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Frequently asked questions by our volunteers and our response can be found below.
If you are asking a question you don't find here, call us! 1. What do volunteers do at Door of Hope? Volunteers work in all aspects of our Program and Services. Many of our volunteers join guests in setting up and eating lunch, while other volunteers lead post-lunch classes in creative writing or contemplative prayer or go on special outings. Volunteers also accompany people to medical appointments, make hospital visits, or work beside guests in the garden. Some volunteers choose to build a relationship with one specific guest and, with the help of our trained staff, help that person reintegrate into the community. This takes the form of being a willing ear and support as the person makes healthy choices. T here are many, varied opportunities. Our staff can help you find your place among us. Join us for lunch one day and see what we are about. 2. If I volunteered at Door of Hope, how long would I spend there every week? That depends on you. Some volunteers come for 2 hours a week to join us for lunch while others spend significantly more time in building a one-on-one relationship with a specific guest. 3. I've never been with people who are homeless. How should I act? Act as you would with a guest in your house. Be welcoming and non-judgmental. Our Coordinator of Volunteers will get together with you before you begin volunteering to discuss special issues. 4. I'm concerned about my personal safety. Are guests aggressive or do they have diseases? People who are without homes lack the protection of a locked door at night and are frequently the victims of violence. Further, many of our guests have come out of profoundly dysfunctional families. As a result, our guests have an overwhelming sense of gratitude for a safe and caring place. Aggressive behavior is simply not tolerated at Door of Hope. People who are without a home have not had access to health care such as most Americans. Some of our guests do have serious illnesses such as uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension, but contagious diseases are not common. However, we are committed to helping all people receive proper medical attention. None of our staff, including our student nurses, or volunteers has contracted any disease while working at Door of Hope. 5. How did Door of Hope get started? We grew out of a 2003 ad-hoc movement among several Midtown churches concerned about the growing numbers of homeless people walking the streets, begging for coffee, lingering at church doors. After hundreds of hours of research, discussions and planning, a core group of people, members of half dozen churches, plus area non-profits took steps to incorporate and launch Door of Hope. 6. What is the purpose of Door of Hope? Door of Hope's purpose is to provide a welcoming place where people living on the streets may come to learn healthy living skills and to build positive relationships with other people. 7. How do you finance Door of Hope? Donations from individuals like you (see "Opportunities to Help") along with our Partners support Door of Hope. We are a non-profit organization. |
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| 245 North Bellevue, Memphis TN 38105
Phone: 901-725-1140 E-Mail: doorofhopememphis@yahoo.com |
| Volunteer FAQ |
| Volunteer FAQ |
| There
is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread. -Mother Teresa- |
