Volunteer
“If our hopes of building a better and safer world are to become more than wishful thinking, we will need the engagement of volunteers more than ever.” — Kofi Annan
Thank you for your interest in volunteering to share your time, talent and skills to help better the lives of the most vulnerable living in our community. We are grateful for all of our dedicated volunteers who are the backbone of Friends of the State Street Family and we are excited to extend the opportunity for you to help make our community a better place. Here are just a few examples of how our volunteers positively impact the lives of the homeless living in Madison.
We help hundreds of people who are homeless eat healthy home-cooked meals… individual meals have been lovingly cooked and served by the volunteers of the Friends of the State Street Family at no cost to taxpayers.
We collect and distribute survival gear so when people can’t sleep in a shelter, they don’t freeze… sleeping bags, blankets, backpacks, flashlights, personal safety devices, hygiene items, new socks, new underwear, winter boots, gloves, coats, and hats have been provided by FSSF.
We are fierce advocates who develop trust and foster relationships with each individual so when they are ready we can be there to help them get permanent, supportive housing, support for sobriety, trauma counseling, medical or mental health care.
*All volunteers who wish to work on a Street Outreach Team must be a minimum of 18 years of age. Friends of the State Street Family is not able to validate court-appointed volunteer hours.
For general volunteer questions please contact us here.
OUTREACH TEAM
Outreach Teams go out Saturday mornings and, with community support, bring life sustaining needs such as food, water, sleeping bags, blankets and other survival gear to many of the homeless in Madison. Outreach Teams sometimes provide medical triage, and often give referrals, support and friendship to hundreds of our most vulnerable population.
GROUP SERVICE PROJECTS
FSSF loves it when groups like families, troops, companies, social groups, etc. get together to purchase and assemble small packages for our Outreach Teams to distribute to our vulnerable, homeless friends. These packages in clear baggies no larger than quart size make it easier for our friends to receive, carry, and use. Click below to email our Outreach Team for current suggested packs.
MEAL TRAIN
To truly get to know someone, you need to talk to them where they feel the most comfortable, and that’s why the FSSF Outreach Team goes out to find people in the places they stay on the streets. Bringing survival gear and being able to provide meals is our first line of defense to ensure the safety of our friends experiencing homelessness.