Joseph’s House is a Troy based, non-profit corporation whose purpose is to prevent and alleviate homelessness. Their programs offer emergency shelter, permanent housing, support services, and hospitality and guidance to homeless individuals, youth and families. They offer services where each guest’s dignity and worth are recognized and respected.

Location: 74 Ferry Street, Troy, NY 12180
Grace Coordinators: Rich and Kathleen Kiernan

Serving Opportunities:
Meal preparation/serving – Three options for meal preparation and/or serving lunches or dinners are: a) Prepare and deliver a meal, b) Serve only, c) Prepare and Serve a meal; 4-6 volunteers; 12 years or older; seven (7) days a week

Cleaning tasks – Wash walls and doors, cleaning refrigerator, etc; supplies can be provided by Joseph’s House or by the volunteers; 4-12 volunteers (children must be supervised); flexible scheduling 

Maintenance jobs – Small repair, bulb replacement, painting projects, small plumbing repair, etc; as needed basis

Yard / Garden work (seasonal) – Weed, mulch, and harvest; supplies can be provided by Joseph’s House or by the volunteers; 2-12 volunteers (children must supervised); as needed basis

Answering phones – During business hours to relieve staff for meetings, etc; adult volunteers; regular basis or time-to-time basis; flexible schedule (set by volunteer)

Overnights at emergency shelter – From mid-November to mid-April, volunteers can sleep overnight at the emergency shelter any night of the week; 9:30pm to 6:30am; adults only; training is required and provided

Sorting goods – Sort through donated items and organize; flexible schedule but approx. 2-4 hrs at a time; 1-4 volunteers; families (children must be supervised)

Spending time with guests – Organize a movie night, craft activity, read to or with small children, and other fun, creative ways to visit with and support shelter guests; 1-4 volunteers; generally weeknights or weekends – scheduled in advance