Get Involved by Volunteering

No! Like the clients and communities we serve, our volunteers come from all different faiths, countries, ages and backgrounds. We welcome all volunteers and appreciate their continued support of our work.

Our opportunities are frequently updated as our programs’ needs change. We have one-time opportunities for individuals or groups to help us for a few hours at various volunteer events, or for those looking to make a long term weekly commitment, our ongoing opportunities allow volunteers to support the work of our programs in roles that include administrative support, serving food in shelters, mentoring, pro bono professional services, and more. For the most up-to-date list of available opportunities, check out our current ongoing Volunteer Opportunities. 

If you are unable to find any opportunities that match your interests or availability, please let us know on your volunteer application. 

Unless you are participating in select, one-time individual or group activities, all individuals applying to becoming ongoing volunteers must complete the following:

1. Check out the list of volunteers opportunities we are currently recruiting for.
2. Complete your volunteer application and let us know which position(s) you are interested in.
3. Visit the program or speak with the Program Manager to determine if the position is a good fit for you.
4. Attend Volunteer Orientation, complete your volunteer screenings*, and participate in program-specific training.
5. Begin volunteering!

*If you and the Manager decide we have a match, you complete the screening process before beginning your service. Volunteer screenings include providing a government issued ID, two character and reference checks, a background check, and a volunteer commitment form. Other screening may be required if the position tasks involve sustained exposure to and interaction with children, vulnerable adults, or client’s confidential information. Examples include: drug screening, TB test, or Protecting God’s Children training.

Depending on our program needs, our group opportunities are constantly changing. Examples include sprucing up program sites (i.e. painting, planting, cleaning), serving food in shelters, bagging breakfasts, planning and organizing special events for our clients, and providing professional development workshops/trainings. Please check our Volunteer Calendar for scheduled volunteer events. Unless otherwise noted, each opportunity can accommodate most groups.

Depending on the opportunity, adolescent children are welcome to volunteer with their parent or guardian. Individuals under the age of 18 are required to have waivers signed by their parent or guardian before participating in any volunteer activity. Typically, children 15 and younger must be accompanied by a parent. Please note that some of our shelters do not allow individuals under the age of 18 to volunteer with them. Please email Volunteer@cc-dc.org or call (202) 772-4300 x 402 if you have specific questions about this.

While some of our opportunities take place during normal business hours, many volunteer events or ongoing opportunities are available during evenings and weekends.

Court mandated volunteers will be considered on a case by case basis. Please call our SHARE Food Network at (301) 864-3115 to determine if you are eligible.

Yes, your volunteer hours at Catholic Charities can count toward school mandated community service hours. Once you have registered for an opportunity, please remember to bring any document(s) you need signed to confirm hours served to your volunteer site.

Having a criminal record does not preclude one from volunteering. All criminal findings will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Great! Due to limited storage space at many of our program sites, we only accept those items that can be put to immediate use. To help us ensure your item can be received, please email Giving@cc-dc.org with a specific list of items you have available to donate, noting as many specifics as possible (i.e. clothing size). Thank you!