One of our most popular volunteer activities takes place at our seasonal (November-March) Winter Shelter facility at Cal Expo in Sacramento (open in 2009 through June 30). Whether they're there to paint the walls, or serve dinner, volunteers are consistently struck by the cleanliness, comfort and warmth of the shelter.

Unlike most people's conception of what a homeless shelter might look like, the former amusement facility is open, airy with separate lounges for men and women, and quarters designated for single men with children, as well as space for couples.

Scroll down to see recent visits by volunteers. To see a list of past volunteer activities at all of our programs, please go to our volunteers in action page, or see images/stories on our volunteer scrapbook page. Last – but not least – contact us to volunteer by going to our volunteer opportunities page.

Abundant Life Worship Center serves last supper of season

It was a bittersweet evening for the members of Abundant Life Worship Center. Frequent volunteer servers at the Winter Shelter, they had come to recognize several clients who frequented the Cal Expo facility. But after two extensions, the season had finally come to an end and they were pouring drinks and serving up hot meals to the homeless men, women and children for the last time – until late-fall or early winter at least.

Led by Pastor Richard Willoughby, the eight-person contingent made the more than 200 clients feel welcome and reminded them that they will not be forgotten.

Abundant Life Worship Center serves last supper of season

It was a bittersweet evening for the members of Abundant Life Worship Center. Frequent volunteer servers at the Winter Shelter, they had come to recognize several clients who frequented the Cal Expo facility. But after two extensions, the season had finally come to an end and they were pouring drinks and serving up hot meals to the homeless men, women and children for the last time – until late-fall or early winter at least.

Led by Pastor Richard Willoughby, the eight-person contingent made the more than 200 clients feel welcome and reminded them that they will not be forgotten.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority serve homeless at Winter Shelter

The Sacramento Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma
Theta Sorority acted as volunteer servers at the
Winter Shelter June 6, 2009.

Seven members of the Sacramento Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta learned the importance of the Winter Shelter first-hand when they served the June 6, 2009, dinner to the men, women and children in residence.

Delta Sigma Theta, a nonprofit association of college-educated women who perform public service, is the largest African-American Greek-lettered sorority in the world, with membership open to any woman who meets the membership requirements, regardless of race, nationality or religion.

Helping plate, serve, bus and clean were Joanne Smallwood, Joslyn Jackson, Shani Alford, Linda White, Suzette Cade, Patricia Jones and chapter president C. Lynn Carrier. Their first-time experience at the Winter Shelter will, hopefully, not be their last – a feeling shared by many who were served that evening.

"The ladies in today's meal staff was the best y'all have done so far," gushed one anonymous client in a survey filled out that evening. "The volunteers are real nice, and make one feel special," said another.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority serve homeless at Winter Shelter

The Sacramento Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma
Theta Sorority acted as volunteer servers at the
Winter Shelter June 6, 2009.

Seven members of the Sacramento Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta learned the importance of the Winter Shelter first-hand when they served the June 6, 2009, dinner to the men, women and children in residence.

Delta Sigma Theta, a nonprofit association of college-educated women who perform public service, is the largest African-American Greek-lettered sorority in the world, with membership open to any woman who meets the membership requirements, regardless of race, nationality or religion.

Helping plate, serve, bus and clean were Joanne Smallwood, Joslyn Jackson, Shani Alford, Linda White, Suzette Cade, Patricia Jones and chapter president C. Lynn Carrier. Their first-time experience at the Winter Shelter will, hopefully, not be their last – a feeling shared by many who were served that evening.

"The ladies in today's meal staff was the best y'all have done so far," gushed one anonymous client in a survey filled out that evening. "The volunteers are real nice, and make one feel special," said another.

Clients give 'thumbs up' to Noble Vegetarian's meatless meal;
volunteers serve restaurant's Asian-influenced vegetarian dishes

Clients give 'thumbs up' to Noble Vegetarian's meatless meal;
volunteers serve restaurant's Asian-influenced vegetarian dishes

USA Properties returns to Winter Shelter

USA Properties Fund employees, led by Amber Dymek, volunteered on behalf of HomeAid Sacramento at the
Winter Shelter March 7, 2009. It was the company's second
visit to the shelter in just a few weeks.

A contingent of eight USA Properties Fund employees and their spouses made it the second USA Properties appearance – and fourth HomeAid Sacramento showing – in a matter of a few months for a Winter Shelter volunteer meal service.

