Housing Works, Inc. is a pioneer in the social enterprise business model movement, and our 10 city-wide Thrift Shops generate revenue to support our programs and services. The merchandise at our Thrift Shops depends on the generous donations of New Yorkers. All clothing donations are sent to our Processing and Distribution Center (PDC) in Long Island City, Queens. It is here that our dedicated team of staff and volunteers receive and sort thousands of donations that are vital in generating revenue for our organization.

As a PDC Volunteer, you will help with:

• Sorting donations

• Hanging and tagging merchandise

• Organizing inventory and backstock

Shifts:

Volunteer shifts are available Monday – Friday; 9 am - 1 pm or 10 am - 2 pm. The PDC can accommodate a maximum of 35 volunteers per shift, and no prior experience is required.

Our 10 thrift shops located throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn are unique to each of their locations. All proceeds from our Shops help fund the lifesaving services and programs we provide every day. Our shops rely on talented individual volunteers and groups to help with daily operations.

As a volunteer with our thrift shops, you will help with:

• Hanging and tagging merchandise,

• Sorting donations,

• Sales floor assistance,

• Organize inventory and backstock,

Shifts:

Volunteer shifts are available 7 days a week and shift times vary depending on the shop. The maximum number of volunteers our shops can accommodate are groups of 15 to 20.

The Housing Works Bookstore Cafe is a New York downtown destination with thousands of books, a full-service cafe, and many special events. We have a massive inventory of books that we scan, pack, and sell via our online partners to generate revenue and benefit the organization.

We have an urgent need for volunteers to assist us with:

• Unpacking boxes of donated books

• Scanning books with a simple scanning device

• Auditing books stored on our shelves

• Packing books into delivery envelopes

This is a very simple, automated process. All our volunteers will receive a tutorial on how to do this during their shift.

Shifts:

The Housing Works Bookstore is available for volunteer groups to work shifts of two to four hours, Monday through Friday. The maximum capacity for volunteer groups is 30 volunteers.

Each year, Housing Works holds two major fundraising events: Design on a Dime and Fashion for Action. These large-scale fundraisers generate significant revenue and resources for our organization.

These events require hundreds of volunteers for multiple days to assist with setup, event-day tasks, and breaking down the displays afterward. Shift times and duties vary by day, and we'll discuss specifics with each volunteer group at least four weeks before the event.

Did you know that many employers offer volunteer incentives? In fact, 65% of Fortune 500 companies sponsor matching gift programs that will match charitable donations made by their employees, board members, retirees, and, in some cases, spouses of employees.

Your company may offer:

• Paid Time Off to Volunteer: Take time off to give back with your employer's support.

• Volunteer Hour Matching: Some companies donate based on hours volunteered.

• Matching Gifts: Many companies match donations dollar-for-dollar.

Use the search engine below to find details about your company’s matching gift program.

Check for your organization's matching gift program here.

Is your group ready to lend your skills and volunteer? Click here to complete the online application.

Please reach out to us with any questions you may have! We are happy to help.

For Thrift Shops - volunteer@housingworks.org

For Bookstore Café - f.irizarry@housingworks.org