Opportunities From: Helpline Center Volunteer Connections

Youth Task Force

The Local Youth Task Force is a committee of the Housing Stability Partners coalition composed of both youth services providers and youth advocates. Our purpose is to increase identification, support systems, and community awareness of youth experiencing homelessness through collaboration and outreach initiatives. Together, we attempt to identify gaps in the youth homeless service spectrum and inform development to enhance service delivery. The committee supports the Youth Action Board in its efforts, with membership functioning as adult mentors.

We Connect Community Committee
As a committee, the We Connect Community Committee works to promote understanding of the individual and social variables involved in homelessness through community outreach efforts. The primary educational tool is the “We Connect Community Toolkit.” As a philosophy, a “We Connect Community” shares an appreciation for both our differences and our universal humanity. In doing so, we strive to be well-connected as independent sectors to share the responsibility of enhancing our overall well-being

Point-in-Time (PIT)/Inadequately Housed Data Committee:
Conduct and organize the annual Point-In-Time (PIT) homeless count along with the inadequately housed surveys. It is a critical source of annual data, providing characteristics of people who are experiencing homelessness. Data from the annual PIT homeless count is used to measure homelessness on local, state, and national levels. PIT count and inadequately housed data assists policy makers and communities measure progress, identify strengths and gaps in services, increases public awareness of homelessness, and enhances system planning and responses. This committee coordinates all of the food, volunteers, service providers, training and other logistics for the PIT Count along with the execution of the inadequately housed survey

Communications
Responsible for managing the Housing Stability Partners coalition’s outreach to the Black Hills community year-round to increase awareness of homeless issues and efforts. Duties include managing the organization’s digital media; TV, Radio, and print media and other awareness and outreach events such as poverty simulations. Additionally, this committee will be at the forefront of expanding the coalition’s volunteer reach and responding to community questions about the Coalition.

The Rapid City Youth Task Force is hosting the 12th Annual Glow Walk, downtown Rapid City to bring awareness & support for youth homelessness & runaway prevention. Hundreds of youth march downtown & wrap up at Mainstreet Square during Youth HOPE Month. Approximately 8 volunteers would be greatly appreciated to help hand out items to the youth participants, help ensure safe road crossings & general encouragement. Contact Amy Mikulak at the Volunteers of America office for questions & info on how YOU can help support our young people. 

Volunteers are needed to help in a variety of ways at the September 29th 'Community Connect' Event. Help is needed to set up at the Central State's Fairgrounds (Fine Arts Building) on Sept. 28th.  This may include moving tables, chairs, helping to unload vehicles & place items around the room to prepare for people to 'shop' for the donated / free items available at the event. Help is needed at the actual event on Tuesday, September 29th anytime between 10am - 3pm.  Individuals and families needing assistance can choose to receive a haircut / grooming, a shower, or 'shop' through our various food, household & clothing items available for pick up. Volunteers can make an impact in any one of these areas, or to help carry items for people, etc. Lunch is provided on this day. You can also make an impact by helping afterwards, as we clean up & prepare for the next one in March. This may entail loading items, general cleanup, etc. Informational tables will also be set up to learn more about services available in our community. Volunteers can help in many ways. Contact Steph Kor or Amy Mikulak for more information. skor.journeyon@gmail.com 605-416-0249. 

300 inadequately housed surveys are in need of being entered ASAP, please! These take approximately 3 minutes each from a cell phone, tablet or laptop (Our agency has only one computer to use for this). Paper surveys to help identify 'inadequately housed' populations, needs, etc are transferred as critical, saved data, thanks to volunteers like you. You can inquire at the Volunteers of America (Northern Rockies) office in Rapid City, or please contact the program administer, Amy at 605-530-6255. amy.mikulak@voanr.org