Volunteer

Volunteers founded the new Hopewell House and volunteers are key to its ongoing work.

Hopewell volunteers are a vital community of specialized teams, serving throughout and beyond our home to sustain every area of operations and caregiving.

Our Volunteers

Hopewell volunteers are a life-affirming community of nearly 200 compassionate people who support our home with a variety of skills and talents. Volunteers assist staff in caring for residents and their families, greet visitors, help with housekeeping, in the kitchen, and with maintenance. Volunteer therapists (e.g., massage, Reiki and more) apply their gifts to soothe the bodies and spirits of our entire community. Musicians, artists and pet therapy volunteers warm the home with creativity, beauty, and the joyful presence of animals. Volunteers plant and maintain garden spaces, and craft quilts and blankets.

Please note: Volunteer Recruitment is currently closed. Please see the individual team sections for information about future opportunities.

If you have any questions about our volunteer program, please email Laura.Steffen@fhhpdx.org

“We are deeply honored to spend time with the residents, their families, and the incredible staff at Hopewell House. Thank you for welcoming us into your lives and sharing your light with us. Your warmth and kindness are truly inspiring.”

Ryan F. (and therapy dog Hygee)

“I have been retired for some time now and remember thinking when I first retired now what? Retirement wasn’t really a goal, it’s just what you did at a certain age. So as I find myself heading down the hill to Hopewell House the question sometimes comes up, Why this? As I hit the front door I’m thinking whats going to happen today, no two days are the same. As I open the door I’m home, this is where I belong. Sometimes a bit chaotic, but then with love and compassion everything falls together. We are all dancing to the music that is our common destiny, how could it be any other way. How fortunate I am to have the opportunity to be a part of all this.”

Richard F.

“What I’ve learned about myself this year volunteering is that I didn’t really know that much about the dying process. The sacredness of dying was not something I really understood, but being at Hopewell House reaffirms this message to me every day. We are conditioned to throw a lot of enthusiasm into births and life’s other milestones, but not so much towards dying. I am learning how deserving dying is of our attention and accompaniment. And I am so grateful to be a part of this through my volunteering at Hopewell House.”

Lisa C.

“Being a volunteer at HH has helped me to evolve, to go beyond the capacity for just the here and now. In turn, my outlook on the way I live my life has been enlightened. There’s an acceptance that happens and embracing of life that happens. Being in the space of people who are transitioning puts us all on “common ground”. Our one common denominator for living in this we will all die. I see many differences, opinions and choices people make but caring for someone who is dying is a sacred practice. It breaks down all the differences one has and as a result we are all the same.”

Sue S.

“Hopewell House is a special place. It is a place where hard things are accepted as they are – death, messy relationships, brokenness. And somehow that makes it easier to see the beauty in life and to love each other.”

Cathy D.

“Each resident of Hopewell is making a brave journey. Through supporting residents at Hopewell House I have gotten to know the most incredible people who have shared so much about their lives. And I have also gotten to know the many loved ones who have had so much to share about the resident they care about. It is a gift to have supported residents and their loved ones in the journey as residents move into what is next, and an honor to have provided companionment, compassion, and care. “

Rion P.

“It’s like stepping into a different reality where time slows down. The outside world falls away and you are just there in the moment. Your only concern is doing what you can support the person in front of you.” (Savannah is a LMT with the Complementary & Alternative Therapies volunteer team.)

Savanna W.

Hopewell House Volunteer Teams

Interested in volunteering at Hopewell House?

Please note: Volunteer Recruitment is currently closed. Please see the individual team sections for information about future opportunities.

Resident Life Support Team

Please note: The Resident Life volunteer team is not accepting applications at this time.

Our Resident Life Volunteers bring a calm presence and mindful attention to help create the most comfortable, compassionate end-of-life experience possible. They play a vital role in supporting both residents and their loved ones, working alongside clinical staff to ensure dignity, comfort, and care.

Key Responsibilities

Work closely with clinical staff to respond to residents’ needs
Assist with turning, positioning, and mobility
Support with bathing, grooming, and dressing
Help with meals, including serving food and assisting residents with eating
Refresh linens, tidy spaces, and ensure residents’ surroundings feel calm and cared for
Assist with light housekeeping tasks such as organizing personal items, laundry, dishes, or replenishing supplies
Accompany residents outdoors when possible, offering fresh air and connection with nature
Sit quietly with residents, offering presence and reassurance
Read aloud, share music, or engage in gentle conversation
Prepare rooms to create a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere
Help maintain a soothing environment by adjusting lighting, music, or temperature
Assist in creating memory moments, such as helping families with photo albums or storytelling

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Completed Application and Successful Interview
Criminal Record and Reference Check
Drug Attestation
Food Handlers Card
Completion of Specific Training Required for Team

COMMITMENT
Four-hour shift and a minimum of 2 shifts per month for one year.

