Since I advise Project for the Homeless (PFH), I went on a site visit to get a better idea of what exactly they do. I met one of the coordinators, Avi and volunteers on a Thursday evening to visit the Stephen Wise Free Synagogue near Lincoln Center.

As we traveled to the shelter Avi explained the program to me. Volunteers chose an evening (or evenings) during the semester when they are free to go to one of the shelters. They arrive at the shelter around 8:00 PM and oversee the residents until they go to bed. Then the volunteer makes sure that the residents are up the next morning and on their bus for work. Since the bus leaves at 6:30 AM, the volunteer is back at school in plenty of time for any morning classes they might have.

The shelter itself was very nice. It was in the basement of a Synagogue. There were approximately 10 residents when I visited. The residents themselves are semi-permanent – they spend several weeks at the shelter. They all have jobs and are working towards independence.

Though I did not know much about PFH before visiting, I am very glad that I had the opportunity to go. The shelter was much nicer than I expected, and I really enjoyed getting to meet all of the clients that our program works with.

Want to Get Involved?
PFH is always accepting volunteers, and is a great program for someone unable to make a long term commitment to another program. Please visit their website: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/pfh/ for more information about signing up.