Become a HER Volunteer!

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the HER Shelter! We appreciate your support for our clients and would be glad to have you join our volunteer team. 

HER Shelter volunteer opportunities include but are not limited to:

• Organizing  / Sorting donation items in the HER clothing closet
• Cleaning

• Yardwork / Maintenance
• Work an event      

• Hold a donation collection drive
• Movers - Assist clients transitioning from shelter to their own place by  transporting mattresses, furniture and other needed items       

• Provide a dinner for HER Shelter families


Step 1 to becoming a HER Shelter Volunteer


Complete the volunteer interest form which can be found HERE.


Step 2


Attend a volunteer orientation session. They are held monthly.  


Step 3


If your volunteer interests include working directly with clients, our volunteer coordinator will send you a invitation to complete a background check.


Step 4


Get involved!  You will receive updates and announcements on HER Shelter events and volunteer opportunities throughout the year. Check out some of our opportunities below.  Click on the link and reserve your spot!!


For all questions regarding volunteer and internship opportunities, please email our volunteer coordinator at Melody@hershelter.com


Volunteer Eligibility Policy can be found HERE


Volunteer Handbook can be found HERE.

Become a Preschool Play Volunteer

What is it? Preschool Playtime is a childcare program designed to enable our moms to make appointments with our staff members, attend job fairs and interviews, mental health appointments, and search for housing or daycare centers.


How does it work? Preschool Playtime is a childcare program for children ages 2-5 who are not yet in school. It is intended not just to be a childcare time, but a skills development time to better prepare for upcoming school years. However, at times children as young as newborns may attend if their mom has an appointment that necessitates care being provided.


When & Where? Preschool Playtime will be offered on Monday and Friday  from 9 am - 10:30 am. One day a week at our Portsmouth HER Shelter and one day a week at our Portsmouth Restore Homeless Shelter. 


Information to take note of:


• Volunteers for this program will need to complete a background check through the HER Shelter. Our volunteer coordinator will send out background checks to all confirmed Preschool Playtime volunteers

• Training will take place on site before volunteering begins



If you would like to volunteer please schedule your shifts HERE.


Become a yard maintenance volunteer

With 3 shelters, we have alot of grass to cut!!  This is a great project for an individual or group such as a church group, scout group, or community organization.  We have all of the supplies.  We just need the manpower!  Use the link below to select when you can help.  Pick the shelter and pick the week.  Our volunteer coordinator will reach out to you to confirm the day and time within that week that works best for your schedule.

Click HERE to schedule your volunteer time.

Cleaning and Organizing

Is cleaning and organizing your thing?  If so, we need your help!!!  We are constantly receiving new donations.  We need help sorting through the donations and getting them properly displayed so our clients can make use them.  We also need assistance with cleaning common areas of our shelters to help our clients feel at home - safe and secure.  If you are interested in helping, check out the available time slots by clicking HERE

Calling All Males!  Become a Male Mentor!

What is it? The Male Mentoring Program is a monthly outing where our male mentors meet Youth & Family Services staff/interns and shelter kids at a predetermined location for an evening of activity and fun. EX: A bowling event, mini golf, ice skating, etc.


When?Scheduled monthly



Information to take note of: Male mentors must be men who are at least 18 years old. At times, teen males may be included to partner up with younger kids, provided they are attending along with a background cleared adult male mentor. These outings are for children (of all genders) Kindergarten – 17 years old. Outings are once a month and are on the 4th Thursday each month. During the months of November and December, outings are changed to the 3rd Thursday of the month so as not to interfere with the holidays. Typical start time is between 6-6:30pm and we usually finish within 2 hours. In the event we attend a movie or special outing, times may vary.


Stay tuned......  For upcoming opportunities

Stay tuned for more information about volunteering for special events throughout the year.


August - Back to School Bash

September - Fall Clothing Drive

October- Domestic Violence Awareness Month Activities and Strike Out Domestic Violence Bowling Fundraisier

November - Thanksgiving Activities

December - Gifts of Joy and other holiday activities