The success of the program depends on the efforts and enthusiasm of volunteers who perform the variety of tasks necessary to provide a safe and comfortable temporary home for the families. They also express their hospitality by interacting with the guests, treating them with respect and showing genuine concern for their well-being. Without volunteers, there would be no program.
Each hosting week, the Cathedral and Central Presbyterian Church needs approximately 50 volunteers to prepare meals, serve as evening and overnight hosts, acquire needed supplies and supervise activities for children. Although adults are the primary hosts, youth can participate as well, particularly with arranging activities for young children or helping older ones with schoolwork.
Dinner preparers (2-3 volunteers)
Dinner should be a hot meal prepared in advance at home or brought to the church for cooking. It should be served at approximately 6:30 p.m. Cooking dinners may be a good opportunity for ministries (i.e. Catholic Scripture Study, Senior Adult Ministry, Catholic Young Adults, etc.) to get involved in the program.
Dinner and evening hosts: 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. (2 volunteers) These two volunteers may be part of the dinner preparation team or may arrive to eat dinner with the guests. Dinner hosts socialize with the guests, welcome new guests and assist parents with children's needs. Dinner is casual and informal. After dinner, evening hosts may conduct activities, assist a guest with a particular need, help with homework, etc.
Overnight hosts: 8:30 p.m. - 7 a.m. (2 volunteers) Two hosts spend the night at Central Presbyterian Church with the guests. Overnight hosts spend time with the guests, play games with the children and are available in case of emergency. Overnight hosts are responsible for waking the guests at 6 a.m. Some overnight hosts also prepare breakfast in the morning.
Breakfast preparers: 6 - 7:30 a.m. (1-2 volunteers) Breakfast should be simple (cereal, muffins, toast, juice, etc.) on weekdays because the guests must be ready to leave on the van at 7 a.m.