Support Housing Stability & Health: Join our PSH Team! (age 16+) Referral

Join the Community for Positive Aging’s mission to support older adults and individuals with disabilities living in permanent supportive housing (PSH). We offer a wide range of volunteer opportunities from delivering food and offering technology assistance to hosting peer groups and organizing a community clothing closet. Whether you're looking to connect one-on-one with residents, support behind-the-scenes operations, or share a special skill, there's a meaningful way for you to get involved.

Your time, skills, and compassion can help residents maintain housing stability, build community, and access life-sustaining resources. Volunteers play a vital role in fostering trust, dignity, and connection—ensuring that all residents can age in place safely and with support.

We are recruiting for three PSH volunteer positions. Detailed descriptions of each are below:

Case Management Assistant / Intern

Make a tangible impact by supporting housing stability and health equity. Volunteers in this role help residents connect to critical services by conducting outreach, compiling resource guides, and amplifying the voices of the community.

You might:
- Deliver packages, purchases, or flyers to residents
- Conduct outreach to promote hybrid (virtual/in-person) programming
- Serve as an event host or support resource distribution
- Gather resident feedback and document insights
- Create or update forms, surveys, or program documentation
- Assist with special projects or research to strengthen programming

Impact: By improving access to services, you help reduce social isolation, prevent crises, and empower residents to stay housed and thrive.

Ideal for: Those interested in or with direct experience in social work, community health, or public policy with a passion for affordable housing and social justice.

Time Commitment: 4–6 hours/week; Flexible schedule
Resident Services Assistant / Event Support

Help build community and support housing retention. This volunteer role supports weekly gatherings and one-on-one assistance to help residents maintain benefits, connect with others, and access essential services.

Key Responsibilities:
- Support “Coffee and Conversation” programming- a weekly onsite event that promotes connection and builds trust among residents
- Provide digital literacy and benefit access support (OHP, SNAP, rent portals, etc.)
- Assist eviction prevention efforts by supporting outreach and engagement

Impact: Your presence helps reduce eviction risk and increases resident confidence in navigating systems—fostering stability and belonging in their homes.

Ideal for: Social work or human services professionals, students and advocates looking to gain hands-on experience in resident-centered care.

Time Commitment: Thursdays, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM; other times available
Clothing Closet Manager

Create a dignified and empowering shopping experience for residents in need. This role is perfect for someone with a flair for organization and a passion for building systems that preserve resident dignity and choice.

Key Responsibilities:
- Sort, organize, and display donated clothing in an appealing, accessible manner
- Open and operate the closet on a regular schedule
- Support a resident-friendly “clothing bucks” system that encourages choice and autonomy

Impact: You’ll help residents meet essential needs while promoting self-esteem and reducing financial stress—especially for those living on fixed incomes.

Ideal for: Volunteers who enjoy organizing, are detail-oriented, and care about equity and empowerment.

Time Commitment: Flexible; create your own schedule

About the Community for Positive Aging
The Community for Positive Aging (CfPA) has been a trusted resource for older adults in Portland for decades. We offer a wide range of programs and services aimed at improving the lives of seniors, fostering intergenerational connections, and advocating for systemic change in the way society views and supports aging. We are dedicated to empowering older adults to lead healthy, active, and engaged lives, and we are committed to breaking down the barriers that often isolate seniors from the broader community.

Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) provides more than just shelter-it offers a foundation for stability, dignity, and wellness. Many residents face complex challenges related to aging, disability, and chronic health conditions. Volunteers are a vital part of building a supportive, trusting environment where residents feel seen, heard, and empowered. By offering your time, compassion, and unique skills, you help foster a community where everyone has the opportunity to age in place with respect and support.

Volunteers will gain interpersonal skills such as enhanced compassion and de-escalation techniques. Additionally, PSH volunteers will learn about the unique challenges and triumphs of permanent supportive housing programs and get to connect deeply with residents transitioning out of homelessness.

Opportunity Requirements:

• Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older to participate in this opportunity; any volunteer under age 18 must attend with a parent or adult chaperone.

Click on "Express Interest" below if you are interested in helping out!
**This is a Referral Opportunity, which means it is run directly by one of our nonprofit partners. Once you express interest, someone from the partner organization should follow up with you shortly to discuss confirming you as a volunteer for this opportunity.

**Please note, your hours may not be recorded in your Hands On Greater Portland account since this is a partner-managed opportunity.