Opportunities
Ways to Get Involved
Scroll down to see what events and volunteer opportunities we and our affiliates are hosting that YOU can be a part of!
Click to view: One-Time Serving | Focus Area | Region
One-Time Serving Opportunities
Nov. 14th - San Diego Rescue Mission, Prayer Team (Downtown)
WHEN: Saturday, November 14th from 12:00pm-4:00pm
WHERE: Downtown
WHAT: Join the prayer team and help intercede for those requesting prayer at the annual Thanksgiving Meal.
WHO: 8 volunteers needed; Ages 18+
Disclaimer: This activity requires full mobility of volunteers.Â
FULL - Nov. 21st - San Diego Refugee Tutoring, Thanksgiving Crafts (City Heights)
WHEN: Saturday, November 21st from 12:30pm-3:00pm
WHERE: City Heights
WHAT: Show up and lead crafts for students, tutors, and families to enjoy.
WHO: 14 volunteers needed; All ages welcome
All abilities welcome!
Dec. 1st - We See You San Diego, Dinner Party (Old Town)
WHEN: Tuesday, Dec 1st from 4:30pm-7:00pm
WHERE: Old Town
WHAT: Serve a meal for our neighbors experiencing homelessness.
WHO: 20 volunteers needed; All ages welcome
All abilities welcome!
Dec. 2nd - Hope for San Diego, Wrapping (North Park)
WHEN: Wednesday, Dec 2nd from 10:00am-12:00pm
WHERE: North Park
WHAT: Help wrap blankets and additional items that will be distributed to our nonprofit partners.
WHO: Unlimited volunteers needed; All ages welcome
All abilities welcome!
Dec. 5th - Bithiah's Family Services, Family Christmas Day Shift 1 (San Marcos)
WHEN: Saturday, December 5th from 8:15am-11:45am
WHERE: San Marcos
WHAT: Help with Bithiah’s annual Christmas Day event supporting foster and kinship families.
WHO: 5 volunteers needed; All ages welcome
All abilities welcome!
Dec. 5th - Bithiah's Family Services, Family Christmas Day Shift 2 (San Marcos)
WHEN: Saturday, December 5th from 11:45am-3:00pm
WHERE: San Marcos
WHAT: Help with Bithiah’s annual Christmas Day event supporting foster and kinship families.
WHO: 5 volunteers needed; All ages welcome
All abilities welcome!
Dec. 7th - Urban Life, Mercy Me Packing (City Heights)
WHEN: Monday, December 7th from 5:00pm-7:00pm
WHERE: City Heights
WHAT: Pack up mercy kits for unhoused neighbors alongside UrbanLife staff and students.
WHO: 6 volunteers needed; Ages 18+
Disclaimer: This activity requires full mobility of volunteers.Â
Dec. 8th - Urban Life, Mercy Me Distributing (City Heights)
WHEN: Tuesday, December 8th from 3:00pm-6:00pm
WHERE: City Heights
WHAT: Using the mercy kits packed the night before, you’ll go and distribute those kits and food to unhoused neighbors alongside UrbanLife staff and students.
WHO: 6 volunteers needed; Ages 18+
Disclaimer: This activity requires full mobility of volunteers.Â
Dec. 8th - San Diego Refugee Tutoring, Cookies and Books (City Heights)
WHEN: Tuesday, December 8th from 4:30pm-7:00pm
WHERE: City Heights
WHAT: Distribute Cookies and Books on a special tutoring night.
WHO: 10 volunteers needed; All ages welcome
All abilities welcome!
Dec. 10th - San Diego Refugee Tutoring, Cocoa and Gifts (City Heights)
WHEN: Thursday, December 10th from 4:30pm-7:00pm
WHERE: City Heights
WHAT: Distribute Hot Cocoa and Gifts on a special tutoring night.
WHO: 10 volunteers needed; All ages welcome
All abilities welcome!
