Non-profits are vital to Detroit. They provide a variety of services for the less fortunate among us. However, non-profits can’t function without volunteers. The next time you have some free time, consider volunteering at one of these 10 organizations making an impact in Metro Detroit.
Mosaic Youth Theatre
If you want to support Detroit’s young artists, check out Mosaic Youth Theatre. Mosaic is regarded as one of Southeast Michigan’s cultural treasures, and the organization has participated in national and international tours. You can get involved by supporting the young actors and stage hands in behind-the-scenes opportunities.
Time commitment for youth support volunteer includes one weekly five to six hour rehearsal and one additional rehearsal and performance during Mosaic’s busy season. If you want to support the organization by acting as a chaperone, usher, or vendor, you can. Click here for more information about volunteer opportunities.
The Heidelberg Project
The Heidelberg Project is a Detroit-based community organization that strives to improve the lives of people and neighborhoods through art. If you enjoy working with your hands and have an artistic streak in you, check out the Heidleberg Project. It’s a great opportunity to help revitalize Detroit through outdoor art. For more information about volunteering, click here.
Mercy Education Project
Education is critical to giving students a brighter future, especially female students. Mercy Education Project (MEP) exists to improve the lives of low-income girls and women by providing them with educational opportunities and cultural enrichment.
Volunteering at MEP will make it possible for low-income girls and women to realize their dreams. You don’t have to be a tutor to volunteer. Mercy Education Project is looking for people who can chaperone a field trip, answer phones, and promote MEP. Find out more about volunteer opportunities here.
Gleaners Community Food Bank
No Detroiter should have to go hungry. When you volunteer at Gleaners Community Food Bank, you help ensure that people who need food get it. You can help out by sorting and packing food or by staffing a special event or program. If you’ve got mad office skills, use them to help Gleaners stay on top of administrative work. Click here for more information about volunteering at Gleaners.
Young Detroit Builders
Young Detroit Builders is a non-profit organization that offers education, counseling, leadership development, and on-the-job construction training to Detroit youth. You don’t have to know anything about construction to volunteer with Young Detroit Builders.
Currently, the organization is looking for a graphic designer, a social media guru, and a resource development contact. If you want to mentor, tutor, or volunteer as an office assistant, Young Detroit Builders would like to hear from you. Learn more about volunteer opportunities here.
Freedom House
Freedom House is a non-profit organization that helps asylum seekers from around the world. The people who live at Freedom House have fled persecution, coming to the U.S. for safety. Freedom House offers asylum seekers housing and legal assistance for free.
There are a variety of ways you can help Freedom House in its quest to serve survivors of persecution. The organization is always looking for volunteers who can provide legal, health, and translation services. Freedom House also needs volunteers who can help with childcare and provide transportation assistance.
World Medical Relief
World Medical Relief was formed from a Detroit housewife’s desire to help a child left orphaned by the Korean War. Irene M. Auberlin’s work eventually grew to helping people around the world in need of medical attention and pharmaceutical drugs. The organization also has a local focus. World Medical Relief has partnered with United Foundation to provide prescription medication assistance to low-income senior citizens.
World Medical Relief is always looking for volunteers who want to help make a difference in the community and around the world. For more information about how you can get involved, click here.
Forgotten Harvest
Forgotten Harvest isn’t your normal food bank. The organization is dedicated to relieving hunger in Metro Detroit and preventing nutritious food waste. Forgotten Harvest collects surplus food from 800 sources, including produce markets, restaurants, dairies, and grocery stores. The food is then delivered to 280 emergency food providers in Detroit fo free.
Help Forgotten Harvest eliminate hunger in Metro Detroit by volunteering. You can help the warehouse crew, the farm team, or do some DIY fundraising. Bring a friend and make a day of it.
Focus: HOPE
Focus: HOPE is a Detroit nonprofit focused on taking practical action to overcome poverty, racism, and injustice. The organization has several way it serves the community – through a food program, tutoring, and community development projects.
You can get involved at Focus: HOPE today. You can pack and deliver food to senior citizens, tutor students, work in a Focus: HOPE department, or help with community development projects.
Capuchin Soup Kitchen
Serve warm meals and brighten someone’s day at the Capuchin Soup Kitchen. The organization is inspired by the life of St. Francis of Assisi. It strives to meet people’s basic needs, stimulate minds and nourish spirits, and address the root causes of social injustice in Metro Detroit.
The Capuchin Soup Kitchen always welcome volunteers. You can help by sorting and sizing clothes, preparing emergency food packages, serving meals, and helping with summer camps for kids. For the full list of volunteer opportunities, click here.
Volunteer Now
Find an organization that aligns with your passions, and go get involved. You’ll make new friends, learn new skills, and leave with a different perspective. You’ll be helping your community and your fellow Detroiters by volunteering your time.
