Getting Involved with the Long Beach Rescue Mission Volunteer Program

LONG BEACH, CA – The Long Beach Rescue Mission is currently seeking community volunteers for a variety of positions. Opportunities to get involved with the Long Beach Rescue Mission are abundant, and interested individuals are invited to give of their time, various donations, host or serve a meal, or even just through prayer.

As the Rescue Mission wraps up the month of April, they look toward the Spring / Summer months and the people they will undoubtedly need to help in the local community. According to their website, “at 129,972 people, California has the highest rate of unsheltered homeless (68.9%) with 29.2% of homeless families and 93.7% of homeless individuals in Long Beach having no form of shelter.” 

Even with staggering homeless numbers in California, the Mission still does its part to provide services to any and all who seek their help; but not without the help of staff and local volunteers. By providing daily meals, educational and spiritual programs, and counseling services – the Long Beach Rescue Mission is able to specifically assist the individuals who come through their doors, and the Volunteer Program allows them to keep that going. 

Volunteers are currently needed in the Thrift Store to assist customers, sort donations and help tidy the store. The store especially needs volunteers with an in-depth knowledge of online sales and product/inventory pricing. More information on the Thrift Store can be found here. 

Serving or hosting a meal at the Rescue Mission is always a great way to give. Food service is needed daily as the Mission serves three hot, nutritious meals to both guests from the community and program residents. Volunteers will pitch in to assist kitchen staff with set up, service, and clean. Interested food service volunteers must be able to stand for at least two hours, lift 25 pounds, and if under age 18, be accompanied by an adult. 

Dinner on Me is a special program at the Mission that allows the local community an opportunity to sponsor a hot dinner meal. According to the Mission, “Just $500 provides delicious, hot meals for every man, woman and child who comes through the doors of Long Beach Rescue Mission one evening. So your heartfelt gift will help serve 300 of your hungry, hurting neighbors!” To learn more about this program, visit https://lbrm.org/ways-to-help/dinner-on-me/. 

Individuals can also volunteer to teach a class at the Mission to the residents. Current classes include music/arts, life-skills, financial education and small group bible study. Residents are also offered such services as career employment and legal aid. Qualified instructors are always welcome. Those with other unique experiences, talents, or backgrounds not listed on the Volunteer page are encouraged to reach out directly to the Volunteer Program.

All volunteers at the Long Beach Rescue Mission must attend a mandatory volunteer orientation. Sessions are held the second Saturday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Chapel at the Samaritan House, 1335 Pacific Ave. 

At this time, only individuals age 16 or older are allowed to volunteer. Those over the age of 65, are encouraged to carefully consider their health and safety before volunteering.
For more information on the Long Beach Rescue Mission Volunteer Program, email volunteer@lbrm.org or call 562-591-1292, ext. 102.