COURT-ORDERED VOLUNTEERS: Help Out at the O-Lot Safe Sleep Site

IMPORTANT: READ EVERYTHING BEFORE SIGNING UP!

Court-ordered volunteer opportunities are available for individuals involved in the justice system who need to fulfill community service hours. If you do not need court-ordered hours, please seek another volunteer opportunity so that those who do can move forward.

This opportunity is specifically for volunteers to achieve their court-ordered service hours while supporting participants in the Safe Sleeping Program at O Lot. The Safe Sleeping Program is a City-funded and designed, low-barrier, nontraditional, unsheltered intervention program providing tents, sleeping bags, cots, meals, bathrooms, showers, laundry, charging access, case management, and connections to housing, employment, and health services for individuals who choose to engage.

O Lot is the larger of the two Safe Sleeping sites, serving over 600 individuals across three tiers and operated by two program providers. Volunteers will be working with Dreams For Change, which operates two of the tiers at this location.

This volunteer role focuses on site clean-up and general maintenance. Tasks may include picking up trash, cleaning tents, removing debris, organizing supplies, and supporting the overall upkeep of the site. This is physically demanding work that takes place outdoors in a large parking lot environment.

Directions to this site are complicated. Carefully read your confirmation email before arriving and have it ready to show the contracted security guard at the top of the hill. Once cleared by security, drive carefully down the road as it snakes down toward the lower parking lot. You will see a canopy with Dreams For Change staff. Park as directed and check in with them upon arrival.

Duties will vary throughout the shift and will be assigned by on-site staff based on daily needs. This opportunity takes place rain or shine. On rainy days, additional support is often needed as weather conditions create more challenges for participants and staff.

Volunteers will be working in an environment serving individuals who, prior to enrollment in the program, were living in encampments and experiencing street homelessness. Volunteers must feel comfortable working around and handling items belonging to unsheltered individuals and must engage with empathy and respect.

Opportunity Requirements & Important Notes

Verification of Hours: Dreams for Change staff will not sign off on or modify service hours. All service hour verification and request letters must be handled directly through HandsOn San Diego. You are responsible for contacting HandsOn San Diego to verify your hours and obtain required documentation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Site clean-up and maintenance

• Trash removal and debris removal

• Cleaning tents and common areas

• Restocking and organizing supplies

• Tasks are variable and assigned on-site

Skills & Qualifications:

• Comfortable working in an outdoor setting with individuals experiencing homelessness

• Able to follow directions and shift assignments

• Emotionally mature and respectful in a sensitive environment

• Must be a court-ordered volunteer. General volunteers should seek other roles

Task Assignment Provided: On-site directions and task assignments will be provided at the beginning of the shift and may change throughout the day.

Bring Your Own Water and Food: Bring your own water or refillable bottle and any food or snacks you will need. There is no wifi access for volunteers or visitors.

Hours, Breaks, Lunch, Cancellation, and Rescheduling: Dreams for Change offers 6-hour shifts. You must arrive on time and remain for the entire shift to receive credit. Partial hours will not be approved. If you have fewer than 6 hours remaining, select another opportunity or plan to exceed your required hours.

Plan for two 10-minute breaks and one 30-minute lunch during your shift. You are responsible for managing your time.

Provide at least 72 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling so another volunteer may register and the required background checks can be completed. If you cancel or reschedule with less than 24 hours' notice three or more times, your account may be reviewed, which could result in a 30-day suspension or inability to return.

Conduct and Site Expectations: Dreams for Change reserves the right to ask you to leave for the day, place you on suspension, or ban you from the site if you are not actively working on assigned tasks or if you violate site rules. This includes inappropriate engagement with staff, program participants, partner organizations, or other volunteers. No substance use is allowed prior to or during your volunteer hours.

Attire: Wear weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for walking and working in a parking lot. Wear clothing and shoes you are comfortable getting dirty. This opportunity takes place outdoors with little or no shade or cover, so dress for the weather and wear sun protection.

Physical Requirements: Able to lift over 20 lbs and stand or walk for prolonged periods. This is physically demanding work. This opportunity cannot accommodate individuals with physical limitations and the site is not wheelchair accessible.

Communication: Emails will be sent to and from [email protected].

Directions to the site are included in your confirmation email, not in the HandsOn Connect app.

Note: Clearing a DOJ and Megan's Law California Sex Offender search before your first shift is required. This may prevent enrolling in opportunities the same day and can take up to 72 hours.

You must download the HandsOn Connect app to your smart device to electronically sign the waiver and check in. If you do not sign in using the app and scan the on-site HandsOn San Diego QR code, your service hours will not be verified. The QR code and the Dreams for Change sign-in are not the same. 

About Dreams for Change

The mission of Dreams for Change remains its guiding beacon: To respond to the needs of communities by creating innovative and cost-effective programs to empower and stabilize the lives of families and individuals.