We Love Our Volunteers

Put Your Compassion into Action

No matter what your skills, there are many ways for you to get involved at all our facilities.

One of the most powerful ways you can support men, women, and children at Union Rescue Mission, Hope Gardens Family Center, and Angeles House is to share your time and talents as a volunteer. Whether you serve as an individual or in a group, your care and kindness will give dignity to our guests and remind them they are worthy and loved.

Individual Volunteers

Group Volunteers

Volunteer Opportunities

Serve A Meal

Help serve breakfast, lunch, or dinner to our guests at URM (downtown L.A.), Hope Gardens (Sylmar), or Angeles House (South L.A.).

We have opportunities available every day of the week, including weekends.

Volunteers must be 14 years of age or older. A parent is required if under 18.

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Provide Childcare

Provide childcare and love while giving parents the chance to focus on rebuilding their lives.

Opportunities are available at Hope Gardens Monday – Thursday, 8:00 am -4:00 pm and at Angeles House on Monday and Wednesday evenings.

A background check is required.
Must be 18+ years old.

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Distribution Center

Help sort donations of food, clothing, furniture, hygiene items, household goods, and more at our distribution center in downtown L.A.

We need volunteers
Monday – Friday: 9:00 am to 2:30 pm.

All volunteers must be 14 years of age or older.
A parent is required for youth under 18.

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Community Service

If you need to fulfill court-ordered community service, this can be a great opportunity. Please submit your court documents for approval at our email.

For school-ordered hours, please reach out to volunteer@urm.org to obtain further information.

All volunteers must be 14 years of age or older.
A parent is required for youth under 18.

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Thrift Stores

Help stock, sort, and take on various tasks at one of our three thrift stores. For information call:

Covina: (626) 915-3417

Whittier: (562) 205-3385

Torrance: (310) 424-5340

All Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.

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Share Your Talents

Do you have a special skill you’d like to share? We welcome new ideas to bless and serve the men, women, and children at any of our locations.

Please email us and include the word IDEA in the subject line.

Want to learn more about volunteering? Attend an orientation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When will the Urban Experian relaunch?

The Urban Experience is where a group of volunteers camp out on the URM roof for $65 a night per person. We build a volunteer experience / itinerary for each group. They volunteer with us and also have other activities offsite. We hope to relaunch this program in the Spring of 2025.

Can I bring someone with me that didn't register?

No, each volunteer must register and meet all criteria.

What is the max group size you accept?

DTLA – 30 volunteers / Hope Garden – 30 volunteers / Angeles House 10

Do you have any opportunities for minors under the age of 14?

We do not have any opportunities for volunteers under the age of 14. However, we do suggest having your child / minor host a donation drive of some sorts and then have them join you to drop them off at the Mission…or schedule a time to distribute them. Please reach out to our donations department for a list of items our residents need.

Does the Volunteer Department have any needs?

Absolutely, we always in need of popcorn kernels, popcorn oil, popcorn bags, cotton candy sugar, cotton candy cones, snow cone juice, and jumbo type games. EMAIL US if you have items to donate.