Volunteer Your Time
Volunteer
As a community non-profit, Citizens Inn relies on the generosity of others to sustain its mission. This support comes in the form of financial and in-kind donations as well as the immeasurably valuable gift of time given by our dedicated volunteers. Haven from Hunger, located at 71 Wallis Street in Peabody, MA, relies on many volunteers to keep programs running at full capacity. Some of these volunteers come through our community partners, such as local businesses, schools, organizations, and houses of worship, but many are simply individuals who feel a call to serve others.
We have opportunities for all: from one-time corporate team building events to volunteer shifts for people seeking to serve on a weekly or sporadic basis, to community service hour opportunities. We have volunteers of all ages (children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult) and abilities. Below is a snapshot of our different programs, including hours and tasks. We look forward to seeing you soon.
The Pantry Program
The Pantry Program at Citizens Inn Haven from Hunger sees 100-150 unique households a day from Peabody, Salem, and Lynnfield. We operate Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10:30 AM-2:30 PM in our updated first-floor space. Volunteers are needed from 8 AM-4 PM to assist with checking in clients, truck unloading, stocking shelves, and sorting food and non-food items. Individuals or groups of up to 10 can be accommodated in blocks of time.
The Community Meals Program
The Community Meals Program, in our newly renovated second-floor space, prepares 80-100 hot sit-down and/or to-go meals each day. We operate Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, with meal service from 4 PM-5:30 PM. Volunteers are needed to assist in preparing, serving, and packaging meals, dining room host, and clean-up from 1 PM-7 PM. Individuals or Groups of 2-15 can be accommodated in blocks of time.
The Resource Center
The Resource Center is an emerging space for Citizens Inn Haven from Hunger and will offer many community referral resources with assistance from staff, community partners, local clergy, and trained volunteers. Drop-in coffee and snacks, community-building, and conversation will always be welcome from 10 AM-4 PM when the Pantry and Meals programs are in service. Volunteer opportunities to come as our Resource Center expands.
Gardening Opportunities
Gardening opportunities are available from March-October at our community garden plot at Newhall Fields in Peabody.
If you or your group are/is interested in volunteering go to timecounts.org/haven. You will be prompted to fill out basic info and answer questions. Once complete, you’ll gain access to our over 200 opportunities to volunteer.
If you have additional questions you can reach out to Brianne at volunteer@citizensinn.org
Please note that Haven from Hunger Pantry and the Resource Center closes for all Federal Holidays, or if Peabody Schools cancels due to weather conditions. Community Meals do remain open, but often have a later start on those days.
Helpful information for the first shift:
- Volunteers will be working at the Haven from Hunger building, located at 71 Wallis Street in Peabody, approximately two blocks from the post office.
- Parking is in short supply – please park by the cemetery or on Elm Street. Please do not park in the Luso Credit Union bank parking lot, or our parking lot, as we need that space for to load items into volunteer vehicles. You may be towed if you park in the Luso lot.
- Dress for the weather! Our operations have been moved outside so please wear gear that can withstand the elements and comfortable shoes. Masks are required.
- Attention to confidentiality and respect for all clients, staff and volunteers is required.
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