Step Up To the Plate

From the Organization:

Location: Ruth and Clearfield Parking Lot, 1829 E. Clearfield Street, Kensington,Philadelphia PA 19134

"The volunteer(s) will help support an outdoor centralized location for food distribution serving individuals and community members who are experiencing hunger and homelessness in Kensington (please see below questions addressing safety measures for volunteers). The initiative will help increase access to food and related services for up to 500 individuals a day -the need is great to serve! The volunteer(s) will work with a collaborative of established community meal providers to support successful distribution of to-go meals in accordance with health and safety guidelines (appropriate personal protective equipment to be provided and must be worn while volunteering).

Job duties generally include, but are not limited to:

Assisting with the set-up & break down the site
Welcoming individuals and assisting with crowd flow to reduce congestion and long-lines
Distributing to-go meals to guests
Guiding guests to services available on-site (ex. handwashing, physically distant seating)
Assisting with keeping the lot clean and encouraging guests to throw away their trash appropriately
Other operational tasks, as assigned.

What about my safety? All meal distribution will occur on a large and visible parking lot, with support from police onsite for ensuring volunteer and guest safety. Additionally, a well-known community organization is onsite daily for additional safety measures. Guests are typically appreciative of the service and grateful to the volunteers!
What protective equipment will there be? Gloves, access to handwashing/hand sanitizer and cloth masks. To conserve masks, kindly bring your own if you have one for personal use. Volunteers MUST adhere to these requirements
Where can I park? You will receive a confirmation email with a diagram (along Ruth and Clearfield, right in front of the lot)
Is it rain or shine? Yes, please look at the weather for your shift and wear a raincoat if it is predicted to rain. Meal distribution is under tents. In cases of severe weather, you will be notified if distribution is cancelled.
What should I wear? Sunscreen, jeans, a t-shirt/sweatshirt, and sneakers/boots would be perfect! No open-toed shoes allowed
Can I store my belongings while I serve? You can store items in our storage container or bring your own backpack/drawstring bag
Will I have access to a restroom? Yes, you may use a restroom during your shift.
Can I eat one of the meals? We are reserving the meals for our guests as much as possible, so please eat before you volunteer if you can. If you are food insecure, you are welcome to take a meal home with you.

Best suitable for adults over 18, Comfortable working in a fast-paced, team-oriented, outdoor environment; involves standing and bending down for 3-4 hours at a time throughout a shift. Candidates must be reliable and punctual and passionate about providing high-quality customer service to individuals experiencing homelessness, deep poverty, physical and mental illness, and active substance use. Training will be provided for all job duties.

Questions? Contact Victoria Hepp at victoria.hepp@phila.gov"

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