Volunteer
Outnumbering our staff by a ratio of over 100 to 1 each year, volunteers truly make life transformation possible. Join us in our work to empower others! Without friends like you, The Bowery Mission simply could not meet the needs of people experiencing homelessness and hunger in the New York metro area. Serve a meal, tutor and mentor clients, offer a special or professional skill. You can make an impact in someone's life today.
Register online to volunteer
We Love our Volunteers!
Each year...
Over 17,000 volunteers serve with us
Volunteers come from all 50 states
Volunteers prepare and serve more than 558,000 meals
Through the efforts of our volunteers and staff, we serve over 7,400 people
Volunteers donate more than 60,000 hours of their time. That much time is equivalent to 7 years or $2 million in value
"I get to serve the community, make them smile, feed them a meal that they potentially otherwise would not receive. It's such a humbling experience....This is the community's safe spot, the one place they can come to and know that they're okay."
— Tabatha, volunteer during COVID-19
Resources & Other Opportunities
Get answers and see guidelines for volunteering
Learn more about short-term opportunities for churches
Besides serving, you can support financially
Learn more and sign up online: see opportunities for Individual & Community Groups and Corporate Groups!
Since the 1870s, The Bowery Mission has served New Yorkers experiencing homelessness, hunger and other crises. Each meal and every service is an invitation to residential and community programs that help clients make progress towards individual goals such as regaining sobriety, reconnecting with family and faith, and preparing for work and independent living. To empower children to thrive and succeed, we also offer year-round opportunities for enrichment for youth.