Volunteer - Neighborhood Place of Puna

Volunteer with Neighborhood Place of Puna

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Neighborhood Place of Puna! Below you will find core information about Neighborhood Place of Puna (NPP) as well as volunteer expectations. Later on in the form we will ask you for information that will help us determine the best fit for your volunteer opportunity.

We are a passionate non-profit dedicated to uplifting our resilient community. What began in Puna has blossomed into island-wide support, offering services like parenting classes, drop-in centers, street outreach, and intensive case management. With a commitment to compassion and empathy, we empower youth and families, ensuring that everyone receives the help they need to thrive. Together, we are building a brighter future for our community.

Volunteer Needs

Volunteers are needed in the following areas:

Drop-In Centers: NPP operates two drop-in centers that focus on helping families and youth that are homeless, at-risk of homelessness, or facing other instability access resources. Volunteers can expect to help clean, organize, and maintain the drop-in center site as well as provide guidance to participants regarding the center’s available resources. We are also accepting volunteers who can conduct workshops (such as creating a resume, meal planning, yoga, etc.) One center is located in Keaau, HI and the other is located in Hilo, HI.
Emergency Family Shelter: NPP operates one emergency family shelter for families experiencing homelessness. Volunteers can expect to help with gardening, cleaning, and event planning. Our shelter is located in Keaau, HI.
Street Outreach (Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older): NPP’s Homeless Engagement Team provides street outreach county-wide. We focus on building trust with participants while providing essential basic needs such as food and hygiene items. Volunteers can expect to help with packing outreach supplies, cleaning the office space, and engaging with participants. Outreach is conducted throughout East Hawaii.
Group Projects (2 or more individuals): One-time volunteer opportunities for groups to support NPP through specific projects such as gardening, painting, organizing spaces, or helping with donation drives. Projects are scheduled based on organizational needs and availability.
Organizations: Organizations, businesses, or other human service providers that would like to donate professional, skilled, or programmatic services (such as maintenance, training, outreach support, legal, accounting, marketing, or technical assistance) to support NPP’s programs and operations.

Volunteer Expectations

Arrive on time and fulfill the agreed-upon hours of service consistently.
Maintain a positive, respectful, and courteous demeanor while interacting with participants, staff, and fellow volunteers.
Respect the privacy of participants and keep any personal information confidential.
Follow all organizational policies and procedures, including health and safety guidelines.
Provide and receive constructive feedback to enhance the volunteer experience and service quality
Complete the onboarding training prior to volunteering

Volunteer Application

Are you or your group interested in volunteering? Fill out the application below!