Dec. 11th - David's Harp Foundation, Artist Showcase (Downtown)
WHEN: Friday, December 11th from 4:30pm-6:00pm
WHERE: Downtown
WHAT: Help setup and guide parking for a special night where students will be showcasing their productions and art.
WHO: 5 volunteers needed; Ages 16+
Disclaimer: This activity requires full mobility of volunteers.Â
Dec. 12th - Hope for San Diego, Young Adult Wrapping Party (North Park)
WHEN: Saturday, December 12th from 5:30pm-7:00pm
WHERE: North Park
WHAT: Young Adults will help shop, get reimbursed, and wrap gifts for families and neighbors that were sponsored. Cookies and drinks included!
WHO: Unlimited volunteers needed; Young Adults
All abilities welcome!
Dec. 12th - Clairemont Emmanuel Church, Holiday Handmade Gift Event (City Heights)
WHEN: Saturday, December 12th from 12:00pm-5:00pm
WHERE: City Heights
WHAT: Join this fun annual event helping kids make Christmas gifts.
WHO: Unlimited volunteers needed; All ages welcome
Disclaimer: This activity requires full mobility of volunteers.Â
By Dec. 13th - Hope for San Diego, Backup Shoppers (County-wide)
WHEN: All gifts are due by Sunday, December 13th at one of our drop-off locations
WHERE: County-wide
WHAT: Help Shop for Families and Neighbors that were sponsored. You’ll shop, wrap, and get reimbursed.
WHO: Unlimited volunteers needed; All ages welcome
All abilities welcome!
Hope for San Diego, Prayer Partners (County-wide)
WHEN: Throughout the Comfort & Joy season
WHERE: County-wide
WHAT: Pray for the families and individuals receiving gifts, shoppers, sponsors, nonprofit partners, etc.
WHO: Unlimited volunteers needed; All ages welcome
All abilities welcome!
At-Risk Youth
Tutors needed, 3 Affiliate Organizations, County-wide
San Diego Refugee Tutoring, Casa de Amistad, and UrbanLife are looking for tutors to come alongside underserved students. Tutoring opportunities can look like weekly sit down sessions or holiday party set up! Fill out the sign-up form to learn more!
San Diego Refugee Tutoring
WHERE: City Heights
WHEN: Tuesdays and Thursday from 5-6:30
7 month long commitment
Urban Life
WHERE: City Heights
WHEN:Â
- Monday: Youth group and one-on-one tutoring from 2:30 PM to 7:30 PM., 5:00PM for leading small groups
- Tuesday: High school students from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM, and elementary school students from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
- Wednesday: Middle school students from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
Casa de Amistad
WHERE: Solana Beach and Carlsbad
WHEN: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4:30 – 5:45pm and 6:00 – 7:15pm in Solana Beach, or Mondays at 4:30 – 5:45pm in Carlsbad
Support Youth, Just In Time For Foster Youth, County-wide
WHERE: County-wide
WHEN: Start with a volunteer orientation, every 3rd Thursday of the month
Support teens in foster care who are aging-out of the system and most often overlooked. Just In Time For Foster Youth hosts volunteer info sessions each month and then will help match you with a youth for mentoring.
Homelessness
Prepare Meals, Solutions for Change, Vista
WHERE: Vista
WHEN: Any day of the week
Prepare a meal for families who have recently left homelessness and are newly joining the Solutions community.Â
Help with Kid Zone, Solutions for Change, Vista
WHERE: Vista
WHEN: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Saturday
Come and hang out with kids at Solutions for Change! You’ll connect with them by playing games, doing crafts, and having fun.
This gives parents the opportunity to participate in their mandatory classes or workshops at Solutions for Change.