Shifts available between 8am-10pm, 7 days/week.

Please note: The Resident Life volunteer team is not accepting applications at this time.

Concierge & Welcome Team

Please note: The Concierge & Welcome volunteer team is not accepting applications at this time.

Guided by the values that thoughtful listening and gracious kindness are at the heart of everything we do, Concierge and Welcome Volunteers (CWVs) serve as the first point of contact for visitors, including family members, friends, hospice providers, and fellow volunteers. These volunteers respond to the often subtle ways that people voice their needs, helping to provide the most comfortable, trauma-informed, and compassionate end-of-life experience possible for our residents and their loved ones.

Key Responsibilities

Answer incoming phone calls and direct them appropriately
Warmly greet staff, guests, and families upon arrival
Provide information and answer questions with patience and clarity
Maintain visitor and activity logs to ensure smooth operations
Assist with Hopewell House tours
Offer a calm, reassuring presence in the lobby and common areas
Collaborate with staff to ensure residents and guests feel welcomed and cared for
Help manage deliveries, mail, or supplies as needed
Uphold the values of Hopewell House by creating a welcoming, compassionate environment

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Completed Application and Successful Interview
Criminal Record and Reference Check Drug Attestation
Food Handlers Card
Completion of Specific Training Required for Team

COMMITMENT
Four-hour shifts and a minimum of 2 shifts per month for one year.

Shifts available between 8am-10pm, 7 days/week.

Please note: The Concierge & Welcome volunteer team is not accepting applications at this time.

Knitting/Crocheting and Quilting Teams - Accepting Donations NOW!

A great way to share your time and talents (from home!) by creating colorful quilts, lap blankets and prayer shawls for the comfort of residents during their time at Hopewell House. Each resident will be offered a quilt of their choice, handmade by generous and creative community members who have donated their time, talents and materials. Each quilt will remain with the resident during their care and their family will be invited to take the quilt home with them upon the resident’s death. Knitted (or crocheted) lap blankets, prayer shawls, beanies and slippers will be offered as a gift to residents and family members as well.

Quilt Guidelines

Knit and Crochet Guidelines

Accepting Donations for handmade quilts and knitted items (to specifications)

For more information please contact yarnart@fhhpdx.org or quilts@fhhpdx.org

Gardening Team

Please note: The Garden volunteer team is not accepting applications at this time.

The Garden Team is a like-minded community, believing that nature can be a place of peace, solace, and healing for residents and their families. Garden volunteers create lovely outdoor spaces that bring beauty to every resident window and encourage nature’s majesty and serenity for all who come to Hopewell House. Our garden volunteers may be master gardeners, hobby gardeners, or simply those who find pleasure in spending time outdoors. Come garden with us!

Key Responsibilities

Raking leaves and keeping pathways clear
Planting flowers, shrubs, and seasonal plants
Weeding garden beds and maintaining healthy soil
Watering plants and ensuring proper irrigation
Pruning trees, bushes, and plants to encourage growth
Mulching beds to retain moisture and improve appearance
Removing debris and maintaining overall garden cleanliness
Assisting with garden design projects or seasonal displays
Collaborating with fellow volunteers to create a welcoming, serene environment

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES
A love of nature – A love of gardening a plus.
The ability to work as part of a team.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Completed Application and Successful Interview
Criminal Record and Reference Check
Drug Attestation
Completion of Specific Training Required for Team

SCHEDULE
Spring, Summer & Fall – Mondays and Thursdays from 8:30 – 11:30
Winter – Mondays from 9:30 – 12:00 (starting in November)

COMMITMENT
Gardening happens for 2 to 3 hours on Monday mornings and in the summer there is also a Thursday shift available.

Looking for a committment of 2 shifts per month and for at least one year.

Please note: The Garden volunteer team is not accepting applications at this time.

Complementary & Alternative Therapeutic Servicesm

Please note: Volunteer Recruitment for this team is currently closed.

Hopewell House’s Complementary & Alternative Therapeutic Services Team includes volunteers from diverse backgrounds who bring an array of healing gifts. Alternative therapies can bring relief and release of physical discomfort and can even play a role in emotional breakthroughs for distressed residents. Hopewell is so fortunate that these amazing volunteers are bringing their healing gifts to help ease this sacred transition.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Therapeutic expertise in one or more:
Acupuncture
Craniosacral therapy
Energy work (Reiki and healing touch)
Massage
Music and sound (no current volunteer opportunities)
Myofascial release
Personal aesthetics (hair cutting/styling/make-up)
Pet therapy (no current volunteer opportunities)
Aromatherapy

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Completed Application and Successful Interview
Criminal Record and Reference Check
Drug Attestation
Completion of Specific Training Required for Team

COMMITMENT
Two-hour shift twice/month for a minimum of one year.

