HomeFront runs on volunteerism
HomeFront began as a group of volunteers and caring volunteers continue to make our work and programs possible. Dedicated individuals and families, schools, houses of worship, community organizations and fellowships, government agencies and the business community provide generous donations of time, resources and expertise to help HomeFront families. When we lift each other up, we become stronger together.
Individuals
(18 and older)
A wide variety of opportunities throughout HomeFront’s programs are offered on different days and times for those looking to get involved on a regular basis.
In order to volunteer on-site independently (without a parent or guardian), volunteers must be 18 years or age or older. This is to ensure the safety of our volunteers and our clients’ needs.
The first step in volunteering at HomeFront is completing the individual volunteer application form below.
Families and Youth
(Under 18)
Youth 16 and older:
To ensure the safety of our volunteers and our clients’ needs, youth volunteers are eligible to volunteer on-site at age 16 with a parent or guardian present. The first step for youth
age 16-17 is completing the volunteer application below with a parent or guardian, as well as completing a separate application for the parent or guardian.
Youth 15 and under:
There are still ways to help HomeFront families off-site as a "HomeFront Ambassador" that are fun and rewarding. You can even get your family, friends, neighborhood, or school
involved!
Two of the main ways "HomeFront Ambassadors" help are: 1.) Participate in a Donation Drive 2.) Organize Your Own Fundraiser
If you're interested in a drive or fundraiser, use the volunteer interest form below and select the "HomeFront Ambassador" slot:
Groups or
Organizations
Opportunities for your company, congregation, clubs, school and other groups to help HomeFront families can be organized at one of our locations or on-site at yours.
We ask that you please reach out to us a minimum of two (2) weeks in advance of when you’d like your group to volunteer so we can plan for an impactful visit. Please note that depending on the time of year, we may not be able to accommodate all requests.
Get started using the interest form below:
HomeFront Drives
Everyone can participate in a donation drive. Individuals and groups make an impact all year round by organizing their own or participating in a HomeFront seasonal drive.
Opportunities Available
Featured Volunteer Opportunities
Ready to give back? Attend our volunteer orientation! April 17, 5:30-6:30pm: Learn
more here. Hear about a variety of available volunteer opportunities where you can make a difference for families and neighbors in your community.
Diaper Challenge, March 3-May 12: Learn more here—a chance to both volunteer from anywhere and address diaper need in our community. Help us meet the challenge of collecting over 500,000 diapers and baby wipes to ensure all babies in our community are clean, healthy and happy!
FAQs
Thanks for your interest in volunteering with HomeFront! We look forward to working together to help HomeFront families.
Adults 18 and older Individual Volunteer FAQs
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with us! The process starts with filling out a volunteer application here: Volunteer Application
Reach out to our team at GetInvolved@HomeFrontNJ.org or fill out the form at the bottom of this page. We're happy to help!
All volunteers who will be working with children are required to undergo a background check, free fingerprinting at a local facility, and an online CARI (Child Abuse Record Information) check.
Yes, background checks and fingerprinting from other agencies or employers are acceptable so long as they are less than a year old.
Our families and our programs truly rely on our volunteers! If you cannot make your commitment, please notify us as soon as possible by emailing the program staff member you work with and GetInvolved@homefrontnj.org so we have time to make other arrangements.
We always want to ensure the safety of volunteers (we have a working warehouse) and best serve our families. Please each out in advance to our Volunteer Coordinator at TiaS@homefrontnj.org to discuss your situation.
Dress comfortably with closed-toed shoes. Please avoid clothing with political messages, references to drugs or alcohol, or profanity.
It may be possible to fulfill court-ordered community service at HomeFront, but there are limitations and all court-ordered hours must be pre-approved. Contact us at GetInvolved@homefrontnj.org to discuss your situation.
Yes! Either our Volunteer Coordinator or the manager of the area where you’re volunteering can sign off on hours you’ve logged and completed. If you don’t have a log form you’re required to use, you can make your own or use ours here.
Yes—and thank you for your generosity! Please refer to our donation list (link to “Donate Items” page) for accepted items. If your volunteer shift is not at our Lawrenceville Campus where our Donation Center is located, please email details about the donation to Jill Duffy at JillD@HomeFrontNJ.org so we can make arrangements.
- Lawrenceville Campus, 1880 Princeton Avenue, Lawrenceville, NJ.: Use the parking lot in front or our overflow lot at Fresenius Kidney Care Center on food distribution days. See map for details.
- Family Campus, 101 Celia Way, Ewing, NJ: Park behind the brick building, which is the front entrance.
- FreeStore, 1000 Division Street, Trenton, NJ: Street parking is available nearby. Please pay attention to street signs.
- Treasure Trove, 31 West Broad Street, Hopewell, NJ: Street parking is plentiful. Please park across the street or down the road, avoiding spots directly in front of shops.
Under 18
Family & Youth
Volunteer FAQs
Yes! Either our Volunteer Coordinator or the manager of the area where you’re volunteering can sign off on hours you’ve logged and completed. If you don’t have a log form you’re required to use, you can make your own or use ours here.
Group Volunteer FAQs
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with us! Please read these FAQs, check out our group activities in the Opportunity Directory above, and then get in touch with Jill Duffy, HomeFront’s Volunteer Coordinator, at 609-989-9417, extension 163, or JillD@homefrontnj.org
We can accommodate up to 15 volunteers per group. For larger groups, we can work with you to schedule simultaneous activities at different sites or scheduled groups on separate days.
We plan our group volunteer visits in three-hour blocks, starting off with a tour of the facility and overview of HomeFront, followed by instructions for the volunteer activity.
We are eager to have you visit, and ask that you please contact us at least two (2) weeks ahead of your anticipated date so that we can best plan for a meaningful visit. Availability for our different group activities may vary, especially during busy periods.
While it does not cost anything to volunteer at HomeFront, the most successful group activities happen when a group purchases or organizes a drive for the materials needed for the activity (diapers, art supplies or other products), then comes together in the activity that uses those items.
We don’t have food available on site, but if your group is volunteering during lunch, we can recommend local eateries with delivery options. Depending upon availability, we may be able to arrange for a space at our site for your group to eat. Please notify us in advance if you’re interested in eating lunch on site, and we’ll let you know if we are able to reserve the space for your visit.
Yes! We can come to you to support your community engagement goals. We would be happy to assist you ahead of time to organize a team-building exercise that supports HomeFront’s families, including any drive needed to gather supplies, then visit your site to provide information about HomeFront and facilitate your volunteering event.
- Lawrenceville Campus, 1880 Princeton Avenue, Lawrenceville, NJ.: Use the parking lot in front or our overflow lot at Fresenius Kidney Care Center on food distribution days. See map for details.
- Family Campus, 101 Celia Way, Ewing, NJ: Park behind the brick building, which is the front entrance.
- FreeStore, 100 Division Street, Trenton, NJ: Street parking is available nearby. Please pay attention to street signs.
- Treasure Trove, 31 West Broad Street, Hopewell, NJ: Street parking is plentiful. Please park across the street or down the road, avoiding spots directly in front of shops.