volunteering at Gratiot County Hope House

GCHH 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 GCHH in a variety of ways including;

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

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



Volunteer as an organization:
Your organization can host for one full week (Sunday to Sunday), one day a week day for several weeks, or as your calendar allows.


For more information about volunteering call our office or email our Volunteer Coordinator: volunteer@gchopehouse.org

volunteer manual

Our shelter manual explains everything you need to know about volunteering at Gratiot County Hope House, including shift responsibilities, shelter rules, staff information, etc. You can download our manual simply by clicking below. 


2025 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 "SignUp.com" button to the left for desktop devices or above for mobile devices

    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.


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 GCHH program, whether as a volunteer or as a guest. 


Please direct any questions to GCHH Managers and/or shelter staff.

  • No smoking, vaping, or tobacco use in the shelter or shelter provided vehicles.
  • 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.
  • 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.