To become a volunteer, please complete the online application. The background checks are run weekly, with Volunteer Packets sent out once the results are reviewed.

Background checks ensure a safe environment for all employees, volunteers and guests at our facilities.

We always have a long list of additional services we would like to provide to our homeless guests.  If we were to pay the fee for background checks without the financial support from our volunteers, that would reduce other services we could provide. If this payment would prevent you from volunteering with us, please contact us to discuss it further.

In two weeks or less, you should receive a letter from us in the mail.  This will include a packet that lists the volunteer opportunities we offer, along with flyers about upcoming events. Give us a call at 321-5647 to get signed up!

Tuesday Night Childcare: Tuesday evenings from 6:30 – 7:15 p.m. Infants: (ages 0-2 year olds) Older children: divided into the following age groups (3-4; 4-5; 6-11; and teens). (*Most Consistent Need*)

Thursday Night Childcare: First, Third and Fourth Thursday evenings from 5:45 – 7:15 p.m. Infants: (ages 0-2 year olds) Older children: divided into the following age groups (3-4; 4-5; 6-11; and teens).

Tuesday Night Meal Teams: Tuesday Nights are the only nights that our families are offered a free meal. These hard working families are blessed monthly by Volunteer Meal Teams that provide, prepare and serve home cooked meals.

Tutoring: Assist kids and adults with homework or whatever work needed. Contact Sherri at smatusz@samm.org for the schedule.

Life Skills Instructor: (Transitional Living & Learning Center-Blanco): Budgeting, resume' writing, job interview skills, parenting, etc.

Receptionist duty: On an “on-call” basis.

Community Worship Teams

Prospects Courtyard Chapel: (Prospects in PCY are the chronically homeless.)  Volunteer Teams provide Worship Services that convene in Prospects Courtyard Chapel on a nightly basis

Chapel of Hope: Volunteer Teams provide Worship Services that convene in the Chapel of Hope on a nightly basis.

Services are open to Volunteers' creativity and interest

Serve with the Adult Singles

Donation Station: Assist SAMMinistries' Donation Department with intake,sorting,and distribution of donations.  This is a good opportunity for the individuals that can commit to serving once a week Monday though Saturday.

Street 2 Feet: Join SAMMinistries and Riverside Community Church health and fitness running ministry.  Street 2 Feet meets Saturday, Monday, and Wednesday mornings at 8:30 am and participants in Street 2 Feet are encouraged to take part in or help plan the annual Street 2 Feet 5K.

Serve with the Families of SAMMinistries

Play Room Monitors: Experience the smiles of children and the pleasure of opening up the Play room at the downtown shelter.  The families of SAMMinistries are in need of volunteers to open the doors to our new Family Play Room.  This is not intended to be childcare, mom and dad know that one of them must be present in the room, but we are in need of volunteers who can open the doors for a couple of hours.  The room is also equipped with a computer for learning games and a television for age appropriate movies. Shifts are Monday-Friday 6:30-9:00pm or on Saturday and Sunday from 1:00-4:00pm and 6:30-9:00pm

Teen Room Monitors: Experience a ministry of presence as SAMMinistries is in need of a minimum of two volunteers to spend time monitoring the Teen Room evenings and weekends, as well as throughout the year.  The teens of SAMMinistries are a very special group of kids that need an escape, as well as we do.  Come spend an evening or a few hours on the weekend building relationships with them, helping the check out video games, watch movies with them, or play an exciting game of air hockey. Shifts are Monday-Friday 6:30-9:00pm or on Saturday and Sunday from 1:00-4:00pm and 6:30-9:00pm

Preteen Room Monitors: Just as the teens have their own room, so do the preteens. We are looking for a minimum of two volunteers to spend time with our preteens. Come spend a few hours playing video games, watching movies, playing foosball, reading, or just building relationships with these amazing kids. Shifts are Monday-Friday 6:30-9:00pm or on Saturday and Sunday from 1:00-4:00pm and 6:30-9:00pm.  Range 9-12 years old.

Serve in the Office

Administrative Support: Support the SAMM Shelter staff by assisting in regular office duties including data entry, filing, scheduling, and acting as a campus guest liaison.

Our goal is to have you as a volunteer feel renewed and fulfilled as you share your time and talents with our guests. We offer a wide range of flexible volunteer opportunities.  It is extremely rewarding to know that through your outreach efforts you can make a difference as you touch the lives of those who are less fortunate.

We understand that your time is valuable, so many of our opportunities are tailored to best match your schedule.  This allows you the freedom to assist as you are available.

In the case of minors seeking volunteer opportunities, please contact our office at 321-5647 and we will be happy to share ideas of how you can become active in supporting our mission.

There are internship opportunities available within different support areas.  Please contact our office for more details.

 Due to the various backgrounds for the clients served we are not able to accept Court Ordered Community Service volunteers.

General Information:
Remember, as a volunteer, your kindness is often key to SAMMinistries mission to offer services to the homeless with dignity and respect.

Volunteer Dress Code:

• T-shirts, polos, or sleeveless blouse.
• Clean blue jeans, khakis, capri pants, skirts, dresses and shorts no less than 2 inches above the knee.

SAMMinistries Volunteer Policies:

• Volunteers will ensure confidentiality and privacy in regard to the people we serve. Guests may not be photographed without their written consent and staff approval.
• Volunteers should never give or lend money to guests.
• Volunteers should follow the instructions of the team leader and/or staff.
• Volunteers should always keep staff informed.
• Please honor your commitment. We understand things happen, if you are unable to attend a scheduled event, please notify Volunteer Services at (210)321-5647.
• Volunteers should never be alone with, restrain, or physically discipline a child.