Circle Leaders Ally, Circles, Pacific Beach
WHERE: Pacific Beach
WHEN: Year-round
*18 month commitment*
Circles San Diego, is a community-driven program dedicated to empowering families and individuals to overcome poverty, prevent homelessness, and achieve long-term economic stability. We’re currently seeking Circle Allies—compassionate volunteers who play an active role in supporting a Circle Leader’s (families/individuals in the program) commitment to climb out of poverty and achieve their goals.  Allies serve as friends and mentors, walking alongside Circle Leaders to provide guidance and support.Â
Dinner Party, We See You San Diego, Old Town
WHERE: Old Town
WHEN: Tuesday evenings
We See You San Diego needs help hosting their Dinner Parties for people experiencing homelessness. They have different teams you can serve on- set up, food, clothing, and clean up. Great opportunity for community groups!
Lighthouse Connections, San Diego Rescue Mission, National City
WHERE: National City
WHEN: Wednesday evenings
Join us for Lighthouse Connections, a weekly volunteer event that brings fun, friendship, and community to the guests at the South County Lighthouse. Each week, your group leads a fun activity for about 50 residents. You’ll be responsible for choosing the activity, bringing supplies, snacks, and small prizes, and running the event.
Â
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Services, San Diego Rescue Mission, Downtown and National City
WHERE: Downtown and South County
WHEN: Every day
Serve lunch and a smile to the men, women and children in our 12-month residential rehabilitation program and the women and children in our 30-day emergency shelter.
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Serve Meals, Ladle Fellowship, Downtown
WHERE: Downtown
WHEN: Sundays
Serve lunch and a smile to the men, women and children in our 12-month residential rehabilitation program and the women and children in our 30-day emergency shelter.
Â
Anti-Trafficking
Residential Support, Mentorship, Professional Partnership, Generate Hope, Coronado
WHERE: Coronado
WHEN: Dependent on volunteer role
Generate Hope believes community plays a key role in helping women experience love and dignity. From mentoring, on-campus support, creative services, and professional partnership — there are so many unique ways to help out!Â
Sign up to fill out a volunteer application and get matched with a service opportunity.
Provide a Support Group Meal, Alabaster Jar Project, Escondido
WHERE: Escondido
WHEN: Thursday nights
Each week, Alabaster Jar Project needs a volunteer to provide a meal, including an entrée, salad and or bread, drinks, and a dessert for their peer support group attendees, as their meeting is a dinner meeting. You can sign up to do this weekly, once a month, or one time only. It’s up to you!
Meal Train, Olive Crest, Downtown
WHERE: Downtown
WHEN: Every weekday between 2-2:30pm or 5-6:30p
In a critical step to combat sex trafficking, Olive Crest has launched a comprehensive initiative for the Prevention and Restoration of Minors Impacted by Sexual Exploitation (PROMiSE).
Their Drop‑In Center provides immediate, no‑strings‑attached access to basic needs, safety, and essential services — including meals, clothing, counseling, educational support, and vocational training.
Volunteers are needed to drop off lunches for around 10 youth.Â
Immigrants & Refugees
Food Market for Refugees, Mid-City Church of the Nazarene, City Heights
WHERE: Mid-City Nazarene Church, City Heights
WHEN: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
Mid-City Nazarene Church is located across the street from a large day shelter for migrants. They need help running their Fresh Food Market, a small community grocery store whose goal is to meet the needs of neighbors who lack access to affordable and healthy foods. You’ll help sort through and organize food donations, restock items, carry bags for shoppers, or check guests schedule their next appointment.
Good Neighbors Team, World Relief, County-wide
WHERE: Across San Diego County
WHEN: Year-Round
*6-12 month commitment!
Help a recent refugee or asylee family or individual adjust to American life by walking alongside them with a group of volunteers (a small group of your friends and/or fellow church members). You’ll be their guide from the very beginning, from meeting them at the airport, to helping enroll them in social services, to building a relationship.
