Hablas español?

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Nativity House Shelter is looking for volunteers with specific language skills and we need your help!

We need volunteers who speak Spanish.

There are obviously great translation apps available but human connection matters A LOT in the work that we do. We need volunteers who can help translate between staff and shelter guests so we can understand what guests need and help meet those needs more effectively.

We're looking for volunteers who can greet guests, help serve on the food line, run the clothing bank, and/or generally assist shelter staff in the Day Center. Scheduling is flexible but we're looking for bilingual volunteers for roles that have direct interactions with the the people we serve.

What to know:

• Nativity House Shelter is a 167-bed shelter for adult men & women experiencing homelessness.
• The shelter is not a family shelter (no kids)
• The shelter consists of an overnight shelter (with gender specific dorms) and a Day Center where anyone is welcome from 7 am to 4:30 pm.
• We serve meals 3 times per day
• All services are free
• The shelter is staffed 24/7 and is open every day.

How to get started

Interested in joining our volunteer team? You can register online using the link below:

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=RLmkslZnqUiqgSy_-zHPa6JrRSNYlMxOsjyMPKHY0XhUNThJMEg5N0MxN1ZBQ1RJT1BTQzVBQjA0MC4u

Not into online registrations? Contact meganed@ccsww.org to request a registration packet. Forms can be sent via email, fax or mail.

Once your volunteer registration has been received, our volunteer coordinator processes a background check (done at no cost to volunteers) and contacts references by phone or email. Once that’s compete, you’ll be invited to attend an orientation and can start scheduling volunteer shifts based on what you want to do and your availability. Scheduling is flexible.

The Basics

• Volunteers MUST be at least 18 years old to volunteer at the shelter
• Volunteers must sign a Covid-19 liability waiver in order to participate
• Volunteers must pass a background check (Washington State Patrol & NSOPW- National Sex Offender Public Website)
• Volunteers working with food are required to wear gloves for food safety purposes (HUGE plus if you have a food handlers permit)

Why it matters

As Maya Angelou said, "I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

It is very hard to ask for help, especially when English may not be your first language. Bi-lingual volunteers can help us bridge language barriers, help us understand nuanced situations, and help get guests the assistance they need. There's also something to be said about just making people feel safe and welcome in our space. That piece matters a lot.

Covid-19 Safety

Masking requirements have been dropped as of March 2023 but mask are still available for volunteers who wish to wear them. We will not ask your vaccination status. Anyone presenting Covid-19 symptoms or generally not feeling well must stay home until they are well again.