Agency: Tenants to Homeowners Inc.

Contact: Robert Baker, 785-842-5494 or rbakerth@gmail.com

Tenants to Homeowners Inc. is seeking volunteer mentors for its “A Place To Make Your Own” program. Volunteer mentors are needed as key participants in the effort to increase affordable housing opportunities, post-occupancy longevity and self-sufficiency for families who desire safe, affordable housing offered through various low-income programs in the community. Each mentor will support the family in their effort to develop suitable, permanent housing. Volunteers will be supported in their work by program leadership and collaborating resource referrals, and training will be provided. Mentors can expect to give four to six hours each month for about the first three months of the yearlong commitment; less time will be required as the program progresses. Volunteers should possess a basic understanding of monthly budgeting and personal finance, should have a history of independent living — preferably for more than a few years, must understand and respect confidentiality of program participants, and should have good interpersonal skills and the ability to accept and interact with people without judgment. For more information about this pilot program, contact Robert Baker at 785-842-5494 or rbakerth@gmail.com.

Immediate needs

• Lawrence Humane Society is always in need of more volunteers to come help socialize their cats, walk their dogs, monitor dog play groups, help with cleaning and more. Volunteers are asked to make a commitment of volunteering two hours each week for at least six months. Volunteer orientations are held regularly; to RSVP for an upcoming orientation or for more details about volunteer needs, call 785-843-6835 or send an email to volunteer@lawrencehumane.org.

• Lawrence Habitat for Humanity is in need of volunteers on a weekly basis for its current house build. Work days typically occur every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Volunteers are especially needed on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week. All volunteers must be at least 16 years old and should contact Maddie Hinds at 785-832-0777 or vista@lawrencehabitat.org for more information about the build site and any other requirements before volunteering. This is Lawrence Habitat’s 81st house for a local family.

• The city of Lawrence and Douglas County Senior Services are still looking for volunteers to sign up for its annual Safe Winter Walkways program for the remainder of winter. The Safe Winter Walkways program helps Lawrence residents who are unable to remove snow from their walkways, including public sidewalks in front of their homes. Volunteers get matched to someone in need and commit to visiting their residence after each significant snow fall (at least 2 inches) to shovel for them. If you’re interested in helping fellow community members ensure their walkways remain safe throughout the winter, please call 785-832-3338 or register as a volunteer online at lawrenceks.org.

— For more volunteer opportunities, contact the United Way’s Roger Hill Volunteer Center, at 785-865-5030 or volunteer@rhvc.org, or go to volunteerdouglascounty.org.

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