Sign-Up
Signing up as a group or individual is easy by clicking here! Once you’ve committed to one or more shifts, we understand that things can come up and you may need to cancel. Please let us know at least 48 hours before your shift so that we are able to find other volunteers to fill your slot(s) by both e-mailing Volunteer Coordinator Amanda Smith and calling her at 313-964-2823 ext. 213.
Dress Code
Please wear a hat and closed-toed shoes for your volunteer shift(s). Pope Francis Center will provide any other protective gear and equipment that is necessary.
Arrival and Assignments
The Pope Francis Center is located at 438 St. Antoine, St. in downtown Detroit, at the corner of St. Antoine and Larned.
Please arrive at the Center by 6:45 a.m. It’s important to arrive on time as your shift will promptly begin at 7 a.m. Our Program Director Harrison Plaskey will greet you and assign you to an area within the Center with complete instructions – including Safe Serve guidelines for kitchen volunteers. Anyone arriving late should check in with Pope Francis Center staff in the kitchen for direction to Harrison.
Parking
Free parking is available in the gated University of Detroit Mercy Law School lot along Larned, directly behind our building. The volunteer entrance is across Larned through the glass door marked “Parish Office” as you approach the back courtyard. Use the intercom at that door to buzz and we will let you in.
Interacting with Guests
Pope Francis Center volunteers are key to creating a community of kinship with our guests, reminding them that they are beloved children of God. In visiting with guests, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Do:
- Interact and talk to guests!
- Treat everyone politely, with dignity and respect
- Maintain a non-judgmental attitude
- Keep sensitive matters confidential
- Smile and have fun!
Don’t:
- Use sexist, racist, homophobic or other offensive language
- Engage in physical or verbal altercations with guests, volunteers or staff
- Give guests money
- Share your personal information