Host Homes for Refugee Families, World Relief, County-wide
WHERE: Across San Diego County
WHEN: Year-Round
Host Home Volunteers donate a comfortable space for refugees, asylees, and others in a time of transition so that they have a sense of safety and security. Times of stay can be as temporary or long-term as volunteers are able to provide. Sign up here to learn more information from a World Relief staff member.Â
Sack Lunch Drop Off Donations, Interfaith, Escondido
WHERE: Escondido
WHEN: Every day between 8am-4:30pm
Food is our most basic human need, yet thousands of residents in North San Diego County are food insecure. Each day at Interfaith sack lunches are distributed to people as needed and available. Interfaith distributes 300+ sack lunches daily.
Prepare sack lunches for Interfaith to distribute throughout the day to people in need of a meal. Any amount prepared is appreciated.
Parenting Seminar Support, Alma Community Care, Barrio Logan
WHERE: Barrio Logan
WHEN: Tuesday and Thursday mornings
Alma Community Care provides comprehensive care to families and residents of the Greater Logan Heights area. Alma provides free parenting seminars focused on mental health education. Volunteers are needed to help support parenting seminars at local schools with set up and break down and providing food.
County-wide
Tutors needed, 3 Affiliate Organizations, County-wide
San Diego Refugee Tutoring, Casa de Amistad, and UrbanLife are looking for tutors to come alongside underserved students. Tutoring opportunities can look like weekly sit down sessions or holiday party set up! Fill out the sign-up form to learn more!
San Diego Refugee Tutoring
WHERE: City Heights
WHEN: Tuesdays and Thursday from 5-6:30
7 month long commitment
Urban Life
WHERE: City Heights
WHEN:Â
- Monday: Youth group and one-on-one tutoring from 2:30 PM to 7:30 PM., 5:00PM for leading small groups
- Tuesday: High school students from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM, and elementary school students from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
- Wednesday: Middle school students from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
Casa de Amistad
WHERE: Solana Beach and Carlsbad
WHEN: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4:30 – 5:45pm and 6:00 – 7:15pm in Solana Beach, or Mondays at 4:30 – 5:45pm in Carlsbad
Support Youth, Just In Time For Foster Youth, County-wide
WHERE: County-wide
WHEN: Start with a volunteer orientation, every 3rd Thursday of the month
Support teens in foster care who are aging-out of the system and most often overlooked. Just In Time For Foster Youth hosts volunteer info sessions each month and then will help match you with a youth for mentoring.
Good Neighbors Team, World Relief, County-wide
WHERE: Across San Diego County
WHEN: Year-Round
*6-12 month commitment!
Help a recent refugee or asylee family or individual adjust to American life by walking alongside them with a group of volunteers (a small group of your friends and/or fellow church members). You’ll be their guide from the very beginning, from meeting them at the airport, to helping enroll them in social services, to building a relationship.
Host Homes for Refugees, World Relief, County-wide
WHERE: Across San Diego County
WHEN: Year-Round
Host Home Volunteers donate a comfortable space for refugees, asylees, and others in a time of transition so that they have a sense of safety and security. Times of stay can be as temporary or long-term as volunteers are able to provide. Sign up here to learn more information from a World Relief staff member.Â
North County
Prepare Meals, Solutions for Change, Vista
WHERE: Vista
WHEN: Any day of the week
Prepare a meal for families who have recently left homelessness and are newly joining the Solutions community.Â
Help with Kid Zone, Solutions for Change, Vista
WHERE: Vista
WHEN: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Saturdays
Come and hang out with kids at Solutions for Change! You’ll connect with them by playing games, doing crafts, and having fun.
This gives parents the opportunity to participate in their mandatory classes or workshops at Solutions for Change.
Provide a Support Group Meal, Alabaster Jar Project, Escondido
WHERE: Escondido
WHEN: Thursday nights
Each week, Alabaster Jar Project needs a volunteer to provide a meal, including an entrée, salad and or bread, drinks, and a dessert for their peer support group attendees, as their meeting is a dinner meeting. You can sign up to do this weekly, once a month, or one time only. It’s up to you!
