional information as needed or help connect you directly with Mission Program staff you would be working with.
Have a question or don’t see a specialized skill you might have to offer? Get in touch with the Volunteer Experience Team at volunteer@ugm.org or (206) 723-0767.
Photography:
Commitment: varies depending on need and volunteer availability; volunteers serve in person at event sites
Help us capture the moments that matter. No professional experience required—just an eye for great shots and a willingness to photograph individuals and groups at events such as Mission graduations and holiday celebrations. You’ll also help document candid moments of joy, recognition, and community.
We provide clear guidelines to ensure that guest privacy and permissions are always respected.
Please Note: Photography needs vary month to month. Volunteers will be notified of upcoming events, and assignments will be matched based on availability.
Teaching:
Commitment: Volunteers commit to serve once a week for at least ten weeks. These opportunities are in person at one of our program sites.
Help change lives by teaching a weekly class in the Mission’s recovery program. Our guests take courses in life skills, spiritual growth, emotional health, fitness, creativity, and more. Classes are held in person at our sites during weekday office hours, and instructors commit to at least 10 weeks. Curriculum may be provided or developed collaboratively, depending on the class.
Examples include: Art Therapy, Anger Management, Parenting, Boundaries, Bible Basics, Music & Movement, ALPHA, music lessons, and more.
If you’re a Christian looking for a high-impact way to invest in our guests’ growth and healing, this role may be a great fit.
Internship:
Commitment: varies depending on Mission needs and academic requirements.
Gain meaningful, hands-on experience while completing your academic or vocational requirements. The Mission offers internships across many fields—including counseling, teaching, social work, children’s programs, nonprofit management, marketing/communications, and more. We work with you to ensure your internship supports both your learning goals and your program requirements. After you've created a volunteer account, fill out the internship application here: Vested Volunteers.
Parties/Special Event Support
Commitment: varies depending on need and volunteer availability; some planning work can be done remotely, but volunteers also serve in person at event sites
Bring big ideas to life! We’re seeking creative problem-solvers to help plan and execute Mission events such as all-staff gatherings, Day of Prayer, volunteer socials, and more. If you love organizing details, collaborating with others, and turning a vision into a memorable experience, this role is for you.
Please Note: event planning needs vary month to month. Volunteers will be notified of upcoming events, and assignments will be matched based on availability.
Food Services Driver
Commitment: one morning per week, in person
Make a real difference in just a few hours each week. Meal Delivery Volunteers transport prepared meals from our South Seattle kitchen to Mission sites in Pioneer Square, Capitol Hill, and Burien. Shifts take place on weekday mornings. Training is provided, and volunteers use a Mission vehicle.
This is a simple, high-impact way to support our neighbors experiencing homelessness.
Administrative Support
Commitment: four hours per week for at least six months; some opportunities can be done remotely
Keep the Mission running smoothly by helping with essential behind-the-scenes tasks. Depending on the position, volunteers might assist with data entry, phone calls, mailings, grant research, receptionist support, or other administrative projects across Mission departments. Some tasks can be done remotely.
We ask for a commitment of at least four hours per week for six months, with flexibility for planned travel or absences.
If you love organizing information and getting things done, this is a meaningful way to make a real impact.
Genesis – Case Manager Support
Commitment: once a week for at least three months, in person at one of our program sites.
Walk alongside Mission guests as they engage in the Genesis Process, our core Bible-based recovery curriculum focused on deep self-reflection and lasting change. While Case Managers facilitate the program, guests benefit greatly from trained volunteers who can process insights with them and offer steady encouragement through this challenging inner work.
Volunteers receive Genesis Process training and collaborate closely with Case Managers and the Senior Guest Care Manager. This is an in-person role requiring a consistent commitment over at least six months.
If you’re a Christian who is compassionate, grounded, and eager to support transformative growth, this is a powerful way to serve.
Legal Services Assistance:
Commitment: varies, depending on Mission needs and volunteer availability; volunteers serve in person at our south Seattle site
Legal challenges can feel overwhelming for our guests, many of whom are working to resolve issues like outstanding warrants or custody disputes while also pursuing recovery and stability. Volunteers in our Legal Department help lighten that load.
Depending on your availability and experience, you may assist with intake, screening, administrative support, or helping guests navigate and resolve legal matters. Your support makes complex systems more accessible—and offers hope at a critical time. More information about our Legal Services can be found here: Legal Services.
Mentoring:
Commitment: Volunteers meet with their mentee in person once a week for 9-12 months.
Walk alongside a Mission guest as they pursue lasting change and step into the life God intended for them. Christian mentors meet weekly with a guest to offer spiritual encouragement, social support, and practical coaching in life skills, education, and personal growth. Your guidance helps guests complete their program and move toward stable housing, employment, and a strong support network of family, friends, work, and church.
Speakers Bureau:
Commitment: varies depending on need and volunteer availability; volunteers serve in person at event sites.
We’re seeking a team of passionate volunteers to help share the heart of mission throughout our community. As a Speakers Bureau volunteer, you’ll represent us at churches, businesses, schools, and local outreach events—helping others discover how they can partner with us in life‑changing work.
Please Note: Speakers Bureau needs vary month to month. Volunteers will be notified of upcoming events, and assignments will be matched based on availability.
Community Banquet Lead
Commitment: The last Saturday of every other month, starting in February.
Every other month, the Mission hosts a community lunch for our homeless neighbors at the Downtown Men’s Shelter—an important touchpoint to build relationships, share hope in Christ, and connect guests with programs that lead to lasting stability.
We’re seeking one or two volunteer Banquet Leads to help make these gatherings warm, welcoming, and well-coordinated. Banquet Leads work on-site to guide volunteer groups, support food service, and serve as the bridge between volunteers and shelter staff.
Training, ongoing support, and initial shadowing with Volunteer Experience staff are all provided.
