Volunteer Opportunity: Welcome Center Greeter

Volunteer Opportunity: Welcome Center Greeter

at Friendship Place 4713 Wisconsin Ave NW

About the Welcome Center

Friendship Place’s Welcome Center is a low-barrier drop-in space for individuals experiencing homelessness in Washington, DC. It is often the first point of contact for people seeking safety, connection, basic needs, and pathways to housing and services.

Participants can come inside to get out of the elements, rest, have a cup of coffee, charge a phone, access restrooms, receive mail, meet with staff, and learn about available resources. For many, the Welcome Center is one of the few places where they are treated with dignity, respect, and kindness.

This is where human connection matters most.

The Role: Greeter

The Greeter is the first friendly face participants encounter when they enter the Welcome Center.

This volunteer role is centered on acknowledgment, presence, and kindness. People experiencing homelessness deeply appreciate being recognized as individuals. A simple:

“Good morning”

“How are you today?”

“Nice to see you”

can set the tone for someone’s entire visit.

Greeters engage in light conversation, offer a welcoming presence, and help create a calm, respectful environment for everyone in the space.

Greeters are NOT expected to:

• Provide case management
• Offer counseling
• Explain programs in detail
• Solve participant challenges

Your role is to be a friendly, consistent presence.

At Friendship Place, visitors are always referred to as participants, and volunteers are asked to use this language.

Schedule & Commitment

Volunteers serve during Welcome Center hours:

Open:

• • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
  • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Closed:

• • Wednesday, Friday, weekends, and all OPM/Federal holidays

You do not need to stay the entire day.

Typical shifts are 3–4 hours within these windows.

Additional Ways to Help

Once all participants entering the Welcome Center have been greeted and acknowledged, Greeters may be asked to assist staff with light behind-the-scenes tasks such as sorting donated items.

This helps staff keep the space organized and ensures donations are ready for participant use. These tasks are simple, optional, and only done after greeting responsibilities have been met.

Important Considerations

The Welcome Center serves individuals facing significant challenges related to unsheltered homelessness, trauma, and mental health stressors. The environment can at times feel unpredictable.

Volunteers should be:

• Comfortable in a fast-paced, active setting
• Patient and calm in emotionally charged situations
• Prepared to hear strong language
• Aware that staff are always present to manage difficult situations
• Able to maintain professional boundaries while remaining warm and respectful

You will never be asked to manage conflict — staff handle all behavioral concerns. Your role is simply to be a welcoming presence within the space.

Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Comfortable interacting with diverse populations
• Friendly, patient, and compassionate demeanor

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to stand and move throughout program spaces for extended periods. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential volunteer functions.

Why This Role Matters

For someone experiencing homelessness, being greeted like a neighbor instead of being ignored like a problem can be profoundly meaningful.

This role is simple, but the impact is deep.

If you believe in the power of human dignity, this is a beautiful way to serve.

Supervision & Reporting

Welcome Center Greeters are supervised by the Director of Community Engagement for overall volunteer coordination and by the Division Director, Welcome Center (or their designee) while onsite at the Welcome Center.

Volunteers should direct any questions, concerns, or needs during their shift to Welcome Center staff on duty.

How to Get Started

If you’re interested in serving as a Welcome Center Greeter, please email volunteer@friendshipplace.org to begin the onboarding process. Our team will guide you through the next steps, including orientation and scheduling.