Amber Dymek, who had been part of the first USA Properties Fund service group in February, returned to lead the new team in the ins and outs of serving the men, women and children in residence at the center.

Hamburgers, pork and beans, and all the fixings were on the menu for the Saturday night dinner, which was greatly enhanced by homemade cookies brought by the smile-filled group.

The USA Properties Fund all-star team included: Amber Dymek, David Anderson, Desirae McCray, Robin Schmitt, Jim Schmitt, Lucia Munoz, Patti McCleery and Michael McCleery.

USA Properties returns to Winter Shelter

USA Properties Fund employees, led by Amber Dymek, volunteered on behalf of HomeAid Sacramento at the
Winter Shelter March 7, 2009. It was the company's second
visit to the shelter in just a few weeks.

A contingent of eight USA Properties Fund employees and their spouses made it the second USA Properties appearance – and fourth HomeAid Sacramento showing – in a matter of a few months for a Winter Shelter volunteer meal service.

Amber Dymek, who had been part of the first USA Properties Fund service group in February, returned to lead the new team in the ins and outs of serving the men, women and children in residence at the center.

Hamburgers, pork and beans, and all the fixings were on the menu for the Saturday night dinner, which was greatly enhanced by homemade cookies brought by the smile-filled group.

The USA Properties Fund all-star team included: Amber Dymek, David Anderson, Desirae McCray, Robin Schmitt, Jim Schmitt, Lucia Munoz, Patti McCleery and Michael McCleery.

USA Properties makes it a HomeAid 'three-peat' for February

USA Properties Fund employees and their family members
volunteered on behalf of HomeAid Sacramento at the Winter
Shelter Feb. 21. A first-time visit by USA Properties, it was
the third volunteer service provided by HomeAid in February.

The smiles of 11 USA Properties Fund employees and their families brightened the darkening Sacramento skies as they engaged the men, women and children during a Winter Shelter meal service Feb. 21, 2009.

It was the third visit by HomeAid Sacramento members to the Winter Shelter in February, solidifying the clients' affection for the charitable organization which was a founding partner in the establishment of the shelter.

Thanks so much to the entire USA Properties team: Amber Dymek, Ryan Dymek, Art May, Lori May, Tyler May, Ethan May, Lexi May, Alex Hetrick, Melody Thorson, Scott Thorson and Tucker Thorson. Quick on their feet and as ready with a smile as they were with a pitcher, the group expects to return to the Winter Shelter in March.

USA Properties makes it a HomeAid 'three-peat' for February

USA Properties Fund employees and their family members
volunteered on behalf of HomeAid Sacramento at the Winter
Shelter Feb. 21. A first-time visit by USA Properties, it was
the third volunteer service provided by HomeAid in February.

The smiles of 11 USA Properties Fund employees and their families brightened the darkening Sacramento skies as they engaged the men, women and children during a Winter Shelter meal service Feb. 21, 2009.

It was the third visit by HomeAid Sacramento members to the Winter Shelter in February, solidifying the clients' affection for the charitable organization which was a founding partner in the establishment of the shelter.

Thanks so much to the entire USA Properties team: Amber Dymek, Ryan Dymek, Art May, Lori May, Tyler May, Ethan May, Lexi May, Alex Hetrick, Melody Thorson, Scott Thorson and Tucker Thorson. Quick on their feet and as ready with a smile as they were with a pitcher, the group expects to return to the Winter Shelter in March.

Volunteers of America board members pay visit to Winter Shelter

Volunteers of America vice president and chief development
and communications officer Christie Holderegger (left)
joined board members and their spouses to volunteer
at Feb. 18's Winter Shelter meal service.

A quintet of Volunteers of America board members, their significant others joined Chief Development and Communications Officer Christie Holderegger as guest wait staff for the Feb. 18, 2009, meal service at the Winter Shelter.

Joel Leineke and wife Michelle, Debbie Augustine-Nelson (pictured below right with Joel Leineke), Rick Wylie and wife Cindy (pictured below left), Judy McGarry and Sherman Haggerty donned familiar blue aprons and food-service gloves to serve the evening's repast of cheesy rice casserole and veggies dished out by Volunteers of America Central Kitchen Director Eric Nichols.

Opportunities to connect one-on-one with the men, women and children who utilize the Cal Expo shelter, as well as the more than 40 diverse programs operated by Volunteers of America are embraced by the board's membership, who are definitely hands-on executives.

