Come lend a hand to staff running our AHOPE Day Center, where we assist individuals experiencing homelessness in Buncombe County meet their basic needs and connect to vital services. We strive to end each client’s experience of homelessness and help them on their journey to permanent housing.
Opportunities at AHOPE vary each day and will involve helping Homeward Bounds staff provide day services Monday – Friday between 8am and 1pm. AHOPE is not open on weekends or federal holidays. Opportunities exist in our kitchen, mailroom, front desk, or hospitality desk (laundry/showers). We close for services at 11:30am on Wednesdays, and volunteers are welcome to stay for deeper cleaning, administrative, organizational, and/or maintenance projects on those days. Volunteers will be placed where there is the most need for the day and time for which they have signed up.
Volunteers are welcome to volunteer from 8am to 1pm, or to volunteer for shorter shifts (8am to 11am; 11am to 1pm). If you are starting at 8am – it is advised to come 10 minutes early. You can park in the Firestone Parking lot across the street from the building. In the morning, there is often a line of clients at the door. You can call the assistant director (contact below) if you are having trouble parking or getting inside.
Address
19 N Ann Street
Asheville NC 28801
Station Duties:
Kitchen
Volunteers serve coffee and donated food items (no cooking required), keep the kitchen clean and organized, and create a welcoming environment for everyone who comes through our doors. This role is a great way to provide comfort and care while ensuring the kitchen runs smoothly.
Mailroom
Bring connection and stability to clients by managing the mailroom. Volunteers distribute mail, packages, and checks, as well as voicemail messages left for clients. You may also hand out resource packets and small essentials like sewing supplies or batteries, helping neighbors stay connected and supported.
Hospitality Desk (Basement)
Hospitality Desk Volunteers hand out towels, toiletries, and other daily essentials while helping clients access lockers and supporting with laundry for showers. This role creates a welcoming environment and ensures guests feel cared for and respected.
Front Desk (First Floor)
Front Desk Volunteers assist clients by charging and labeling electronics, securing and tagging bikes, and providing access to lockers. You’ll also support case managers with light administrative tasks that make a big difference in the daily flow of services – such as logging in kind donations as they are dropped off.
New AHOPE volunteers will need to undergo a brief onboarding process and background check once they have volunteered more than 2 times. This is required by our insurance. The best way to sign up to volunteer at AHOPE is to fill out an application at homewardboundwnc.org/volunteer. The Assistant Director of Homeless Services will then reach out to you to walk you through onboarding and connect you to the most appropriate opportunities.
You can contact the Assistant Director of Homeless Services at volunteer@homewardboundwnc.org or 828-772-2849.
