Volunteer FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Community of Hope and supporting the lives of our underserved neighbors in Washington, DC.

Here are some frequently asked questions about our volunteer, mentor, and internship programs.

If you have questions about the volunteer application or any of our programs, please contact our Volunteer Team at volunteer@cohdc.org.

General Volunteering
Mentor

How do I start volunteering with Community of Hope?

Find a volunteer opportunity that interests you by viewing our current opportunities here. Simply create your Community of Hope volunteer profile and sign up for opportunities on Volunteer Hub!

For certain positions, individual applications will be reviewed and potential volunteers will be contacted for an interview.

How do I sign up for an opportunity on VolunteerHub?

Visit our calendar of events and then view availability for an event by clicking the event title. When you want to register for an event, click the sign-up button, and either login or create an account when prompted. Once you are logged in, you can return to the calendar and sign up for any other events you'd like without having to log in again.

You'll know you have successfully been signed up for an event when you receive a confirmation email.

What happens if I miss my shift for Fam-Club The Triumph?

You are an important part of the team! In order to ensure that we have enough volunteers for each shift, we count on you to keep your commitment. If you are unable to attend, we ask that you cancel via VolunteerHub, email, or phone as soon as you know of a change in your plans. If you miss two or more shifts without contacting Community of Hope staff, your VolunteerHub account will be locked (you will not be able to log in), until you have a further conversation with Community of Hope staff. We appreciate your understanding.

What’s required to volunteer?

All interested volunteers must create a Community of Hope volunteer profile on Volunteer Hub

Volunteer Orientations are required if you are interested in volunteering as a Mentor and some other positions.  Fam-Club at the Triumph volunteers are not required but are encouraged, to attend a remote Volunteer Orientation before volunteering. 

References, background checks, and TB tests as appropriate to the position will be required. Background checks can be done through Community of Hope for $10.

Where do I get a TB test done if I need it to volunteer?

Volunteers can get their TB test done at the health provider of their choice; however, Community of Hope does offer a no-cost option at one of our health centers for volunteers using one of our referral forms.

Can I volunteer more than once? What about in multiple roles?

We know our volunteers have many interests and talents. We offer various volunteer opportunities catering to those interests including one-time volunteer activities, ongoing projects, and special community events. Please view our current opportunities here. Only one application is necessary if you are interested in multiple roles.

Where do I volunteer? How do I get there?

We have locations across the city where volunteers may serve. Please refer to each volunteer position’s description for the specific location. Visit this page for directions.

We are interested in a group volunteer opportunity. What do we do?

There are many ways your group can get involved with Community of Hope!  We welcome small groups of volunteers (i.e. usually up to six people) to host a birthday party at one of our housing sites or be a part of Fam-Club at The Triumph.  Please contact volunteer@cohdc.org for more information.

Get your workplace or community group involved and work with colleagues to collect Welcome Kit items for families in our housing programs.

We also have opportunities for organizations, companies, and faith-based groups that are ready to make a longer-term commitment to being a Community of Hope Strategic Partner. Please contact our Development Manager at development@cohdc.org or 202.407.7753 to learn more.

I am a teen and interested in volunteering. What do I do?

We are committed to the neighborhoods where our programs are located.  Part of that commitment means helping our neighborhood teens find meaningful volunteer opportunities with us. If you are a teenager age 14 or older in Wards 1, 5, or 8 who is looking to complete service hours or build a skill, contact our Volunteer Manager, Lauren Cranman, at lcranman@cohdc.org for more information. 

I am a doula and interested in volunteering my services. What do I do?

On March 1, 2020, we changed operations to our Volunteer Doula Program.  We no longer use doulas in a volunteer capacity.  Instead, we find new ways to connect patients to doulas in the community.  We will look to partner with doula collectives and individuals in the area who can provide pro-bono doula services for Community of Hope parents.

If you are part of a doula collective or would like to be considered for our referral lists, please complete this questionnaire. 

We are so grateful to have had a wonderful community of volunteer doulas who supported Community of Hope families for over three years.  Thank you!

Can I do my court-ordered community service at Community of Hope?

Volunteers with court-ordered community service hours may volunteer with Community of Hope if they are not serving due to infractions related to a violent or sexual crime or any crime involving a child. The Community of Hope Volunteer Team reserves the right to discern each volunteer's eligibility to serve on a case-by-case basis. Prospective volunteers must disclose that they are interested in doing court-ordered service prior to beginning their volunteer role.

I am interested in becoming a Mentor. How much time is required?

Mentors are expected to meet with their mentees at least twice per month. You should be able to commit for a minimum of one year or more, be flexible, and have the desire to serve as a positive role model and friend!

What are the eligibility criteria for becoming a mentor?

Mentors must be 21 or over.
Mentors must be able to commit for at least one year (once background checks have been completed).
Mentors must be able to meet with their mentee at least twice a month.
Mentors will complete a volunteer orientation, application, interview, and mentor orientation.
Mentors must be complete a thorough background check process.
Mentors must be in good health.
Having a car is not required, but mentors need to be able to transport their mentee to/from activities either via their own transportation, public transit, or car service.
Mentors must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

Who are the mentees?

Mentees are children or teens between the ages of 8-16 whose families have experienced homelessness. They live with their families in apartments or homes (i.e. permanent supportive housing) across the city.  Most of our families live in Wards 7 and 8.

How do I get started? How will I get matched?

Please complete a volunteer profile and attend a Volunteer Orientation.  You will the en complete an interview, mentor orientation, and several background checks (FBI, MPD, etc.). Our Volunteer Manager works with our housing stability case managers to match the interests and needs of a mentee with that of a mentor.

Where does mentoring happen?

Anywhere you want!  Mentoring happens through positive socialization experiences as well as academic support and guidance.

Washington, DC, is a city with limitless options for free and affordable excursions.  Memorable outings don’t have to cost a pretty penny.  Our mentees and mentors have gone to museums, monuments, national parks, and more. They’ve gone bowling, ice skating, and laser tagging.  We encourage you to get creative!

Plus, Community of Hope sponsors group outings every quarter.

Is there reimbursement available?

Mentors can be reimbursed up to $50 every quarter for transportation, meals, and activity costs.