Bookstore Cafe

“What I enjoy most about volunteering at Housing Works, aside from the relationships I’ve built, is the knowledge that my efforts directly affect a community that needs my help now more than ever. It really feels good to know that I’m making a difference.”

We have many exciting volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups in the bookstore and cafe. You can immerse yourself in a cozy, cultured atmosphere and give back to the community at the same time.

Volunteer Requirements
• Complete the online application. At the bottom you must check that you have read and understand the Housing Works Volunteer Accepted Duty to Act and the HIV Attestation forms.
• Be at least 16 years of age to be a sales associate, and at least 18 years of age to be a barista.
• Attend an information session, to which you will be invited between 3-6 weeks after you apply.
• Commit to one four-hour shift per week for a minimum of six months. We are not recruiting short-term volunteers, so please apply if you can find a shift that will fit with your schedule for the next six months.

Volunteer Shifts
Monday-Friday, 10am-2pm, 2-6pm, 5:30-9:30pm
Saturday & Sunday, 10am-2pm, 2pm-6pm

Volunteer Positions

Bookstore Sales Associates
With our bookstore serving many purposes for the community, our volunteers enjoy a wide variety of responsibilities! Morning and afternoon Bookstore Sales Associates price and shelve books, run the register, take donations, maintain sections and displays, and help customers; evening Bookstore Sales Associates set-up, run, and break-down events, and also do the tasks of daytime volunteers.

Internet Sales Associates
Our Internet Sales Department currently has over 60,000 books listed online! To process all of our customer orders, volunteers help pull books from the shelves and pack them for shipping. Other responsibilities include helping process donations, organizing and maintaining shelves and the packaging area, and moving boxes of books.

Baristas
If you are looking for something more fast-paced and customer-oriented, join our team of cafe volunteers! Responsibilities include making espresso drinks, serving food, stocking and maintaining the cafe, washing dishes, working at the cash register, and, most importantly, helping us sustain the warm, welcoming, and unique environment our café has come to provide.
Prerequisites: This position is demanding! You must be willing to work hard and work well with people. Food handling and espresso-making experience are a plus, but as long as you are passionate about working in the cafe, we would love to train you! Finally, we serve alcohol, so baristas must be 18+

For individuals and groups interested in completing community service at the bookstore, please email volunteer@housingworksbookstore.org

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If you’re interested in volunteering at our bookstore please

» Sign up to volunteer