Community Builder

Peace House Community (PHC) is a day center in South Minneapolis, serving community members facing economic instability, housing uncertainty, social isolation, and stigmatization. PHC counters these conditions by providing a safe, welcoming, and affirming community that gets to know its members as individuals.

At PHC, volunteers play a crucial role in creating this welcoming and supportive environment. They engage with community members by sitting with them, listening to their stories, and affirming their worth regardless of their life situation. Each day, our volunteers have the privilege of sharing in the life stories of those we serve-stories that reflect joys, fears, friendships, loneliness, and much more.

Volunteers are also encouraged to contribute their skills, talents, or interests to serve community members. Current volunteers provide haircuts, fix bikes, offer hand massages, lead group discussions and more. Others help with lawn care, building maintenance, or food pick ups. Many work behind the scenes, planning special events or writing thank-you letters to donors.

There is always a need for different kinds of support, and volunteers are encouraged to get creative in how they can contribute. Founded in 1985, PHC was established as a safe haven for those on the fringes of society. We open our doors to each person, regardless of their struggles, and have cultivated a vibrant community that celebrates uniqueness.

We know that every volunteer brings their own unique life experiences and perspectives and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds and walks of life to consider volunteering with us. Our vision is for our volunteer group to be as diverse as the community we serve.

Mission

Peace House Community (PHC) nourishes its members’ bodies and souls by providing a safe space for everyone. PHC enriches the lives of its members, volunteers and students by offering a place to belong for everyone who comes through its doors.

Vision

Community members who have been wounded by economic and social dislocation will be healed through caring relationships in a supportive community.

Guiding Principles

The following guiding principles enable us to create an atmosphere of cooperation and fairness:

• Ensure all voices are given an opportunity to express themselves.
• Respect the diversity of opinions and experiences in the community.
• Listen to other people with a mind that is open to wisdom from all sources.
• Practice non-violence through self-restraint, encouraging words, compassionate actions and respectful listening.
• Accept difficult situations with grace and serenity as we work towards conflict resolution.