Volunteer at our Events
We expect over 1,000 guests at each large one-stop-shop event and need more than 300 volunteers to make sure things run smoothly. If you are passionate about being part of the solution to end homelessness in Toronto, volunteering at Homeless Connect Toronto is a great way to get involved.
Volunteer Roles
Our volunteers are a huge part of our events. For our large one-stop-shop, we need over 300 day-of volunteers to make the event run smoothly. The roles we have are outlined below. Check out our FAQ or send us a note on our contact form if you have any questions!
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Greeters
Greeters welcome each guest to the event. You're the first person they meet at the event, so be prepared to say hello with a smile and provide a warm welcome. You will help with crowd control outside, ensure orderly conduct within our line-up, answer any questions and offer additional support.
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Registration
Registration volunteers assist guests in filling out registration forms, help guests to identifying the services that they would like to access at the event, and even connect them to a translator (if needed). Your role is to help our guests know what's available to them and how they should prioritize their day.
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Guides
Guides accompany our guests from registration to the services. You will answer questions and assist guests with locating the services throughout the day. Your role is to provide a one-on-one “concierge” experience to our guests. Be prepared to be on your feet all day, walking (sometimes running) around!
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Gophers
Gophers provides extra support to services and/or relieve other volunteers so they will receive adequate breaks. You will assist at different stations throughout the day. Ready to take on any job? This is the perfect role for you!
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Data
A bit shy, but still want to be involved? Data volunteers help enter information from registration and guest experience surveys throughout the event day. You will be required to bring a laptop to the event for data entry.
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Set-Up/Teardown
For this role, you will help us with setting up before event day and tearing down at the end of the event. If you are able to assist with either set-up or tear down, you can add this additional role on your registration form.
“The guests were appreciative and friendly - ultimately they made my experience today amazing! Everyone was so respectful. Had a great time and definitely plan to volunteer again.”
— Volunteer
Role Breakdown
When you register to be a volunteer, we ask you for your preferred role and try to accommodate for that. However, the bulk of our volunteers are assigned as Guides, making up 75% of the volunteers we need to run our event successfully.
Want to join our planning team?
In order to run our successful events, we have a Volunteer Planning Team who takes on different roles. We have open positions that need passionate, dedicated, and committed volunteers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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All volunteers are asked to dedicate a full day (9:30am to 4:30pm) to volunteer at the event.
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All NEW volunteers are asked to attend a mandatory orientation to ensure the event can maintain its high standards. Returning volunteers are encouraged to attend a training session if you attended one prior to 2018 to have more up-to-date information about event changes. Training will take place one week before the event. The sessions will provide volunteers with event information, sensitivity training, volunteer package and volunteer t-shirt.
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Role placements are assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis to be make sure it is fair for all volunteers. On your application, please be clear about which role you would like to be placed. While we can’t guarantee your request, we do try our best to assign you to your requested role. Just a reminder that 75% of our volunteers are assigned to Guides as it provides personal one-on-one interactions between each guest and our volunteers.
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Yes! While the majority of roles require a lot of standing and walking throughout the day, we do have some roles in registration and service support that are seated positions. If you have issues with mobility, we’d still love your help, but make sure you indicate on your volunteer registration form, so we can assign you to an appropriate role. There are very limited availabilities for a seated position at the event.
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Yes! For those who are 12 - 15, they will need to be accompanied and volunteering with an adult. For those who are 16 - 17, they can volunteer, as long as we receive their guardian's signed consent. Our Volunteers Co-Chairs will reach out to you if you indicated these age brackets on the registration form.
Students who need to sign off on volunteer hours can either bring their form and have it signed at the end of the day at our HCT table on the 2nd floor, or send an email to volunteer@hctoronto.org.
Our clothing sort and comfort kit volunteer opportunities are open to children 5 years and up.
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Yes. Please indicate your preference for meat or vegetarian on the Volunteer registration form.
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There are a variety of paid parking lots located nearby, ranging from $10 to $40 for the full day. Check on bestparking.com for the location of available lots. Public transportation is strongly recommended. The nearest subway station is College Station.
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We DO have some limited group volunteering opportunities prior to event day, which may include sorting clothes for the clothing bank, packing toiletry comfort kits, etc. If your group is interested in volunteering, please contact us at volunteer@hctoronto.org.
If you have a group of people that are interested in volunteering on event day, please sign up as individuals and state on the volunteer application what group you are with. The volunteer coordinator will try to keep groups together, but there is no guarantee that groups will be placed together as it depends on placements as needed.