Helpline Volunteer
Serve as the first point of contact for neighbors reaching out for urgent financial assistance, listening carefully and connecting them with the right support.
At least 1 shift per week, Mon–Thu 9:30 am–2:30 pm
Learn more
Volunteer with Us
Volunteers are the heart of Friends In Deed.
From hands-on help to behind-the-scenes support, every role helps neighbors overcome financial challenges and move toward lasting stability. Your effort doesn’t just make a difference today—it actively helps end poverty in our community by providing urgent support and building a foundation for long-term change. Tell us how you’d like to help, and we’ll guide you to the role that fits your interests and strengths.
Tell us how you’d like to helpUniversal volunteer requirements
The basics — applies to every role
18 or older
All volunteer roles require you to be at least 18.
Weekday availability
Most roles run Monday through Thursday, 9:30 am to 2:30 pm.
Background check
Required before your first shift. We’ll walk you through it.
About one shift a week
We ask for a recurring commitment—flexibility for life happens.
Where you can help
Our volunteer opportunities span three areas. Each program has its own rhythm and culture—read below to find where you fit.
Essential Services
Immediate, practical support for neighbors facing housing crises, utility shutoffs, transportation barriers, and other urgent financial needs.
View Essential Services page
Essential Services
Immediate, practical support for neighbors facing housing crises, utility shutoffs, transportation barriers, and other urgent financial needs.
View Essential Services pageWho can get involved
- Comfortable interacting with neighbors who may be in stressful situations
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- At ease with basic computer tasks (training provided)
- Reliable and consistent neighbors count on you being there
Logistics & time commitment
- Work from our main office: 1196 Ecorse Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48198
- Monday through Thursday, 9:30 am to 2:30 pm
- Morning shift: 9:30 am–12:30 pm | Afternoon shift: 12:00–2:00 pm
- At least one consistent shift per week
Circles
A relationship-based, 18-month program that pairs neighbors working toward economic stability with volunteer Allies who walk alongside them over the long haul.
View Circles page
Circles
A relationship-based, 18-month program that pairs neighbors working toward economic stability with volunteer Allies who walk alongside them over the long haul.
View Circles pageWho can get involved
- Genuinely enjoy building long-term, encouraging relationships
- Able to commit consistently for the full cohort (up to 18 months)
- Comfortable listening, mentoring, and connecting people with resources
- Willing to show up even when progress is slow
Logistics & time commitment
- Circles is a cohort program, not a weekly shift. Allies commit for the full cohort (up to 18 months).
- Weekly Circles meetings at our main office; each includes a shared meal, children’s programming, and small-group time
- Meeting day and time: confirm with Twana before publishing
Development
Behind-the-scenes support for fundraising, donor appreciation, office operations, and the administrative work that makes every program possible.
Contact us to learn more
Development
Behind-the-scenes support for fundraising, donor appreciation, office operations, and the administrative work that makes every program possible.
Contact us to learn moreWho can get involved
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Comfortable with computers and general office tasks
- Detail-oriented and dependable
- Weekday availability, Monday through Thursday
Logistics & time commitment
- Work from our main office: 1196 Ecorse Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48198
- Monday through Thursday, 9:30 am to 2:30 pm
- Morning shift: 9:30 am–12:30 pm | Afternoon shift: 12:00–2:00 pm
- At least one consistent shift per week
Browse Opportunities
Find the role that fits your time, skills, and interests.
Furniture Client Services Volunteer
Support the administrative side of the Furniture Program and help neighbors select the items they need to make a house a home.
At least 1 shift per week, Mon–Thu 9:30 am–2:30 pm
Learn moreFurniture Warehouse Volunteer
Sort, prepare, and move donated furniture in our warehouse to keep the Furniture Program running from intake to delivery.
At least 1 shift per week, Mon–Thu 9:30 am–2:30 pm
Learn moreChildren’s Program Volunteer
Lead age-appropriate activities and provide mentorship for children during weekly Circles meetings while their parents participate in the program.
Weekly attendance for the full cohort (approximately 18 months)
Learn moreCommunity Team Volunteer (Ally)
Build a genuine, long-term relationship with a Circles Leader to offer consistent encouragement, practical help, and your social network as they work toward economic stability.
18-month cohort commitment; weekly meetings and regular informal contact
Learn moreBig View Team Volunteer
Work alongside Leaders and Allies to identify and address the systemic and policy-level barriers that keep families trapped in poverty.
Weekly attendance for the full cohort (approximately 18 months)
Learn moreOffice Assistant
Manage front desk operations and provide general administrative support that keeps the organization running smoothly day to day.
At least 1 shift per week, Mon–Thu 9:30 am–2:30 pm
Learn moreDonor Appreciation Volunteer
Help recognize and thank the community of donors whose generosity makes every Friends In Deed program possible.
At least 1 shift per week, Mon–Thu 9:30 am–2:30 pm
Learn moreJobs & Education Volunteer
Coach neighbors on career readiness, job applications, and education pathways to build long-term self-sufficiency alongside Friends In Deed programs.
At least 1 shift per week, Mon–Thu 9:30 am–2:30 pm
Learn moreHear from Our Volunteers
“It's amazing seeing impact that all of us are having on the progression of these leaders, and it's really remarkable. I know from my experience working very closely with my leader in Cohort 6, she made tremendous progress in the program. I was her cheerleader for many, many months to keep her going, and she more than doubled her salary.”
Nancy Wayne: Jobs & Education Team, Ally Cohort 6
“You develop relationships with the children. And as soon as the kids see the volunteers there, they run up to you, give you hugs, and start playing with you. It's an experience that lives with the children but it also lives with the volunteers too. It's a beautiful experience.”
Lucinda Peach WillowTree: Children's Program
Become a part of…
66household stabilizations
52transportation assists
206families served
Statistics from 2024 calendar year
Ready to make an impact?
Every role makes a real difference. Tell us how you’d like to help and we’ll match you with the right opportunity.
Tell us how you’d like to help