The Poverello Center

Get Involved Now

The Poverello Center began as a grassroots effort when a group of concerned citizens banded together to ensure that the most vulnerable members of our community were not left homeless. The shelter still relies on the goodwill and generosity of hundreds of people to make its services successful after more than 40 years.

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Become a Volunteer

The Poverello Center offers an opportunity to get involved with the Missoula community and help our vulnerable neighbors.

Volunteer Portal

The Volunteer Portal is an online platform that supports the work of committed volunteers across The Poverello’s volunteer programs. 

Donate to Support

Make a donation today to The Poverello and your contribution will change the lives of people experiencing houselessness.

February Volunteer Spotlight

Michael, who works with the Homeless Outreach Team, the front desk, and our partners at the Street Dog Coalition, says he loves spending time at the Poverello Center and Johnson Street Shelter: ““It’s the right thing to do, to spend time with people. Your time is the most valuable thing you have and it’s important to give it to people who are worth it.”

 

Read more about Michael here

Volunteer Today!

Our Opportunities

Our lives are busy and it is often hard to find time to volunteer, however, there are tremendous benefits to becoming a volunteer.

Kitchen

Assist in the kitchen, cooking and serving a variety of daily meals.

Food Pantry

Our food pantry serves individuals from the entire community, and supports continued stability.

Front Desk Support

Assist residents with mail, phones, messaging, and other basic needs.

Homeless Outreach Team

Our Homeless Outreach Team builds and maintains relationships with those who are living unsheltered and connects them to resources and services. Volunteers assist the HOT Team on these outreaches.

  • KITCHEN: Food Prep: Mon-Sun
      Morning: 8:30 – 10:30 am
      Afternoon: 1 – 3 pm
    Serve Food: Mon- Sun |
      Lunch: 11:15 am – 1 pm
      Dinner: 4:45 – 6:30 pm
  • FOOD PANTRY
      Distribute: Mon, Wed, and Thurs | 5:30 – 7 pm
  • HOMELESS OUTREACH TEAM: Tues, Thurs | 10am-1pm
  • FRONT DESK SUPPORT: Mon- Fri |
      Morning: 8:30 – 11 am
      Afternoon: 1:30 – 4 pm

Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities

Due to limited space, group sizes are limited to 10 people or less at one time. This ensures that members of your group are consistently busy while volunteering. We can accommodate larger groups with advance notice and special planning. To schedule a large group please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at 406-532-6674 at least two weeks in advance or fill our application by clicking the button below.

Other Ways To Get Involved

Year-round needs:

  • Toilet paper
  • Travel size toiletries
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Large trash bags

Make cards or artwork for our dining room.

Knit warm hats or bring in adult outerwear during cold weather months — socks, hats, gloves, and jackets.

Invite the Pov to do outreach at your church, school, or community event.

Volunteer FAQ

How old do I have to be?

Volunteers have to be at least 10 years old. Volunteers who are under the age of 18 have to volunteer with an adult.

Are there any time commitments?

You may volunteer as much or as little as you would like! Whether that is twice a week or 5 times a year, we understand that volunteers have lives outside of the shelter and are appreciative of whatever time you can give.

What do I have to do?

Take an orientation, then choose from: 

  • Kitchen support
  • Meal serving
  • Food pantry distribution
  • Homeless Outreach Team
  • Front desk support 
  • Holiday meal support

Who should I contact for more information?

Please reach out to Emily Skilton, our Volunteer Coordinator, at eskilton@thepoverellocenter.org. 

Can I take food home from the kitchen/pantry?

 Our food is available to everyone and anyone!

What times can I volunteer?

We are open to volunteers from 8am to 8pm. Some shifts have a specific shift time (Lunch service is 11:30am to 1:45pm) while others are more flexible (Administration is between 8am and 8pm). Some shifts are available any day of the week; others are only Monday through Friday. 

Where are you located?

The Poverello Center is located at 1110 W. Broadway, Missoula, MT 59802.

What should I expect?

When volunteering at the Poverello Center please expect to volunteer in a busy environment. Our clients come from different backgrounds and we request that everyone is treated with the respect and dignity. Please also expect to practice confidentiality. There is a stigma about those experiencing houselessness and we want our clients to feel safe accessing our services. At times you can expect unpleasant odors. All the time you can expect to have fun and work with great clients, volunteers, and staff!