Volunteer with LCS

Thank you for considering volunteering with the Lawrence Community Shelter! After you fill out the Signup Form, we will contact you to schedule a training and orientation. Feel free to reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator if you have any questions about volunteering. Let us know if you are interested in setting up an internship for class credits or providing skilled services.

Contact Our Volunteer Coordinator

Volunteer Sign Up

Volunteering Opportunities

Donation Sorting

Clothing Sorting Volunteers contribute to a clean and healthy environment at LCS. The ideal volunteer is organized, efficient, and comfortable with standing and repetitive tasks for long periods of time.

Serving Meals

All meals at LCS are served by our friendly team of servers in a cafeteria-style setting. Servers also wash the dishes and make sure the kitchen is clean before next use.

Breakfast shifts: Mon, Wed, Thurs, Sat, Sun 6 am- 8 am

Lunch shifts: Daily from 12:00-1:30 PM

Dinner shifts: Daily from 6:00-7:30 PM

Garden Volunteer

People experiencing homelessness typically do not have access to fresh produce or productive green spaces. However, at LCS, volunteers help maintain a thriving vegetable garden and bring fresh harvests to the people we serve. Guests will sometimes participate in gardening activities alongside volunteers to reduce stress and learn more about growing food. All experience levels are welcome!

Shifts: Tuesdays and Saturdays 10 am to noon

Volunteer With LCS!

Apolonia Arteaga, LCS Volunteer

“My perspective on the shelter transformed once I began volunteering. I learned about the history and operation of the shelter and trauma-informed care, extending as much evidence-based compassion to those who need it most. Whether organizing the warehouse, cleaning, or working the front desk, I have a newfound appreciation for the work done at the shelter.

“To me, the Lawrence Community Shelter is a testament to a philosophy that I hold very dearly: people contain multitudes. I’ve been fortunate to have conversations with many souls at the shelter: staff, guests, and fellow volunteers. I’ve seen how earnest and gritty the staff are, dedicated to their mission. When I asked about a project’s status, a staff member told me, ‘Oh, we’ll make it happen, and we won’t stop until it’s done. That’s how we work around here!’ And I’ve spoken to guests, who are surprising, funny, kind, and above all, human beings, sometimes experiencing a crisis or just taking the world a day at a time.”