Sack Lunch Donations Drop Off, Interfaith, Escondido
WHERE: Escondido
WHEN: Every day between 8am-4:30pm
Food is our most basic human need, yet thousands of residents in North San Diego County are food insecure. Each day at Interfaith sack lunches are distributed to people as needed and available. Interfaith distributes 300+ sack lunches daily.
Prepare sack lunches for Interfaith to distribute throughout the day to people in need of a meal. Any amount prepared is appreciated.
East County
South County
Parenting Seminar Support , Alma Community Care, Barrio Logan
WHERE: Barrio Logan
WHEN: Tuesday and Thursday mornings
Alma Community Care provides comprehensive care to families and residents of the Greater Logan Heights area. Alma provides free parenting seminars focused on mental health education. Volunteers are needed to help support parenting seminars at local schools with set up and break down and providing food.
Residential Support, Mentorship, Professional Partnership, Generate Hope, Coronado
WHERE: Coronado
WHEN: Dependent on volunteer role
Generate Hope believes community plays a key role in helping women experience love and dignity. From mentoring, on-campus support, creative services, and professional partnership — there are so many unique ways to help out!Â
Sign up to fill out a volunteer application and get matched with a service opportunity.
Lighthouse Connections, San Diego Rescue Mission, National City
WHERE: National City
WHEN: Wednesday evenings
Join us for Lighthouse Connections, a weekly volunteer event that brings fun, friendship, and community to the guests at the South County Lighthouse. Each week, your group leads a fun activity for about 50 residents. You’ll be responsible for choosing the activity, bringing supplies, snacks, and small prizes, and running the event.
Â
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Services, San Diego Rescue Mission, Downtown and National City
WHERE: Downtown and South County
WHEN: Every day
Serve lunch and a smile to the men, women and children in our 12-month residential rehabilitation program and the women and children in our 30-day emergency shelter.
Â
Central
Food Market for Refugees, Mid-City Church of the Nazarene, City Heights
WHERE: Mid-City Nazarene Church, City Heights
WHEN: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
Mid-City Nazarene Church is located across the street from a large day shelter for migrants. They need help running their Fresh Food Market, a small community grocery store whose goal is to meet the needs of neighbors who lack access to affordable and healthy foods. You’ll help sort through and organize food donations, restock items, carry bags for shoppers, or check guests schedule their next appointment.
Meal Train, Olive Crest, Downtown
WHERE: Downtown
WHEN: Every weekday between 2-2:30pm
In a critical step to combat sex trafficking, Olive Crest has launched a comprehensive initiative for the Prevention and Restoration of Minors Impacted by Sexual Exploitation (PROMiSE).
Their Drop‑In Center provides immediate, no‑strings‑attached access to basic needs, safety, and essential services — including meals, clothing, counseling, educational support, and vocational training.
Volunteers are needed to drop off lunches for around 10 youth.Â
Circle Leaders Ally, Circles USA, Pacific Beach
WHERE: Pacific Beach
WHEN: Year-round
*18 month commitment*
Circles San Diego, is a community-driven program dedicated to empowering families and individuals to overcome poverty, prevent homelessness, and achieve long-term economic stability. We’re currently seeking Circle Allies—compassionate volunteers who play an active role in supporting a Circle Leader’s (families/individuals in the program) commitment to climb out of poverty and achieve their goals.  Allies serve as friends and mentors, walking alongside Circle Leaders to provide guidance and support.Â
Dinner Party, We See You San Diego, Old Town
WHERE: Old Town
WHEN: Tuesday evenings
We See You San Diego needs help hosting their Dinner Parties for people experiencing homelessness. They have different teams you can serve on- set up, food, clothing, and clean up. Great opportunity for community groups!
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Services, San Diego Rescue Mission, Downtown and National City
WHERE: Downtown and South County
WHEN: Every day
Serve lunch and a smile to the men, women and children in our 12-month residential rehabilitation program and the women and children in our 30-day emergency shelter.
