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VOLUNTEER

Creating Connections

You are the heart of The Sophia Way.
By offering your time and skills, you create connection, encouragement, and possibility for women working toward stable lives.

View volunteer opportunities and sign up

Individuals

Our community is very generous with in-kind donations and we need help in unpacking, sorting, and organizing the items. 

When: Wednesdays 12 pm – 2 pm
Where: Donation Center in Bellevue
Age requirement: 16+ can volunteer on their own. 10-15 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian

Sign up

Need help signing up? Read this guide. If you have any issues, please email volunteer@sophiaway.org

Support staff in the kitchen area at lunch (10 am to 1 pm) and dinner (5:45 pm to 8 pm) at our shelters – Helen’s Place in Kirkland and Sophia’s Place in Bellevue.

Requirements: Volunteers must identify as women, and be at least 18 years old. Ages 13-17 can volunteer if accompanied by a parent/guardian. A current food worker card is required. 

Sign up

Need help signing up? Read this guide. If you have any issues, please email volunteer@sophiaway.org

Sign up for a one-time meal donation or be a regular donor. 

Sophia’s Place in Bellevue

  • Lunch for 30 women and dinner for 21 women, every day.
  • Breakfast for 21 women on weekends. 

Helen’s Place in Kirkland

  • Lunch and dinner for 40 women, every day
  • Breakfast for 21 women on weekends.

Click here for more information and to sign up

Groups

Are you looking for hands-on opportunities to give back, connect with others, or make a tangible difference in the community? Email volunteer@sophiaway.org to let us know what interests you!

Sorting and organizing donated items. A fantastic way to make a big impact!

  • Location: Donation Center in Bellevue
  • Capacity: 5 – 45 volunteers
  • Frequency: One-off, weekly, or part of a schedule
  • Shift length: 2+ hours
  • Tasks: Unpack and sort donations; organize the space; work on larger ongoing projects.
  • Physical requirements: Low  – involves lifting and moving boxes

Cleaning support at our shelters. A clean, dignified space makes a difference for the women we serve.

  • Location: Sophia’s Place in Bellevue OR Helen’s Place in Kirkland
  • Capacity: 10+
  • Frequency: Weekly or bi-weekly
  • Shift length: 2 hours
  • Tasks: Cleaning spaces within a shelter.
  • Physical requirements: Low –  carrying cleaning products

Host a drive in your community, office, or school. Help us stock up on the items women need most.  A few suggestions:

A simple act that brings real nourishment and variety to the women we serve. One of our greatest needs!

  • Location: Offsite
  • Frequency: One-off, weekly, or part of a schedule
  • Shift length: 2 to 3 hours
  • Tasks: Prepare and deliver meals to Sophia’s Place in Bellevue (serving 21 women) or Helen’s Place in Kirkland (serving 40 women). Meals can be delivered hot or frozen for later use.
  • Physical requirements: None

Sign up here 

Community gatherings and social events at our shelter. Sometimes the greatest gift you can give is a joyful afternoon.

  • Location: Sophia’s Place in Bellevue and Helen’s Place in Kirkland
  • Capacity: 5 – 8 volunteers 
  • Frequency: One-off
  • Shift Length: 2 hours
  • Task: Plan and host an event or gathering – whether an ice cream social, game night, crafting session, or something else – to help women connect, have fun, and feel at home.
  • Physical requirements: None

Support Network

This is a welcoming community dedicated to supporting women experiencing homelessness on the Eastside. We invite anyone – whether part of a faith community, civic group, or an individual passionate about making a difference – to join this group.

Members meet once a month to hear updates on The Sophia Way’s programs, learn about the current needs of the women we serve, and share ideas, resources, and ways to provide support. They are also encouraged to share insights with their own networks – congregations, friends, or community groups – to raise awareness and inspire collective action toward stability and empowerment.

Meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday, from 12 pm to 1 pm.
View Events calendar to sign up for meetings

Youth Engagement Committee

The Committee is an exciting opportunity for high school students to take action and support women experiencing homelessness in East King County. Whether you’re passionate about advocacy, fundraising, or volunteering, this committee is all about using your skills and voice to create real change.

You will join leaders who bring energy, creativity, and fresh ideas to the table. You will gain valuable leadership experience, raise awareness in your community, and make a direct, meaningful impact on the lives of women we serve.

Focus areas: 

  • Organizing and executing donation drives.
  • Supporting our Community Brunches
  • Assisting with our fundraising events.

Meetings are held online on the fourth Monday, from 6 pm to 7 pm. 

Questions? Email volunteer@sophiaway.org

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