
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a SHCS volunteer?
New volunteers can apply online here: New Volunteer Application
Your application will be approved in 2-3 business days and you will receive an email with steps to create an account. Volunteers in 7th and 8th grade can volunteer during the week with an adult chaperone. Youth volunteers 10 and up can volunteer on Saturdays with an adult chaperone.
How do I access my online account?
If you have already created an online volunteer account, you can access the log-in page here sacredheartcs.org/volunteer . Use the email you used to register and the password you created to login.
Is there a volunteer orientation I can attend?
Yes! Here is a self paced video orientation. CLICK HERE to view.
Do I have to schedule a shift before I volunteer?
Yes, we require everyone to schedule ahead of time so that we can plan ahead.
Do you have a dress code?
We ask everyone to wear closed-toed shoes for safety and to dress in layers. You may be working outside. Gloves will be provided, masks are optional.
Where should I park?
We ask volunteers to park in the surrounding neighborhood. We reserve our parking lot for members receiving services. Please do not park at Wendy’s or Denny’s as they will tow.
Can I select the area in which I volunteer?
After you fill out our application, you will have access to the Warehouse (pantry and clothes closet) calendar. Depending on program needs, other opportunities may be available. Contact the volunteer office for age and other requirements.
Can I bring friends or family members to volunteer ?
We would love to have friends and family come volunteer with us. Please keep in mind that they cannot simply tag along. All volunteers must be registered with SH and individually scheduled for a shift. If you have any questions, please contact the volunteer office.
Do all youth volunteers need a permission slip?
Yes, all volunteers under 18 need to turn in a one time parent/guardian permission slip.
Do I need to commit to a specific schedule?
In our Warehouse (Food Pantry and Clothes Closet) we do not ask for a specific schedule or commitment. We do ask that you start and complete your scheduled shift.
Can kids volunteer at Sacred Heart?
On Saturdays only, volunteers 10 years old and over can volunteer with an adult chaperone 18 yrs or older. Monday-Friday, volunteers 7th and 8th grade can volunteer with an adult chaperone 18yrs or older. High School age volunteers can volunteer on their own. All minors (10-17yrs) must submit a signed Parental Permission Form before volunteering.
How can I get my hours verified or approved?
If you need your hours verified please contact the volunteer office. We can sign off on your paperwork or give you a SH timesheet.
Can I complete court-ordered hours at Sacred Heart Community Service?
We can allow volunteers to perform community service for the following offenses: traffic citations, DUI, possession of marijuana or smoking in public. Court ordered hours need to be disclosed to the Volunteer Office at the time the volunteer completes an application and paperwork needs to be provided. Failure to disclose court ordered hours and paperwork may result in SHCS staff denying approval.
When are shifts posted?
The available volunteer shifts will be posted every 3-4 weeks.
When do you post Special Events on your calendar?
Please check our calendar in March/April and August/September for La Mesa Verda (Urban Gardening) opportunities.
Please check our calendar in June/July for our Back-to -School volunteer opportunities.
For our holiday shifts please check our calendar in November and December.
Forgot my password?
If you have forgotten your password you can use this link to reset my password. If you need further assistance, you can email the volunteer office at volunteers@sacredheartcs.com for help.
How to cancel a shift?
If you would like to cancel a shift you can do so through your volunteer portal. If you decide to cancel within 48 hours of your shift, please call or send an email to the volunteer office.
No shifts on the calendar?
If you do not see any volunteer shifts populating on your calendar that means there are no shifts available that day or SHCS is closed.
Volunteer Office . 1381 South First Street San Jose, Ca 95110 . (408) 278-2171