Volunteer
Open Doors is able to provide dynamic holistic services to the most housing fragile members of the greater Norwalk community through the expertise, dedication, and hard work of volunteers. Opportunities to get involved exist on many different levels.
If you’re looking for more information about ways to make a difference, please contact Erin at emcdonough@opendoorsct.org or 203-866-1057 x129.
Volunteer Opportunities
Open Doors runs multiple programs that have ongoing volunteer needs. There’s a particular need for volunteers who speak Spanish or Haitian Creole, from basic skills to fluent speakers.
As of May 8, 2023, wearing a mask is now optional at Open Doors properties; we will have masks available if requested.
While many of our on-site volunteer opportunities require that you be at least 15 years old, there are many great ways for students and families with younger kids to help. Click here to see some ideas, and we love to hear ideas from you too!
Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities
Help our meal program team serve shelter guests and the community!
Individual volunteers will help distribute takeout meals from the kitchen and will also help the food program team clean up after the meal.
We are currently working on a plan to bring volunteer groups back to the kitchen.
Help people select the food they need for themselves and their families as part of our grocery pantry program. Volunteers also help restock shelves and organize the pantry.
Our community closet is a free store that's open to low-income households so they have access to clothing, shoes, and other household essentials. The community closet team holds three shopping days a week (by appointment so we're able to maintain distancing), and volunteers help people find what they need and restock the clothing racks.
Make a difference for children dealing with homelessness. Our after school program lets kids learn and have fun in a supportive environment. We ask that After School Buddies volunteers commit to a regular schedule to help provide consistency for the students.
*Everyone who volunteers at Open Doors does need to wear a mask and follow health and safety rules, including a touchless temperature check upon arrival; we have masks for everyone who doesn’t have one available.
Host a Donation Drive
Donation drives hosted by our community make a huge difference! If you’d like to collect funds, food, or other necessities that make a difference for our neighbors dealing with homelessness and housing insecurity, we would love to work with you.
Linens Drive List
Make your neighbors more comfortable by providing bedding and bath towels.
Food Drive List
Help fill Open Doors’ pantry shelves with our most-needed items.
Housewarming Drive List
Help households get started as they move from emergency shelter to their own homes.
Short Term Projects
Throughout the course of the year, Open Doors has volunteer opportunities related to short term projects such as holiday meal drives and distributions, gardening and beautification of shelter spaces and affordable apartments, data entry, graphic design, or other seasonal or short-term projects.
Ambassadors
Understanding that the impact of Open Doors could be significantly magnified by rethinking the organizations’ relationship with individuals and families in the surrounding communities, we created meaningful and impactful engagement opportunities that match organizational needs and ambitions and with skills, experiences, and interests of community members.
If you’re looking to do more to make an impact, our Ambassadors team may be a great fit!
