Opportunities From: 5Cities Homeless Coalition

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Help provide a safe, warm space for community members during cold and inclement weather by serving as an on-call volunteer for 5Cities Homeless Coalition’s Warming Center.

The Warming Center is not open every day. It activates during periods of severe weather, and on-call volunteers are contacted when support is needed. You can accept or decline requests based on your availability.

If the Warming Center opens for a single evening, shifts are typically 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. If it is activated for a stretch of rainy or severe weather days, volunteers may be needed across multiple days and shifts.

Volunteer roles may include welcoming guests, helping with check-in, distributing basic supplies, light setup or cleanup, and supporting staff in maintaining a calm and respectful environment. No prior experience is required. Staff are present to guide volunteers.

This role is ideal for those who want to help during critical times but prefer a flexible schedule. Reliability, compassion, and respect for guest dignity are essential.

Exact shift details and expectations are shared when the Warming Center is activated.

Please ensure your phone number is added and validated on your site profile so you can receive text notifications when the Warming Center opens.

Ideal for: flexible volunteers who are comfortable responding on short notice and want to support the community during cold-weather emergencies.

Looking for a meaningful way for your group to give back? A Custom Group Service Project lets your team support 5Cities Homeless Coalition in a way that fits your interests, skills, and availability.

Projects can vary based on current needs and may include donation sorting, kit assembly, event preparation, organization projects, or other hands-on support that benefits our programs and shelters.

If your group is interested, please reach out to discuss your ideas and availability. We’re happy to chat and design a service project that is impactful for the community and a good fit for your team.

This option works well for groups who want a more personalized or one-time volunteer experience.

Next step: Contact Alistair to start the conversation and plan your project together.

Serve alongside your team in a hands-on way by participating in a Group Kitchen Day at the Oceano Community Center with 5Cities Homeless Coalition. This opportunity allows groups to prepare nutritious, balanced meals that support individuals and families working toward stable housing.

Group Kitchen Days are typically scheduled on weekends, making them accessible for teams and organizations that are not available during weekday kitchen hours.

Volunteer groups work together in our kitchen to help with tasks such as food prep, cooking, portioning, and packaging meals for shelter residents. No professional cooking experience is needed. Staff provide guidance and food safety direction throughout the shift.

This is a great way to build teamwork while giving back to the community. Shifts are scheduled in advance based on kitchen availability and group size. Advance notice is required so we can plan ingredients and meal quantities.

Ideal for: corporate teams, clubs, faith groups, student organizations, and community groups seeking a structured, hands-on volunteer experience with a direct local impact.

Bring your community together for a creative and meaningful cause by hosting a bowl painting party in support of 5Cities Homeless Coalition’s Empty Bowls fundraiser. Paint parties help create the handcrafted bowls that guests receive at the event, making them a special and personal part of this community tradition.

As a host, you simply gather people who want to paint bowls in a relaxed, social setting. Your main contribution is bringing together participants to paint. 5Cities Homeless Coalition provides the bowls, paint, basic guidance, and handles the firing process. Once completed, the bowls are professionally fired and displayed at Empty Bowls for guests to select at the event.

Paint parties can be small or large and are a great fit for clubs, workplaces, faith groups, schools, or community organizations. No artistic experience is needed. The goal is participation, creativity, and community spirit.

Every bowl painted helps support fundraising efforts that benefit individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Ideal for: community groups, businesses, schools, clubs, faith-based groups, families, or anyone who enjoys creative activities and wants to make a meaningful local impact.

Help keep daily operations running smoothly by supporting the administrative work behind the scenes at 5Cities Homeless Coalition. Office Support Volunteers assist staff with important tasks that help our programs serve individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Typical tasks may include organizing supplies, assembling packets or materials, filing, scanning, light data entry, labeling, shredding, and general office organization projects. Some projects are one-time, while others may be ongoing depending on need.

This role is a great fit for detail-oriented volunteers who enjoy organized, behind-the-scenes work and want to contribute in a meaningful but low-profile way. Basic comfort with computers and office equipment is helpful but not always required.

Shifts are scheduled based on staff needs and volunteer availability, typically during weekday business hours.

Reliability, confidentiality, and respect for client privacy are essential in this role.

By volunteering in office support, you help strengthen the foundation that allows our programs and services to operate effectively for the community we serve.

oin us in supporting a lively and meaningful community fundraiser at Fiesta at Finn’s, a Cinco de Mayo themed celebration benefiting 5Cities Homeless Coalition. This event combines great food, music, and community spirit to raise funds for individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness in South San Luis Obispo County.

Volunteers help create a welcoming and smooth experience for guests. Roles may include setup and decorations, check-in, activity or raffle support, guest guidance, and cleanup. Tasks are assigned based on event needs and volunteer preferences when possible.

This is a fun opportunity for individuals or groups who enjoy upbeat, social environments and want to give back while being part of a celebratory community event. No prior experience is needed, just a positive attitude and reliability.

Exact roles, timing, and event details are shared before the event.

By volunteering, you help make this fundraiser successful and directly support the programs and services that help our neighbors move toward stable housing.

Support a fun and meaningful community fundraiser by volunteering at our annual Hope for the Homeless Golf Tournament. This event brings together local golfers, businesses, and supporters to raise funds that help individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness in South San Luis Obispo County.

