Each year, over 200 volunteers participate in providing life-changing services to homeless youth in Los Angeles at My Friend's Place. Volunteer opportunities are available Monday through Friday for groups and individuals.  We would love to have you join our family!

Please click here to meet our most recent Volunteer of the Month!  (Link will open a new window and take you to our Facebook page.)

How do I Volunteer at MFP?

We are thrilled to have you join our team to make a difference in the lives of over 1,600 homeless youth in Los Angeles each year!

To get started:
  • On-site Volunteers must be 18 or older.
  • For any of the opportunities listed, one or more of the following may be required.
    • Interview
    • Completed Volunteer Application
    • Department of Justice Background Check
    • Copy of Driver's License

To Download our Volunteer Guidelines, Application, and Insurance Waiver click here.

Upon completion, mail to:
My Friend's Place
Attn: Volunteer Coordinator
P.O. Box 3867
Hollywood, CA 90078.


Volunteer Opportunities for Groups:
Groups require a team leader who will meet with our volunteer coordinator prior to the event. All group members will be oriented the day of the event. Limits on the size of a group will be determined by the volunteer activity.

  • Serve a meal: Serve a special meal to the youth. Group members donate to cover the cost, we order the food and you serve! Options start at $350--please contact Camilla Brannstrom at (323) 908-0011 x 107 for more details.
  • Beautify our Safe Haven: Help out by organizing clothing, cleaning or painting.
  • Gardening: We have flower beds and planters that need a green thumb. Groups bring flowers, plants, and planting soil as a donation.
For more information about group opportunities, please contact Camilla Brannstrom.


Volunteer Opportunities for Individuals:
We need individual volunteers who can make an on-going commitment in the following areas of need:

  • Administrative / Fundraising: Help us build awareness about homeless youth through data entry, bulk mailings, special events, and online networking initiatives.
  • Dayroom: Help build trust with our youth by serving lunches, playing board games, conducting art projects or assisting in workshop facilitation.
  • Educational Workshops: Share a special talent or skill with our youth. Assist or direct workshops ranging from employment and education to the arts.
For more information about individual opportunities, please contact Camilla Brannstrom.

Volunteer Opportunities for the Community:
Drives that collect items for homeless youth are a great way to build community spirit in your office or on your school campus. All you need is a barrel or box and a little publicity. We will supply MFP literature for you to hand out and arrange for your group to tour the center. Collected items must be delivered to MFP. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

  • Shoe Drive: improper footwear is often the cause of serious health problems and a barrier to employment. Our current greatest needs are women's athletic shoes and men's dress shoes.
  • Clothing and Hygiene Supply Drive: Every day our youth need clean, casual clothing to help build their self-esteem and their ability to achieve their goals. Our greatest need are sizes XL and up and men's casual clothing.
  • Canned Food Drive: As homeless youth move off the streets and into housing, they often struggle to make ends meet.  We help them by providing canned items and other non-perishable food such as tuna fish, soup, peanut butter and bottled water.
  • Gift Drive: For a variety of holidays, we give every homeless youth a new gift. An extensive wish list can be provided and includes: gift certificates for food, clothing or movies, backpacks & blankets, and CDs.
  • Educational and Recreational Supply Drive: We offer a variety of educational and recreational activities. We are in need of school supplies, art supplies, and board games.
Check out our In Kind Donation Wish List for more ideas of items to plan a drive around, or contact Camilla Brannstrom for more information by email or phone at 323-908-0011 x 107.
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