Volunteers are the lifeblood of Trinity Center - we welcome volunteers of all ages, backgrounds, religious affiliations, gender identities, and sexual orientations. Volunteers assist Trinity Center in fufilling our mission of serving the needs of people experiencing homelessness and poverty in Austin by working in a variety of different areas. Volunteers, as part of the Trinity Center team, are vital in reaching our goal of ending homelessness.

Why Volunteer?

Our volunteers say that they truly get out what they put in - whether you're interested in working one-on-one with neighbors doing advocacy, or working behind the scenes as a kitchen or administrative volunteer, there's a way for everyone to feel comfortable giving back to their community. Most importantly, you'll be making a difference in the lives of those that need it most, our homeless neighbors.

What Motivates Volunteers?

Volunteers are motivated by a variety of different reasons - some are here to learn more about an area that they are studying in school, some work in downtown Austin and enjoy the convenience of a nearby volunteer opportunity, some are parishoners of partnered churches, and some, through serendipitous occurrences, find that this is just the right place and community for them to give back to. Whatever your motivations, please know that you are welcome here.

What do Volunteers do at Trinity Center?

Short answer: EVERYTHING! With only four staff members, the daily operations of Trinity Center are done mostly by volunteers. We truly couldn't do what we do without you! Some volunteers work in the Center answering phones and questions, some work in the kitchen preparing breakfast and making coffee, some provide administrative assistance by developing program reports and assisting in grant writing. Whatever your area of expertise, there's a place for you at Trinity Center.

Volunteer Qualifications

If you are a respectful, open-minded, hard-working individual who is interested in learning more about and serving the homeless community, then you are qualified to be a Trinity Center volunteer. Depending on the volunteer position you are interested in, additional training might be required.

Does Trinity Center have internships available?

Yes! Generally, Trinity Center has between one and three case management interns per academic semester. Contact Amber Phillips, Trinity Center's Case Management Coordinator, for more information.

Scheduling Options

During the week, Trinity Center is open from 9:30am to 1:00pm and most volunteers work during this time frame. However, if your schedule prevents you from volunteering during this time, other Sunday afternoon or weekday afternoon opportunities are available.

What's My Next Step?

Wonderful! You've decided that Trinity Center is the right place for you to volunteer. Now what?

• Step One: Download the New Volunteer Packet
• Step Two: Complete the online Volunteer Application Form
• Step Three: Trinity Center's Volunteer Coordinator, Meghann Ziler, will contact you to set up a meeting to discuss your interest area, availability, and our current openings for volunteers
• Step Four: Shadow a veteran volunteer
• Step Five: Complete any additional training that is required for your volunteer placement
• Step Six: Approval! You're added to the volunteer e-mail list and schedule and are an official Trinity Center volunteer.
• Step Seven: Complete your one-month check-in with Meghann to discuss your volunteer experience thus far.