About the role

Housing volunteers support IRC resettlement staff as they prepare homes for new refugee arrivals. This process is done in multiple steps:

  • Gathering household items - occurs prior to set-up day. Some driving required. Volunteers pick household items from community partner organizations, groceries, and other miscellaneous items.
  • Home set-up day - often occurs on Thursday mornings. Includes delivering and setting up household items; setting up beds, light furniture, and the basics of a home prior to the clients' arrival. 
  • Move day - often occurs on Friday mornings. Volunteers and staff help clients move from temporary housing (hotel room) to their new permanent housing location. Some driving required.

Volunteers may engage in one or more of these steps, depending on availability. It also can include moving families who have been staying in temporary housing into permanent housing once it becomes available. Volunteers are emailed in advance with dates and times. Volunteers may have the option to drive clients in their personal vehicle.

Time commitment

Housing volunteers are "on-call" and receive notice for set-ups and moves 2-7 in advance by email. A response is requested within 24 hours regarding availability. Depending on the task, hours may vary, but generally occur between 9:00 and 1:00, Tuesdays-Fridays. The majority of set-ups take place on Thursday mornings and moving clients often occurs on Friday mornings. Volunteers are asked to commit to support a minimum of two set-ups or moves per quarter, preferably at least one per month for at least 6 months.

Skills & qualifications

Successful housing volunteers thrive in a flexible and responsive environment. Physical ability to lift boxes and climb stairs is required. Use of a personal vehicle, and a driving record background check and adherence to the IRC's Vehicle Use Agreement is preferred but not required. Willingness to use personal trucks and trailers are a bonus.

How to apply

All prospective volunteers must complete each step outlined on the Volunteer Opportunities page under Volunteer process.