Be a Volunteer Interviewer for the Minnesota and Reservation Homeless Studies in Bemidji on Oct. 22

Volunteering for the Minnesota and Reservation Homeless Studies is a unique opportunity for you to conduct one-on-one interviews with people experiencing homelessness about their current living situation, history, and experiences. The participation of adults and youth experiencing homelessness gives voice to the reality of homelessness in our state and helps planners, funders, and advocates in their efforts to find solutions. By volunteering as an interviewer on October 22, you can shine a light on homelessness in Minnesota. Training is provided in advance, and a site lead will be available for support during your volunteer shift.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct in-person interviews in the Bemidji area using our structured survey. Each interview takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes using the interview form.
• Complete a 90-minute online or in-person training to ensure you understand: 1) how to go through the questions, 2) how to engage with the people you are interviewing, and 3) who to contact with questions.
• Protect the confidentiality of the information and data shared by study participants.

Qualifications:

• Interviewers must be age 21 or older.
• Individuals or groups of up to 10 people are welcome.
• In order to ensure that the people we interview are truly at the center of this work, interviewers must bring flexibility, humility, and open-mindedness to the experience. Listen openly and respectfully to the stories and experiences of the people you talk to.

Time Commitment:

• Most volunteers cover one 4-hour shift on Thursday, October 22. You're also expected to review training materials prior, which takes about 90 minutes. You may review the training information online when it is sent to you in early October.
• Most interview assignments:
  • Begin in the afternoon or evening; some assignments earlier in the day may also be available.
  • Are made based on the schedules and needs of service providers participating in the study. The greater your flexibility, the more likely we'll be able to identify an assignment for you.

Location:

• Interviews take place at shelter locations throughout Minnesota, including emergency shelters, transitional housing programs, and domestic violence shelters. Some surveys are conducted at non-shelter locations. For Bemidji, there are sites in Bemidji or nearby at Red Lake and Leech Lake reservations.
• We will assign you to a site based on the preferences you indicate on your application and the needs of the sites.

Sign Up:

• Learn more and sign up here: https://mnhomeless.org/get-involved/volunteer/