66household stabilizations
Volunteer with Us
Volunteers are the heart of Friends in Deed
From hands-on help to behind-the-scenes support, every role helps neighbors overcome financial challenges and move toward lasting stability. Your effort doesn't just make a difference today; it actively helps end poverty in our community by providing urgent support and building a foundation for long-term change. Tell us how you'd like to help, and we'll guide you to the role that fits your interests and strengths.
Browse Opportunities
About the Program
The Essential Services Program provides immediate, practical support to individuals and families facing financial hardship in Washtenaw County. By addressing barriers to stability, housing, transportation, utilities, and household essentials, we help neighbors stay housed, keep their jobs, and maintain independence while building a stronger foundation for the future.
Learn MoreWho Can Get Involved
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Have excellent personal and customer service skills
- Have excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to operate personal computers, copiers, and faxes (or willingness to learn!)
- Weekday availability between Monday - Thursday 9:30 am - 2 pm
Logistics & Time Commitment
- Volunteers will work shifts at our Friends in Deed main office site, 1196 Ecorse Road, Ypsilanti, MI 48198, during our operating hours from Monday - Thursday 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM.
- We typically offer 2 volunteer shifts a day:
- 3 hour morning shift: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
- 2 hour afternoon shift: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
- We ask that volunteers commit to at least 1 shift a week (We aim for recurring shifts, but understand life happens, just communicate with your program lead if you need to adjust)
- Helpline Volunteer Serve as first point of contact for neighbors in need Learn More
- Furniture Client Services Volunteer Support furniture administrative operations Learn More
- Furniture Warehouse Volunteer Support furniture hands-on operations Learn More
About the Program
Circles is a relationship-centered program that pairs neighbors working toward economic stability (Leaders) with trained community volunteers (Allies). Volunteers build long-term, supportive relationships that help participants set goals, grow their skills, and move out of poverty.
Learn MoreWho Can Get Involved
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Enjoy building genuine, encouraging relationships
- Able to make a consistent weekly commitment
- Comfortable listening, mentoring, and connecting people to resources
- Availability for weekly evening Circles meetings
Logistics & Time Commitment
- Circles meetings are held weekly at the Friends in Deed main office, 1196 Ecorse Road, Ypsilanti, MI 48198.
- Each meeting includes a shared meal, children's programming, and small-group time.
- We ask Allies to commit for the duration of a Circles cohort so relationships have time to grow.
- Children's Program Volunteer Lead activities and mentor children during Circles meetings Learn More
- Community Team Volunteer Build relationships that support long-term economic mobility Learn More
- Big View Team Volunteer Address the systemic barriers that keep families in poverty Learn More
About the Program
Our Development team keeps Friends in Deed running behind the scenes — supporting fundraising, donor appreciation, office operations, and the administrative work that makes every program possible.
Learn MoreWho Can Get Involved
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Comfortable with computers and general office tasks
- Detail-oriented and dependable
- Weekday availability between Monday - Thursday 9:30 am - 2 pm
Logistics & Time Commitment
- Development volunteers work from the Friends in Deed main office, 1196 Ecorse Road, Ypsilanti, MI 48198, Monday - Thursday 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM.
- Shifts mirror our program hours:
- 3 hour morning shift: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
- 2 hour afternoon shift: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
- We ask that volunteers commit to at least 1 shift a week.
- Office Assistant Manage front desk operations and support admin tasks Learn More
- Donor Appreciation Volunteer Help recognize and thank our generous community of donors Learn More
- Jobs & Education Volunteer Coach neighbors on career readiness and education goals Learn More
Volunteer Within Your Schedule
Weekly Recurring Volunteer Shifts
Hear from Our Volunteers’ Experiences
“It's amazing seeing impact that all of us are having on the progression of these leaders, and it's really remarkable. I know from my experience working very closely with my leader in Cohort 6, she made tremendous progress in the program. I was her cheerleader for many, many months to keep her going, and she more than doubled her salary.”
Nancy Wayne: Jobs & Education Team, Ally Cohort 6
“You develop relationships with the children. And as soon as the kids see the volunteers there, they run up to you, give you hugs, and start playing with you. It's an experience that lives with the children but it also lives with the volunteers too. It's a beautiful experience.”
Lucinda Peach WillowTree: Children's Program
Become a part of…
52transportation assists
206families served
Statistics from 2024 calendar year