Volunteers help with a variety of event-day roles such as check-in and registration, welcome tables, course support, contest holes, raffle or prize tables, setup, and cleanup. Roles are assigned based on event needs and volunteer preferences when possible.

This is a great opportunity for individuals, friends, families, or small groups who enjoy being outdoors, working with people, and supporting a positive community event. No golf experience is required.

Volunteers should be friendly, reliable, and comfortable helping in a fast-paced event environment. Exact roles, timing, and instructions are shared prior to the event.

By volunteering, you directly support the work of 5Cities Homeless Coalition and help make this fundraiser a success for the community we serve.

Gain real-world, hands-on experience while making a meaningful impact in your community. The Nonprofit Immersion Program is designed for students and emerging leaders who want to learn how a working nonprofit operates while supporting individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

This program is structured around four learning pillars:
• Marketing – communications, storytelling, outreach materials, and campaign support
• Volunteers – recruitment support, coordination, and engagement efforts
• Donors – donor relations support, gratitude efforts, and fundraising assistance
• Event Planning – logistics, preparation, and execution of community events and fundraisers

Participants start with a brief interview with our team to determine which track is the best fit based on interests, strengths, and goals. This helps ensure a meaningful and productive experience for everyone.

Participants learn by doing and gradually take on more responsibility as they build confidence and skills. Common skill areas developed include professional communication, teamwork, organization, time management, and community engagement.

A consistent weekly commitment is expected so participants can contribute meaningfully and gain real experience.

This program is ideal for high school students, college students, or young professionals exploring careers in nonprofit work, social services, or community leadership. Through this experience, you will see firsthand how 5Cities Homeless Coalition works to support stability, dignity, and long-term outcomes for those we serve.

As part of your sign-up, please include your weekday availability between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM so we can schedule your interview.

Share your knowledge and help empower individuals on their journey toward stability. Day Hab volunteers lead workshops or classes that build practical life skills, confidence, and personal growth for clients working toward housing and self-sufficiency.

Classes can focus on a wide range of topics such as financial literacy, job readiness, wellness, communication skills, creative activities, or other practical life skills. You do not need to be a professional teacher — just someone willing to share a skill, experience, or area of knowledge in a supportive and respectful way.

Volunteers can lead a one-time workshop or teach on a recurring basis. Our team will coordinate scheduling, class size, and space, and can help you shape your idea into a simple, engaging session.

Consistency, patience, and a strengths-based approach are important. The goal is to encourage growth, dignity, and independence.

This opportunity is a meaningful way to contribute your talents and make a direct impact through 5Cities Homeless Coalition’s Day Habilitation program.

Please answer the following questions in your response: 

Help remove transportation barriers for individuals and families working toward stable housing. On-call transportation volunteers provide occasional rides for clients to important appointments such as housing meetings, medical visits, employment commitments, or essential services.

This is a flexible, as-needed role. Volunteers are contacted via text and email when a request arises and can accept or decline based on their availability. There is no set schedule, making this a good fit for those who want to help but need flexibility.

All transportation requests are coordinated by staff. Volunteers are given clear details in advance, including pickup and drop-off locations, estimated time commitment, and any relevant boundaries. Client confidentiality and respectful interaction are essential.

Volunteers must have a valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and proof of insurance. Additional screening or forms may be required depending on the type of transport.

This role makes a direct impact by helping clients access the resources and appointments that support their path toward stability and self-sufficiency through 5Cities Homeless Coalition.

Please ensure your phone number is validated on your profile so you can receive text messages about transportation requests.

Please text Alistair (805-550-8701) a copy of your driver's license in order to be applicable for this opportunity.

Join our Kitchen Meal Prep team at the Oceano Community Center every Monday to Wednesday and help prepare nutritious, balanced meals for residents in our shelters. Volunteers work together to chop ingredients, cook, portion, and package dinners that are delivered to individuals and families working toward stable housing.

This role is hands on, social, and a great way to make a direct impact in just a couple of hours. No professional cooking experience is needed, just a willingness to help and follow basic kitchen guidelines. All meals are prepared for our shelter programs and include ingredient tracking for allergies and dietary needs.

Volunteers should be comfortable in a kitchen environment, following food safety practices, and working as part of a team. This is a meaningful way to support the mission of 5Cities Homeless Coalition by helping ensure our residents have consistent, quality meals as they focus on their housing goals.

Support our shelter residents by preparing a home-cooked meal from your own kitchen. Volunteers sign up to cook a complete dinner that is delivered to one of our shelters serving individuals and families working toward stable housing.

We currently operate two shelters in Grover Beach:
• Balay Ko on Barca, serving about 30 residents
• Cabins for Change, serving about 20 residents

You may cook for either shelter or prepare enough for both, depending on your capacity. Our team will confirm the location and drop-off details after you sign up.

Home-based meal prep is typically scheduled for Sundays. If Sundays do not work for you, you may request another day and we will do our best to coordinate.

Meals should be balanced and follow basic food safety guidelines. An ingredient list is required so we can track allergies and dietary needs.

When you sign up, please include the following in your response:
• The date or dates you would like to serve
• Which shelter you would like to cook for, or if you can support both
• What meal you are planning to prepare
• Whether you are interested in a one-time meal or a recurring commitment

This opportunity is ideal for individuals, families, or small groups who enjoy cooking and want to make a meaningful impact from home while supporting the mission of 5Cities Homeless Coalition.