CfPA Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)
Volunteer Opportunities
Join the Community for Positive Aging’s mission to support older adults and individuals with disabilities living in permanent supportive housing. We offer a wide range of volunteer opportunities from delivering food and offering technology assistance to hosting peer groups and organizing a community clothing closet. Whether you're looking to connect one-on-one with residents, support behind-the-scenes operations, or share a special skill, there's a meaningful way for you to get involved.
Your time, skills, and compassion can help residents maintain housing stability, build community, and access life-sustaining resources. Volunteers play a vital role in fostering trust, dignity, and connection—ensuring that all residents can age in place safely and with support.
Case Management Assistant / Intern
Make a tangible impact by supporting housing stability and health equity. Volunteers in this role help residents connect to critical services by conducting outreach, compiling resource guides, and amplifying the voices of the community.
You might:
Deliver packages, purchases, or flyers to residents
Conduct outreach to promote hybrid (virtual/in-person) programming
Serve as an event host or support resource distribution
Gather resident feedback and document insights
Create or update forms, surveys, or program documentation
Assist with special projects or research to strengthen programming
Location: Alder House | 523 SW 13th Ave
Impact: By improving access to services, you help reduce social isolation, prevent crises, and empower residents to stay housed and thrive.
Ideal for: Those interested in or with direct experience in social work, community health, or public policy with a passion for affordable housing and social justice.
Time Commitment: 4–6 hours/week; Flexible schedule
Resident Services Assistant / Event Support
Help build community and support housing retention. This volunteer role supports weekly gatherings and one-on-one assistance to help residents maintain benefits, connect with others, and access essential services.
Key Responsibilities:
Support “Coffee and Conversation” programming- a weekly onsite event that promotes connection and builds trust among residents
Provide digital literacy and benefit access support (OHP, SNAP, rent portals, etc.)
Assist eviction prevention efforts by supporting outreach and engagement
Location: Alder House | 523 SW 13th Ave
Impact: Your presence helps reduce eviction risk and increases resident confidence in navigating systems—fostering stability and belonging in their homes.
Ideal for: Social work or human services professionals, students and advocates looking to gain hands-on experience in resident-centered care.
Time Commitment: Thursdays, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM; other times available
Food Pantry Volunteer
Help address food insecurity and support community wellness.
Key Responsibilities:
Assist with pantry setup and distribution on Wednesdays and a once monthly Thursday pantry day
Transport food donations to various Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) and Enhanced Resident Services (ERS) residential buildings in north and downtown Portland
Engage with residents during food distribution
Support food-related outreach and events
Location: Varies depending on assignment
Impact: Food security is a basic need. Your help ensures older adults have consistent access to culturally relevant, nutritious food.
Time Commitment: Wednesdays and/or select Thursdays; flexible
Clothing Closet Manager
Create a dignified and empowering shopping experience for residents in need. This role is perfect for someone with a flair for organization and a passion for building systems that preserve resident dignity and choice.
Key Responsibilities:
Sort, organize, and display donated clothing in an appealing, accessible manner
Open and operate the closet on a regular schedule
Support a resident-friendly “clothing bucks” system that encourages choice and autonomy
Location: Alder House | 523 SW 13th Ave
Impact: You’ll help residents meet essential needs while promoting self-esteem and reducing financial stress—especially for those living on fixed incomes.
Ideal for: Volunteers who enjoy organizing, are detail-oriented, and care about equity and empowerment.
Time Commitment: Flexible; create your own schedule
Why Your Support Matters
Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) provides more than just shelter-it offers a foundation for stability, dignity, and wellness. Many residents face complex challenges related to aging, disability, and chronic health conditions. Volunteers are a vital part of building a supportive, trusting environment where residents feel seen, heard, and empowered. By offering your time, compassion, and unique skills, you help foster a community where everyone has the opportunity to age in place with respect and support.
Don’t See the Right Fit? Let’s Co-Create It!
We know that everyone has different strengths and interests. If you're passionate about supporting housing-insecure adults and want to make a difference, we’re happy to create a role that fits your availability, skills, and goals. Whether it’s leading a creative workshop, helping with administrative tasks, offering tech help, or just being a friendly presence—your support can make a meaningful impact. Let’s explore how you can get involved!
Other Opportunities
Peer Support Group Volunteer
Facilitate connection and healing through conversation.
You might:
Host drop-in support or dialogue spaces
Document recurring concerns and ideas raised by residents
Collaborate with staff to follow up on themes or needs
Offer calm, steady presence for residents to feel heard
Ideal for: People with group facilitation or peer support backgrounds, or a natural ease in creating safe spaces
Time Commitment: Weekly or biweekly; flexible schedule
Networking & Community Partnerships Support
Help bring outside resources into residents’ lives.
You might:
Build partnerships with local barbershops, salons, or service providers
Support planning for special community events like “Self-Care Days”
Help coordinate guest speakers, tabling events, or vendor visits
Impact: Promotes self-care, dignity, and stronger community ties for residents
Time Commitment: Flexible; project-based
Programming & Operational Support
Be the behind-the-scenes force that makes programming successful.
You might:
Manage sign-in/out and track attendance for programs
Assist with data entry and spreadsheet updates
Help with outreach and promotion (flyers, tabling, etc.)
Organize or co-lead wellness sessions (e.g., chair yoga, music meditation)
Time Commitment: Flexible; help during events or on a project basis
Tech Ambassador
Help bridge the digital divide and boost resident independence.
You might help residents:
Pay rent online
Access or print Social Security award letters
Reapply for OHP, SNAP, or Medicaid
Use smartphones, tablets, or computers for basic needs
Ideal for: Volunteers who are patient, tech-savvy, and great at explaining processes clearly
Time Commitment: Flexible; weekday mornings or early afternoons preferred