“Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14

We’re a few days post Valentine’s Day and I wanted to share some of the highlights of my volunteer experience(s) at Transitions Homeless Center. Allow me to give you a tour. Transitions is located in downtown Columbia, South Carolina and is the largest homeless center in the Midlands serving men AND women. Transitions is more than a shelter. It’s a bridge to the next stage in life. The goal isn’t to provide housing for a night or a few weeks, but as the name implies, to transition residents into a stable lifestyle with permanent housing. They provide services to assist individuals getting back on their feet.

My firsthand experience with Transitions came several years back by way of volunteering with my department at work. I often see a familiar face or two as many of our patients are admitted to the hospital from Transitions or discharge back to Transitions. A friend of mine at work gave me a friendly nudge to initiate contact again with the volunteer coordinator and build a “relationship” again. Fast forward years later, our department, Rehabilitative Services at Prisma Health Richland (formerly Palmetto Health), volunteers once a month, every month, to serve lunch at Transitions. We typically have 5 volunteers and are sometimes serving with another volunteer group to accommodate the bustling lunch crowd. On Valentine’s day, 227 hearty meals were served just at lunchtime to both residents and non residents.

Soooooo, why should you volunteer your time? I’ve listed a few reasons below on why you should consider getting involved:

• You DO HAVE time. A few blog posts back, I wrote about how we all can make excuses to why something won’t work. But, oh if it does! You can volunteer as frequently or infrequently as you like. There’s no obligation or contract to bind you to a good deed. My entire volunteer experience only required about an hour and a half —that included light kitchen cleanup and travel time. There are so many rewarding takeaways in that short amount of time. It’s also a great way to spend time with others outside of your normal routine. It can be a fulfilling experience!
• You are good at what you do. Trust me. Use what you do/have naturally to assist others. Do you have an eye for details? Volunteers are needed to assist with resume preparation, sorting through job postings, and filling out applications. Are you gifted in the area of sewing? Miracle Menders is a group of ladies that offer their sewing skills to hem/repair clothing. Do you have a green thumb? The courtyard of the Day Center houses a beautiful garden displaying flowers, herbs, and vegetables that could always use some extra TLC. Do you possess the gift of gab? Volunteer to host a BINGO night with a group of friends or serve a meal. Use your skillset. You’re good at it!
• You can cultivate a new relationship. Let’s attempt to eliminate the stigma that homeless individuals are complete opposites of us. You might think you don’t have anything in common with a different lifestyle. Remember, not everyone’s situation is permanent. Much of the homeless population are working full-time individuals as well. **If we’re being honest, much of the working world is just a paycheck or two away from being homeless.** Strike up a conversation. Learn their story. Make a friend. At the end of the day, there will be one less stranger in the world.

You don’t need a special holiday to spread love. Volunteers are needed in may areas 7 days a week, not just at Transitions, but many other organizations that serve our communities. I want to highlight more community service opportunities right in my backyard. Do you have any you’ve been involved in where you live? Talk to me. Sharing is caring!