volunteering at Hope Works Mid-michigan

HWMM welcomes volunteers to come serve at the shelter. Churches, businesses, clubs, service groups, individuals, or groups of individuals are welcome to volunteer.

Our hosts commit to serving the guests of HWMM in a variety of ways including;

  • Providing a hot evening meal
  • Serving as overnight security
  • Be hospitable presence

HWMM assists volunteers by providing staff who will register the guests, perform background checks of guests and of volunteers, and monitoring the shelter each evening. HWMM also provides the overall administration and coordination of this program. Volunteer opportunities vary by location. 

volunteer manuals

Our shelter manuals explain everything you need to know about volunteering at Hope Works Mid-Michigan, including shift responsibilities, shelter rules, staff information, etc. You can download our manual simply by clicking below. Presently each location has its own shelter manual.  


Gratiot Shelter Manual 


Shiawassee Shelter Manual

become a volunteer in 3 simple steps

We have 3 simple steps to becoming a Gratiot County Hope House Volunteer

  • Step 1 - Volunteer Contact & Background Check Form

    All volunteers must complete a Volunteer Contact & Background Check Form.

    Complete the form by clicking the button to the left on desktop devices and above on mobile devices. Once you have submitted your Volunteer Contact & Background Check Form, complete step 2. 

    Please note: You will ONLY hear from us is there is a problem with your background check, we simply cannot follow up with every person who submits a form.

  • Step 2 - Complete Volunteer Training

    Watch the Volunteer Training Videos & review the Volunteer Responsibilities below for the shifts you which to volunteer on. 


    To access our training videos simply click the red and white "play" button to the left on desktop devices and above on mobile devices.

     

  • step 3 - sign Up for a shift

    We're using SignUp.com to organize our volunteer sign ups. 


    Here's how it works in 3 easy steps:

    1) Click the Sign Up button below for the location at which you would like to volunteer. 

    2) Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.

    3) Sign up! It's Easy - you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.com.


    Note: SignUp.com does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact me and I can sign you up manually.



    Sign Up - Gratiot                                      Sign Up - Shiawassee 

rules for Volunteers

The rules apply to both guests and to volunteers; they are designed to help us provide a welcoming, comfortable and safe environment while preserving individual dignity.

Any violation of these rules may result in a termination of your participation in the HWMM program, whether as a volunteer or as a guest. 


Please direct any questions to HWMM staff.

  • No smoking, vaping, or tobacco use in the shelter or shelter provided vehicles.
  • No alcoholic beverages are permitted in the shelter.
  • No drugs (legal or illegal) or illegal substances are permitted in the shelter.
  • No weapons of any kind are permitted in the shelter.
  • No abusive/profane language or disruptive behaviors are permitted in the shelter.
  • Sexual harassment or sexual activity will not be tolerated. Sex Offenders are prohibited from the premises.

Gratiot County Only

  • Supervised smoking breaks will be provided on an hourly basis following check-in, every hour at the bottom of the hour from 8:30 to 10:30p.m. Overnight volunteers are asked to refrain from going outside for smoking breaks after 10:30 p.m.