Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Bethlehem House of Bread. Here are some of our most commonly asked questions about volunteering. If you don’t see what you’re looking for or still have questions, please reach out to us.
Opportunities & Who Can Volunteer
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What are the volunteer opportunities?
There are many ways to get involved at Bethlehem House of Bread and most opportunities are only a few hours in length, and don’t require a regular commitment. Individuals, families, groups, and businesses are all encouraged to volunteer.
Visit our Volunteer page for opportunities, or if you have a special skill or talent you’d like to contribute, we welcome ideas not listed on this page.
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Can my children volunteer with me?
Yes, we encourage you to bring your children - it’s a wonderful way to teach them the value of giving back to their community. Kids as young as five have volunteered with us. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, teacher, or other supervisor.
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Can groups volunteer at BHOB?
Yes, there are many opportunities for groups at Bethlehem House of Bread. To schedule a group (or to learn more), please email us or call us at 503-639-3181 ext. 1 to get started.
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Can I volunteer at BHOB for a school requirement or other service project?
Yes, Bethlehem House of Bread is a great place to complete community service hours for school or other projects. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, teacher, or other supervisor.
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Do I need to make a long-term commitment?
No long-term commitment is required - you can sign up for just those shifts that work for you; though we’ve found people tend to become regular volunteers after experiencing first-hand how their service helps the community. Giving back is a wonderful thing.
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Can I volunteer if I also shop the pantry as a guest?
Absolutely - we encourage our pantry guests to also volunteer with us.
Signing Up To Volunteer
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Do I need to be vaccinated to volunteer?
Yes, to ensure the safety of all volunteers and pantry guests, we require everyone is vaccinated.
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Do I need to sign up in advance or can I just show up?
We require volunteers sign up in advance for any shift. We assign volunteers based on need and on the number of shifts available. Due to scheduling capacity, we may be unable to accommodate walk-in volunteers.
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How do I schedule a volunteer shift?
To schedule a volunteer shift email us or give us a call at 503-639-3181 ext. 1 - we look forward to hearing from you.
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I’d like to bring in a food or clothing donation during my volunteer shift. Is that okay?
Yes, thank you. For a list of the most needed food items, please visit this page.
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What if I need to cancel my volunteer shift?
If you need to cancel your volunteer shift, please try to give us at least 24-hours notice. The more notice, the better, as most of our shifts depend on having a minimum number of volunteers to be successful. Please reschedule when you are available. To cancel, email us or call at 503-639-3181 ext. 1.
General Inquiries
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What should I wear to volunteer?
We ask that you dress comfortably and respectfully. For shifts that assist in unloading the food pantry van and stocking the food pantry, closed-toe shoes are encouraged.
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Do you have any helpful tips for volunteers?
First-time volunteers will get an overview of what is expected and most likely, you’ll have someone working alongside you until you’re comfortable being on your own.
Bethlehem House of Bread is a special place; we’re part food pantry, part community center, and part support system for those going through challenging times. Our goal is to feed bodies and spirits in an environment of hospitality, respect, and inclusivity - and we require all volunteer adhere to these principles.
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Where are you located?
We are located in Tigard at 9055 SW Locust St, Tigard, OR 97223.
