It’s volunteers like you that make life-change at Water Street possible!
Because we serve about 400 meals per day from our kitchen, we always have plenty of opportunities for individuals and groups to serve! Volunteer during a meal shift, or help behind-the-scenes with simple food preparation or cleaning.
We have a fully operational kitchen and dining facility that serves 3 meals a day to our guests and staff (only breakfast and dinner served on Sundays). Volunteers who sign up to serve during a meal shift may be asked to assist with bussing tables, serving food on the line, simple food preparation (i.e. cutting fruit and vegetables, etc.), cleaning, or may be asked to assist with other kitchen tasks, depending on where help is needed most that day.
Behind-the-scenes opportunities (such as simple food preparation or cleaning/organizing) are also available between meal shifts.
Residents of the Lancaster community have access to Water Street’s Food Pantry known as the Outreach Center 3 days a week. Our Outreach Volunteers help keep the tables stocked with groceries throughout the shopping experience. Together we create a welcoming environment that helps uplift spirits and get individuals the grocery assistance they need.
Volunteer opportunities in Residential Programs impact our Guests directly and involve 1:1 relationships with them. The volunteers we seek are high-impact, long-term volunteers who can commit to a weekly or bi-weekly schedule for a minimum of 3 months.
Residential Programs Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. Background clearances required.
Volunteers serve by opening and processing incoming donations, stuffing and stamping envelopes.
These opportunities are for individuals who are willing to commit to serving one morning per week on a regular basis. Background clearances required.
Volunteers ride with our staff to area businesses and organizations that have donations for us to collect, help load the donations onto the donation truck, then assist staff in unloading the donations into warehouses on the Water Street campus.
*We currently have an opening for a volunteer willing to commit to serving regularly on Tuesdays from 9:00am-12:00pm.
Wonder Club provides daily Pre-K and Kindergarten classes for children from primarily low-income families who could otherwise not afford a private Christian education.
Volunteers assist with lunch to set out trays, hand out lunch items and assist children with opening condiment packages, milk, etc., or help in the classroom or recess, as needed.
These opportunities are for individuals 18 or older who are willing to commit to serving a minimum of once per week for a minimum of three months. Background clearances required.
Teen Haven helps launch teens from our Lancaster City community into a life of leadership and purpose. By providing a safe and nurturing environment, and mentoring them to become leaders in their city, churches and schools, Teen Haven is building a stronger foundation for a thriving community.
Teen Haven opportunities are for individuals 18 or older who are willing to commit to serving a minimum of once per week for a minimum of three months. Background clearances required.
The fall is always a busy season for Water Street! We have additional opportunities available in the kitchen to prepare for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and help is needed to sort incoming food donations from our Fall Food Drive. Sign in to your volunteer account to sign up for these opportunities, or contact the Volunteer Office for assistance.
Can’t make it to campus, but would still like to help? Participate in our Rescue Mission Food Drive!
We are incredibly grateful to individuals and groups who offer their time and professional services to Water Street. Please contact the Volunteer Office to see what opportunities may be available in your area of expertise.
In the event that we do not have a project that matches the needs/goals of your group, please let us know if we may contact you at a later date if a project becomes available.
*Due to limited staffing on evenings and weekends, opportunities are currently only offered during weekday business hours.
The Winter Weekend Day Shelter (WWDS) is a safe and warm place for our Guests to stay during the day on Saturdays and Sundays when other options are not available. It is a unique opportunity for a group to come get to know our Guests without a longer-term commitment.
Help us create a fun atmosphere where Water Street Guests feel valued. Simply be a presence to connect and engage with Guests, or create activities to have fun together!
Can’t make it to campus, but would still like to help? Consider hosting a donation drive!
Your food donations help us serve about 400 hot meals every day, as well as provide groceries to hundreds of Lancaster City families each week. Your donations of essential items meet the everyday needs of our Guests.
If you already have an account with us, you can use the portal login link below. If not, set up a new account today!
For new accounts, you can find needed resources here!
