Volunteering

Individual Volunteers age 17 or older and Groups of 2 to 3 People
Thank you for your interest in the Atlanta Children’s Shelter!

As of August 1, 2008, all persons 17 or older will be classified as volunteers and are required to have a recent state of Georgia criminal background check on file with the shelter. All new volunteers must present a background check that has been completed within the last 30 days to begin their volunteer service. Click here for additional information on completing your background check.

You must be at least 17 years old to be a volunteer at the shelter. All persons between the ages of 12 and 16 will be classified as visitors and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Click here for the procedures required for visitors ages 12 and 16.

Due to the sensitive nature of working with homeless children, we prefer volunteers to complete at least 15-20 hours over a three month period.

Completion of the volunteer application, criminal background check, and attendance at volunteer orientation are mandatory for all shelter volunteers. Please use the attached Volunteer Application (PDF) and Volunteer Service Agreement (PDF). Once you have filled out the application and completed the background check, simply bring the completed paperwork with you to orientation. You can also fax it to the shelter at 404-892-8947 prior to attending orientation.

Open Orientation is every Thursday from 2:30pm – 5:00pm. There is no need to RSVP. The orientation begins with a 30-minute tour of the shelter that includes information about our mission and an overview of homelessness in Atlanta. The orientation concludes with participants completing two hours of volunteer service from 3:00-5:00pm in our early childcare rooms or in administration.

Orientation begins promptly at 2:30pm. Please note that you may be asked to reschedule your orientation if you arrive late and have missed valuable information.

We do not have volunteer opportunities on weekends, evenings, or major holidays.

Peak hours for early childcare volunteers are 9:00am – 12 noon and 3:00pm – 5:00pm, Monday through Friday. Minimum volunteer time is 1 hour.

There is nothing to bring or prepare. Trained staff teachers lead the class though a developmentally appropriate curriculum. Volunteers simply spend invaluable one on one time with the children during the activities

Come dressed comfortably in clothing that allows you to move easily. Avoid dangling jewelry and overly revealing clothing such as midriff tops or t-shirts with negative images or messages.