volunteer with us
Thank you for your interest in getting involved with Safe Parking LA. Volunteers are absolutely critical in advancing our mission and play an important role in providing services in support of our program participants. Our volunteers make a difference!
“I’ve lived in Los Angeles my entire life, and while I knew homelessness was a big issue, I never fully comprehended it until I volunteered with Safe Parking L.A. It’s so valuable for me to finally gain the context to better understand my community and its residents, and to actively think about volunteering within the framing of social issues.”
—Tansica, Fall ’21
sign up today
To become a Safe Parking LA volunteer, fill out our Volunteer Application. Once you submit this form, a Safe Parking LA staff member will be in touch shortly to schedule an orientation with you or your group.
volunteer orientation
Safe Parking LA’s virtual volunteer orientation allows you to learn more about safe parking services, our organization, and volunteer opportunities. Everyone must complete an orientation before volunteering with Safe Parking LA.
If you have any specific questions email volunteers@safeparkingla.org.
available opportunities
Meal Provider Volunteer
Department: Programs
Available To: Individuals/Groups (Groups encouraged)
Time Commitment: 3-month minimum commitment. Recurring on a monthly or biweekly basis. 2-3 hours serving food on the lot on a weekday evening. Additional time may be needed for preparing or picking up food prior to lot visit”
Location: One of our lots that is close to you.
Summary: Meal Providers will provide meals (home-cooked or purchased) for program participants to enjoy. They will coordinate with Safe Parking LA staff to determine the lot they will distribute to and which days they will visit.
Lot Host Volunteer
Department: Programs
Available To: Individuals/Groups (Groups encouraged)
Time Commitment: 6-month minimum commitment. Recurring on a weekly basis, on a scheduled weeknight from 7:00 – 10:00 pm. Bi-weekly or monthly service opportunities are also possible.
Location: One of our program lots in West LA
Summary: Lot Hosts serve as the initial point of contact for participants entering a safe parking site. They will enhance the participant experience by offering a welcoming environment, which includes planning recurring community engagement events for program participants in coordination with Safe Parking LA staff. Additional responsibilities may include providing essential information to participants and maintaining the cleanliness of the lot.
Admin/Office Support Volunteer
Department: Programs
Available To: Individuals/Groups
Time Commitment: As needed by SPLA staff during the work week
Location: Safe Parking LA Office in Koreatown
Summary: The Admin/Office Support Volunteer will assist at the SPLA office in Koreatown during the work week as needed. Responsibilities may include: answering phone calls during staff meetings to support coverage, providing support with participant intakes and onboarding, assisting with clerical needs, organizing inventory, etc.
Events Volunteer
Department: Programs or Development
Available To: Individuals/Groups
Time Commitment: On an as needed basis
Location: One of our parking lots or our office in Koreatown
Summary: Safe Parking LA will make volunteers aware of one-time events for which we need support. Roles may vary based on the event and could include: event set-up and clean-up, transportation of supplies, or distribution of items to participants. Events may include: Participant Holiday Party, Veteran’s Day Appreciation, Fundraisers.
Community Engagement Volunteer
Department: Development
Available To: Individuals/Groups
Time Commitment: Consistent commitment, revolving around your schedule
Location: Remote or on-site as needed
Summary: Community engagement volunteers will become knowledgeable in the mission, impact, and programming at Safe Parking LA and can become involved as community ambassadors, askers, and/or advocates. Ambassadors will spread awareness of what Safe Parking LA does through presentations at local community groups, etc. Askers will make calls to individuals who may be interested in donating and will share more about what Safe Parking LA does to garner interest. Advocates will work to advance policy that supports people experiencing homelessness, as endorsed by Safe Parking LA.
Special Skill Volunteer
Department: Programs, Any Department
Available To: Individuals/Groups
Time Commitment: One-time or recurring
Location: One of our lots that is close to you
Summary: Special Skills Volunteers may teach their skills to participants through workshops on our lots or may provide a service to participants. Skills may include: automotive technician, photography, resume building, financial literacy, art, or anything else.
Donations Volunteer
Department: Programs
Available To: Individuals/Groups
Time Commitment: One-time or Recurring
Summary: Donation Volunteers will gather donated items through a donation drive or other means and will coordinate with SPLA staff to organize inventory and/or distribute items to participants at parking lots. This will give volunteers the opportunity to understand the needs of participants and the services that are provided through our program.