Volunteers of America board members pay visit to Winter Shelter

Volunteers of America vice president and chief development
and communications officer Christie Holderegger (left)
joined board members and their spouses to volunteer
at Feb. 18's Winter Shelter meal service.

A quintet of Volunteers of America board members, their significant others joined Chief Development and Communications Officer Christie Holderegger as guest wait staff for the Feb. 18, 2009, meal service at the Winter Shelter.

Joel Leineke and wife Michelle, Debbie Augustine-Nelson (pictured below right with Joel Leineke), Rick Wylie and wife Cindy (pictured below left), Judy McGarry and Sherman Haggerty donned familiar blue aprons and food-service gloves to serve the evening's repast of cheesy rice casserole and veggies dished out by Volunteers of America Central Kitchen Director Eric Nichols.

Opportunities to connect one-on-one with the men, women and children who utilize the Cal Expo shelter, as well as the more than 40 diverse programs operated by Volunteers of America are embraced by the board's membership, who are definitely hands-on executives.

HomeAid Sacramento volunteers return to Winter Shelter

HomeAid Sacramento members and their children
volunteered at the Winter Shelter Feb. 17.

Not even a fortnight had passed when HomeAid Sacramento paid a return visit to the Winter Shelter on  Feb. 17, 2009, to perform a volunteer meal service.

Twelve members of the Building Industry Association of Superior California's charitable arm – including a mom and her son who had just volunteered Feb. 5 – gave the men, women and children in residence for the evening a welcome respite from standing in another line as they provided table service for the evening meal.

Linda and Greg Grant (HomeAid), Kendyl and Lori Grbac (Premier New Homes Television), Valerie Hoff (TLA Engineering and Planning), Michelle Gibson (Hallmark Building and Development), Kerrin and son Jake West (Studio 81), Leena Curtis (All American Reverse Escrow), Sue Bokeko (All American Reverse Escrow), Lyn Amerine (All American Reverse Escrow) and Lori McGuire (McGuire Research) were those who gave of their time on the cold and rainy Tuesday evening to serve hot meals to those in need at the Cal Expo shelter.

Formed in 1996 by the Building Industry Association of Superior California, the mission of HomeAid Sacramento is "to serve the temporarily homeless by expanding a care provider's facility through remodeling or new construction."

HomeAid Sacramento is currently overseeing the construction of Volunteers of America's Sacramento Senior Safe House.

HomeAid Sacramento volunteers return to Winter Shelter

HomeAid Sacramento members and their children
volunteered at the Winter Shelter Feb. 17.

Not even a fortnight had passed when HomeAid Sacramento paid a return visit to the Winter Shelter on  Feb. 17, 2009, to perform a volunteer meal service.

Twelve members of the Building Industry Association of Superior California's charitable arm – including a mom and her son who had just volunteered Feb. 5 – gave the men, women and children in residence for the evening a welcome respite from standing in another line as they provided table service for the evening meal.

Linda and Greg Grant (HomeAid), Kendyl and Lori Grbac (Premier New Homes Television), Valerie Hoff (TLA Engineering and Planning), Michelle Gibson (Hallmark Building and Development), Kerrin and son Jake West (Studio 81), Leena Curtis (All American Reverse Escrow), Sue Bokeko (All American Reverse Escrow), Lyn Amerine (All American Reverse Escrow) and Lori McGuire (McGuire Research) were those who gave of their time on the cold and rainy Tuesday evening to serve hot meals to those in need at the Cal Expo shelter.

Formed in 1996 by the Building Industry Association of Superior California, the mission of HomeAid Sacramento is "to serve the temporarily homeless by expanding a care provider's facility through remodeling or new construction."

HomeAid Sacramento is currently overseeing the construction of Volunteers of America's Sacramento Senior Safe House.

HomeAid Sacramento board don aprons for volunteer meal service

HomeAid Sacramento board members and their families pose
for a photo prior to Feb. 5’s Winter Shelter dinner service.

"It never ceases to amaze me how far a friendly smile can go to bridge the many gaps that are created," said Kevin Carson of HomeAid Sacramento's Feb. 5, 2009, volunteer meal service at the Winter Shelter.  "Serving the meal becomes secondary to the ability for the volunteers to give a warm greeting and share a few kind words."

Carson, board chairman of HomeAid Sacramento, led the 13-person volunteer group comprised of his fellow board members and their families, who treated the men, women and children at the shelter to table service at dinner.

