How do I become a volunteer or intern at Unity House?
Start by contacting our Volunteer Desk. Consider filling out a an application and attend a Volunteer Information Session.
For volunteer groups, we ask that at least one main contact person attend the volunteer information session and coordinate a group project with our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@unityhouseNY.org or (518) 274-2607 ext. 4139
What does Unity House do? Unity House is a non-profit human services agency. Unity House is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people living in poverty, adults with mental illness, victims of domestic violence, children with developmental delays and their families, people living with HIV/AIDS and others whose needs can effectively be met by Unity House services and philosophy.
For more detailed information on the history of Unity House, please go to the “about us” section of our website. You can also learn more about Unity House philosophy, programs and services by attending a volunteer information session. This hour-long information session does not obligate you to volunteer in any way. It is a chance to hear about Unity House programs and services, to learn about the expectations of and opportunities for volunteers throughout Unity House and a chance to ask questions.
Do people live here at The Front Door, the community resource center at 2431 Sixth Avenue in Troy? No, Unity House’s site at 2431 is a community resource center. In 2013 Unity House opened The Front Door and consolidated many services under one roof. The name, The Front Door, conveys the value of offering dignity to people living in poverty. Often offered back-door treatment, people living in poverty deserve respect and compassion so they may have dignity and hope.
Currently the Front Door is the location for programs such as community resources including our thrift store, food pantry, community meals, laundry/shower facilities, and the Unity House store, ReStyle. Housing support services and case management is also at this site, along with our administrative offices, human resources, finance, and development departments. A Child’s Place at Unity House (Daycare, Preschool, Special Therapies), Northeast Career Planning at Unity House, and our Domestic Violence Services Program are located at their own locations in Troy, Albany, Menands, and Lansingburgh. There are volunteer opportunities across sites and programs.
How much time do I have to commit to volunteering at Unity House? Some projects are one-time, a few hours. Others are more sustained. The amount of time you or your group commit depends on what job you would like to do. You can learn more by calling our Volunteer Desk at (518) 274-2607 ext. 4136.
What kind of volunteer opportunities are there? There are many different ways to serve. Example jobs might be one-time cleanup or organization projects, office tasks, kitchen jobs, enrichment programs or advocacy, and off-site work you can do on your own. You can learn more by attending a Volunteer Information Session or calling our Volunteer Desk.
Is there an age restriction? Children under the age of 18 must be supervised by an adult and may be restricted from certain activities. In certain situations, children ages 10-16 may be restricted, and younger children are limited. For safety, we ask that parents be with their children at all times. Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator about appropriate jobs for parents with young children in tow. No one under the age of 14 is permitted in the kitchen.
I want my young children to volunteer with me, what can they do? Volunteer opportunities at Unity House are limited for young children. Offsite options for families with young children who want to volunteer might include conducting a drive among family and neighbors for needed items such as food or toiletries, conducting a new toy and book drive at holiday time, or donating gently used clothes to Sojourner Place, our shelter for victims of domestic violence. We applaud families who volunteer with young children and make every effort to make the volunteer experience for young children a rewarding one. We can offer age-appropriate tours of some programs and thank children, letting them know how much we value their service and what an important part of our community they are.
Can I volunteer with my family or friends? Yes! There are volunteer opportunities for groups of all sizes. Jobs range from outdoor lawn cleanups to painting projects, to cooking in our community meals program, to stocking in our food pantry.
What kind of volunteer opportunities do you have for groups? Groups can serve in many ways. Come to a Volunteer Information Session to learn more or contact our Volunteer Desk.
Are there evening and weekend volunteer opportunities? While most volunteer jobs are standard, weekday hours, there are volunteer opportunities to meet all schedules. Consider speaking with our Volunteer Coordinator to learn more.
I am mandated to complete volunteer service, can you help me? Please call (518) 274-2607 ext. 4136. Please be mindful that applying to our volunteer program, attending an orientation, scheduling an interview, arranging for a background check, and completing training can take time. Completing these steps does not guarantee placement as a volunteer in a Unity House program.
Where can I find information on internships at Unity House? Unity House works with local schools for students interested in doing an internship. Check with your school’s intern office to see if there are opportunities at Unity House. If your internship requires credentialed oversight or has a required amount of hours, please call the Volunteer Desk at (518) 274- 2607 ext, 4139.
Is there a dress code for volunteering? Yes, each program has requirements specific to program and job. For example, you must wear closed-toed shoes in many spaces and in the kitchen. In our community meals program, you must wear a hair net, which we will provide. Generally, we ask that you come in appropriate clothes you can comfortably move around in.
Do you perform a background check on volunteers?
Yes. All volunteers must complete a volunteer application, attend a volunteer orientation, have an interview, submit to a background check, and attend training. This process can take time.
Can I claim benefits while I volunteer? Check with your provider on eligibility.
What if I don’t like my volunteer work? There are many volunteer job opportunities at Unity House and you can change jobs. If a job is not for you, we will help you find another opportunity. In addition, our Volunteer Desk can refer you to an organization that may be better suited to your skill set.
What if there is a problem while I am volunteering? Volunteers are not expected to solve problems on their own. Talk to your manager where you are volunteering. You can also talk to the Volunteer Coordinator about any problems. Unity House also offers a grievance procedure, should you have a problem you wish to address in a more formal manner. We strive to provide resources to ensure volunteers have a safe, worthwhile experience in our programs while adding value.
Can I volunteer from home? Most jobs are on site, at a Unity House program or office. If you are interested in working from home, there are opportunities throughout the year to solicit goods or services that will benefit Unity House programs and events. Contact our Volunteer Desk at (518) 274-2607 ext. 4136 to learn more.
If I volunteer in in a food program, can I bring in food I’ve prepared at home? No, food served at Unity House must be prepared on site. If you or your group are interested in cooking a meal to serve, it is recommended that at least one member of your group attend our volunteer information session. Then, should you wish to proceed, plan your service with our Volunteer Coordinator. Again, the volunteer information session is for informational purposes. There is no obligation to volunteer.
Do you have a question or concern that is not addressed here? Contact our Volunteer Desk at (518) 274-2607, ext. 4139 or at volunteer@unityhouseNY.org.
Any other questions not covered here? PLEASE, reach out to us, your questions help us make our volunteer program better!
Thank you for considering Unity House for your volunteer time. We consider volunteers vital to our success and are grateful for your interest.