How can you screen and select volunteers for a homeless shelter?

2 Recruit strategically

Once you know what you need, you can start recruiting volunteers from various sources. You can use online platforms, social media, word-of-mouth, flyers, or partnerships with other organizations to spread the word. However, you should also be strategic about who you target and how you communicate your message. For example, you can tailor your recruitment materials to highlight the benefits, challenges, and impact of volunteering at your shelter. You can also reach out to specific groups or individuals who have relevant experience, skills, or interests in homelessness issues.

3 Screen carefully

After you receive some applications or inquiries from interested volunteers, you need to screen them carefully to ensure they are suitable and reliable. You can use different methods to screen volunteers, such as interviews, background checks, references, or tests. The screening process should help you assess the volunteers' motivation, attitude, availability, compatibility, and suitability for the role. You should also use this opportunity to inform the volunteers about your organization's mission, vision, values, policies, and procedures.

4 Select wisely

The final step is to select the best volunteers for your shelter. You should base your selection on the results of the screening process, as well as your intuition and judgment. You should also consider the diversity, balance, and cohesion of your volunteer team. You want to select volunteers who can complement each other's skills, personalities, and backgrounds, and who can work well with your staff and clients. You should also select volunteers who are committed, passionate, and flexible.

5 Welcome warmly

Once you have selected your volunteers, you need to welcome them warmly and make them feel valued and appreciated. You can do this by providing them with a comprehensive orientation and training program, assigning them a mentor or buddy, introducing them to your staff and clients, and giving them feedback and recognition. You should also maintain regular communication and support with your volunteers, and create opportunities for them to learn, grow, and bond with each other.