Volunteer

The Bishop Dudley Hospitality House always welcomes volunteers! Volunteers provide much needed support to the Bishop Dudley Hospitality House mission and staff. Your help in providing 24/7 service to the most vulnerable in our community is greatly appreciated. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or accompanied by a guardian. Some opportunities are best served by adults only. Keep scrolling for additional individual and group volunteer opportunities. Thank you for considering spending your time with our guests at the BDHH!

To become a volunteer or to ask questions about group volunteer opportunities, sign up using the button below, contact volunteer coordinator Margeaux Gaiani at volunteer@bdhh.org, or give us a call at 605-809-8424. Job descriptions for each opportunity are below, as well.

If you are looking for information on community service, click here.

Volunteers from South Dakota Urban Indian Health made frybread for Native American Day.

Volunteers from South Dakota Urban Indian Health made frybread for Native American Day.

Lunch Program:
We serve about 100 guests each day, and even more during the winter months. Volunteer opportunities include preparation of lunch, serving lunch and clean-up. Food items for lunch are provided by BDHH unless other special arrangements are made. Sponsoring a meal typically costs about $250, but any contribution is appreciated. This is a great opportunity for a group to give back while bonding and building teamwork. Learn more about lunch HERE.

  • Weekday lunch preparation: Monday - Friday, 9 am to 11:30 am

  • Weekday serving and cleanup: Monday - Friday, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm

  • Weekend lunch preparation: Saturday & Sunday, 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm

  • Weekend serving and cleanup: Saturday & Sunday, 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Contact volunteer coordinator Margeaux Gaiani at volunteer@bdhh.org or 605-809-8424 if you are interested in preparing, serving or sponsoring a meal.

Guest Check-In:
Guest check-in takes place from 6:30-8 p.m. every night. We would like to have volunteers from 6-8 p.m. Monday through Sunday. These volunteers will greet and check in guests and assist new guests with paperwork. We also distribute care products, towels and sheets as needed. This is a fast-paced opportunity to interact one-on-one with guests!
We ask that these volunteers are 18+. Learn more about guest check-in HERE.

Front Desk:
This volunteer answers the phone, directs guests to daytime programs and performs some clerical duties as needed. These volunteers are needed Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Shifts can vary depending on the volunteer’s availability. This position takes a few training/shadowing sessions to feel comfortable with assisting guests and answering questions. Learn more about the front desk HERE.

Professionals:
We are always looking for trained professionals who are interested in offering their skills to those we serve here on a daily basis. These can include, but are not limited to, nurses, mental health professionals, those involved with drug and alcohol counseling, mentors, etc.  

Student volunteers1.jpg

Special Activities:
Come down and do activities such as bingo, donation/collection drives, preparing and handing out hygiene kits, art classes, movie nights, etc. If you have an idea that you would like to do please let us know! This is your time to let your creativity shine! Learn more about special activities HERE.

Cleaning projects and donations organizing:
We are in continuous need of volunteers to help us keep our shelter clean for both our guests and our neighbors. We have a variety of deep cleaning and organizing jobs that can be done during daytime hours (9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.). Children under the age of 18 require an adult chaperone with them at all times. These opportunities are well-suited for larger groups, such as youth groups, work teams, etc. and individuals who enjoy making sure spaces are neat and clean! Learn more about cleaning projects and donation organization HERE.