"I had taken a tour of the Winter Shelter facility last year," said Carson, division president of the Northern California Division of John Laing Homes, "but this was the first time I had volunteered at the shelter. I loved the opportunity. The entire facility is so well run and the staff and care professionals are so warm and hospitable. I have spoken with many of our board members since last week and they all have indicated they want to come back again."

Among those who joined Carson at the Winter Shelter were Lori Carson, Katie Carson, Lenna Curtis, Zeffy Ruvalcab, Christeen Mazza, Tony Mazza, Lori McGuire, Laura Stickelman, Pam Herman, Jon E. Nicholson, Kerrin West and Jake West.

"Katie is still talking about it," said Carson of his young daughter's volunteer experience of serving dinner, refilling beverages and busing tables. "By volunteering you take a very small part in something much larger than yourself and become aware of so much more than what is in your day-to-day routine. This was an opportunity for our board members to directly interface who we serve.

"For me this is important because you meet firsthand the men, women and children who are impacted by homelessness. There were many smiles from both our board volunteers and the clients."

Carson said the experience was nothing but positive for the group, who quickly learned the ins and outs of serving as many as 154 people in a large dining room.

"You just show up and within minutes you are trained and ready to go," Carson said. "All you need to equip yourself with is a smile."

Formed in 1996 by the Building Industry Association of Superior California, the mission of HomeAid Sacramento is "to serve the temporarily homeless by expanding a care provider's facility through remodeling or new construction."

HomeAid is currently supporting the construction of Volunteers of America's Sacramento Senior Safe House.

HomeAid Sacramento board don aprons for volunteer meal service

HomeAid Sacramento board members and their families pose
for a photo prior to Feb. 5’s Winter Shelter dinner service.

"It never ceases to amaze me how far a friendly smile can go to bridge the many gaps that are created," said Kevin Carson of HomeAid Sacramento's Feb. 5, 2009, volunteer meal service at the Winter Shelter.  "Serving the meal becomes secondary to the ability for the volunteers to give a warm greeting and share a few kind words."

Carson, board chairman of HomeAid Sacramento, led the 13-person volunteer group comprised of his fellow board members and their families, who treated the men, women and children at the shelter to table service at dinner.

"I had taken a tour of the Winter Shelter facility last year," said Carson, division president of the Northern California Division of John Laing Homes, "but this was the first time I had volunteered at the shelter. I loved the opportunity. The entire facility is so well run and the staff and care professionals are so warm and hospitable. I have spoken with many of our board members since last week and they all have indicated they want to come back again."

Among those who joined Carson at the Winter Shelter were Lori Carson, Katie Carson, Lenna Curtis, Zeffy Ruvalcab, Christeen Mazza, Tony Mazza, Lori McGuire, Laura Stickelman, Pam Herman, Jon E. Nicholson, Kerrin West and Jake West.

"Katie is still talking about it," said Carson of his young daughter's volunteer experience of serving dinner, refilling beverages and busing tables. "By volunteering you take a very small part in something much larger than yourself and become aware of so much more than what is in your day-to-day routine. This was an opportunity for our board members to directly interface who we serve.

"For me this is important because you meet firsthand the men, women and children who are impacted by homelessness. There were many smiles from both our board volunteers and the clients."

Carson said the experience was nothing but positive for the group, who quickly learned the ins and outs of serving as many as 154 people in a large dining room.

"You just show up and within minutes you are trained and ready to go," Carson said. "All you need to equip yourself with is a smile."

Formed in 1996 by the Building Industry Association of Superior California, the mission of HomeAid Sacramento is "to serve the temporarily homeless by expanding a care provider's facility through remodeling or new construction."

HomeAid is currently supporting the construction of Volunteers of America's Sacramento Senior Safe House.

California Highway Patrol chiefs join to serve at Winter Shelter

A contingent of chiefs from the California Highway Patrol performed as volunteer meal servers Dec. 17, 2008, at the Winter Shelter at Cal Expo. A radar gun would have been handy as the group sped from one table to the next making sure drinks were refilled and appetites satisfied. See photos from the service below.

California Highway Patrol chiefs join to serve at Winter Shelter

A contingent of chiefs from the California Highway Patrol performed as volunteer meal servers Dec. 17, 2008, at the Winter Shelter at Cal Expo. A radar gun would have been handy as the group sped from one table to the next making sure drinks were refilled and appetites satisfied. See photos from the service below.