FOOD: Serve Dinner and Have a Chat at the Safe Parking Program in El Cajon

Many individuals experiencing homelessness for the first time often opt to live in their cars. Just by showing up to serve dinner and have a chat, volunteers are offering an opportunity to connect and feel cared for as they strive to secure housing. Dreams for Change operates multiple safe parking programs that provide a safe place to park and on-site services, including restrooms, handwashing stations, charging stations, and case management. 

Dreams for Change and their safe parking participants are counting on volunteer assistance to help set up for the meal service, serve meals, and have a chat. Volunteer contributions will greatly enhance the overall experience for their participants.

Please note that there must be one parent per child present if volunteering with minors. 

Opportunity Requirements & Important Notes

Key Responsibilities:

• Plating and serving the meals

Skills & Qualifications:

• No prior experience needed

• Comfortable working outdoors and engaging with people experiencing homelessness

• Ability to follow hygiene and food service instructions

• Reliable and punctual for meal service setup at 5:30 PM

Attire: Please dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather, and wear closed-toe shoes. This opportunity takes place outdoors with plenty of shade

Physical Requirements: You should be able to lift 10 lbs or more and stand for a prolonged period. This project is able to make accommodations for individuals with physical limitations by providing a chair for people who need to take a break from standing. The space where this project takes place is wheelchair accessible

Weather: This event takes place rain or shine in a parking lot

Photos: Dreams for Change strictly prohibits taking photos of clients, vehicles, and staff. Special arrangements can be made, but you will need to contact the Director of Communications and Marketing AND the Program Manager. To safeguard their clients' privacy, please refrain from tagging the location on social media

​Communication: All emails will be sent from [email protected]

Note: Clearing a Megan's Law California Sex Offender search before your first shift is required to participate in this opportunity. 

You must download the HandsOn Connect app to your smart device to electronically sign the waiver and check in at this volunteer opportunity. If you do not sign in using the app, your service hours will not be verified and their team will not go back and modify them. The HandsOn Connect App can be downloaded from the Apple Store and Google Play. If you do not download the app and sign in with the on-site Hands on San Diego QR code, your hours will not count

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.