Please note: Volunteer Recruitment for this team is currently closed.

Kitchen Support

Please note: Volunteer Recruitment for this team is currently closed.

Kitchen Volunteers work alongside the cook of the day as part of a two-person team, helping to prepare and serve nourishing meals that bring comfort to residents and their families. Volunteers are needed every day of the week, with flexible two-hour shifts available in the morning, afternoon, and evening. This role makes an enormous contribution behind the scenes, ensuring that Hopewell House continues its tradition of providing fresh baked goods and home-style meals. Volunteers who enjoy cooking or baking, or simply have a passion for food and hospitality, will find this a rewarding opportunity. Orientation to the kitchen and role is provided, so no prior experience is necessary.

Key Responsibilities

Wash dishes and maintain a clean, organized kitchen space
Assist with meal preparation, including chopping vegetables, mixing ingredients, and plating food
Bake breads, cookies, and other fresh goods to share with residents and families
Help set up and serve meals in a welcoming, supportive manner
Restock supplies and ensure the kitchen is ready for the next shift
Collaborate with the cook of the day to complete daily tasks efficiently
Maintain food safety and hygiene standards at all times
Offer warmth and hospitality through food, contributing to the comfort of residents and their loved ones

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Enjoyment of being in a kitchen and washing dishes
The ability to work as part of a team and alignment with Hopewell House Mission and Vision
Completed Application and Successful Interview
Criminal Record and Reference Check
Drug Attestation

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
Food Handlers Card
Team lead will provide orientation

SCHEDULE
Seven days a week: 3 shifts available– 9:00-11:00am; 11am-2pm; and 6-8pm.
Note: depending on volunteer availability there is some flexibility in start time.

COMMITMENT
2 shifts per month, perferably for one year.

Please note: Volunteer Recruitment for this team is currently closed.

Contemplative Care Team

Please note: The Contemplative Care Team is not accepting applications at this time.

The Contemplative Care Team’s primary purpose is to attend to the emotional and spiritual needs of residents and their chosen support. They provide attuned presence, hospitality, deep listening, and support for sacred traditions and practices. Team members collaborate with Clinical Staff and Resident Life Volunteers to offer the most compassionate and comfortable end-of-life care possible.

Because of the depth and sensitivity of this role, experience is required. Volunteers should have a background as a chaplain, licensed clinical social worker (MSW), death doula, hospice volunteer, or in a similar field that equips them to offer spiritual and emotional care at the end of life.

Key Responsibilities

Deep listening
Grief tending
Vigil with the dying or their loved ones
Participation, as appropriate, in sacred traditions and practices
Support in acute or emergent situations
As directed, have conversations about end-of-life planning with residents and/or their loved ones upon request
After death care
As needed, assist with resident eating and drinking/oral care (training provided)
General hospitality incl. Light cleaning/answering call lights/phone when needed

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Completed Application and Successful Interview
Criminal Record and Reference Check
Drug Attestation
Food Handlers Card
Completion of Specific Training Required for Team

COMMITMENT

Two-hour shift twice/month for a one year minimum

Please note: The Contemplative Care Team is not accepting applications at this time.

Community and Volunteer Events

Every Monday Morning

Meditation Monday Mornings

Mondays 8:30 – 8:50 am. For the Hopewell House Community (current volunteers and staff): a weekly 20-minute compassion and mindfulness meditation practice. This guided meditation is an opportunity to deepen our practices of compassion and self-awareness. Whether you’re a seasoned meditator or a beginner, we benefit from taking a pause together and setting intentions for the week ahead. If you are interested in joining, please message Laura Steffen.

Third Monday Every Month

The Monthly Community Grief ritual

Third Monday Every Month, 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Facilitated by Brooke Lesley and Dr. Ashlie Hemstead

Join our beautiful community as we explore our relationship with grief.
The losses of a lifetime are too much for us to carry alone and they were never meant to. It’s essential that we bring the heartaches we walk out from within us and let them be seen and held in our community as we heal.

Grieving in community supports our individual and collective capacity to feel deeply and to grow resilient. It helps us build trust within ourselves and each other, and helps us to move unhealed grief and unprocessed trauma. There is certain medicine that can only be accessed by being together in and with our grief. That’s what this grief ritual is all about.

Loss takes many forms and all forms ask to be seen and honored through the process of healing. Grieving in community serves all forms of loss whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a relationship, a job, a dream, a life stage, an expectation, the loss experienced by our ancestors, the pain of the collective, the loss of our natural world, the loss of beloved animals, and so much more. This grief circle is a space to come, to listen, and to share so we can heal through loss and connect in community. All are welcome.

HOPEWELL HOUSE LIVING ROOM