Looking to support those experiencing homelessness through volunteering? Check out the volunteer opportunities offered by Pillars, Inc, an organization that helps those experiencing homelessness in the Fox Cities through emergency shelter, supportive housing programs, and case management services.
Volunteering at Pillars, Inc
Pillars, Inc has a variety of volunteer opportunities to help families experiencing homelessness. Specific opportunities may include:
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Breakfast Host: Serve breakfast for shelter clients using donated products (eggs, cereal, oatmeal, pastries) OR prepare and provide a hot breakfast.
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Dinner Provider: Make (or purchase) a nutritious meal for 55-60 shelter clients. Open to volunteers who deliver the meal or to individuals/groups who prepare the meal on-site.
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Dinner Server: Serve a buffet-style meal at the shelter. This includes setting up the kitchen, serving a meal, and cleaning up after.
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Shelter Assistant: Support Pillars staff and clients behind the scenes. Flex between roles as needed.
- Other: Not sure how you want to help yet? Apply to volunteer anyway, and the Pillars Volunteer Manager will get back to you with any available opportunities!
Kids must be at least 7 years old to participate and must be accompanied by a parent or adult. Family volunteer opportunities are available only at the Pillars Adult & Family Shelter, located at 400 N. Division St. in Appleton.
Getting Started
- Fill out an application. The Volunteer Manager will review it and email you to set up a call. They will also provide you with some materials to complete before the call takes place.
- The Volunteer Manager will set up training shifts to complete following your call. After training, you will receive a VolunteerHub account to sign up for shifts on your own.
- Start volunteering!
Fill out a Volunteer Application here!
Other Ways to Support
Looking for other kid-friendly ways to support the cause? Try one of the following!
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Cook a meal as a family at your home and bring it to shelter as a Dinner Provider! Pillars has a Volunteer Cookbook to make planning the meal easier.
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Make placemats for the tables in the dining room! Use a piece of paper (whatever size you have), color and draw on it, and bring it to shelter for clients to enjoy while they eat.
Feel free to reach out to Tessa, Pillars Volunteer Manager with any other ideas or questions you may have.
Thrivent offers additional resources to make your volunteer experience easier! If you’re a Thrivent Member, you’re eligible to organize a Thrivent Action Team to get started on a community project of your choice. Thrivent will provide seed money and a customizable Action Team kit, plus digital tools to promote your project, invite volunteers, and track participation. Learn more about Thrivent Action Teams here.
