Chrissy Washburn, invaluable Hoedown volunteer, on scarecrow making day!

Guest Chef Rosie Dean helps Lauren cook the Soul Food meal

Volunteers “suit up” on a Sponsor A Day meal. Photo by Charles Maclean

Nena, Queen of Winterfolk CD sales!

The wonderful Doug Chandler can often be seen in Sisters’ Admin office helping out with mailings, cleaning the office, and many other helpful chores.

Brad, intrepid drink server, signs in in the loft

Click here to read more about specific volunteer opportunities.
Click here to learn about events and meetings we are looking for volunteers to participate in.

Volunteer Program Mission

Our volunteer program exists to further the mission and goals of Sisters Of The Road and to enable our volunteers to directly experience our philosophy of non-violence and gentle personalism, so that they become ambassadors for Sisters and continue to transform the world-one person at a time.

Who are Sisters Of The Road Volunteers?

Sisters Of The Road volunteers are women, men, and young people who reflect the diversity of our community.  Volunteers come from many different backgrounds, and bring their unique experience to build authentic relationships that transcend class barriers. They are open to new experiences, and to the learning and practice of non-violence, gentle personalism, and hospitality.

What Do Sisters Of The Road Volunteers Do?

Every year, more than 200 volunteers give their time, energy, and hearts to the Sisters community.  These volunteers worked an amazing 2,069 hours last year, more than one full time equivalent employee.  It is no exaggeration to say that we would not be able to accomplish our work without our volunteers.

Many of our volunteers start out by working in the café for 2-3 hour shifts during our open hours: 10am to 3pm, Monday-Friday.  Café volunteers work along-side staff and customers to do early morning kitchen prep, prepare meals, bus tables, and serve-up food, drinks, and hospitality. 

Volunteers also provide invaluable assistance on special events and committees, office support, and collect and deliver donations of hygiene supplies for our customers and their families.

We’re not set up for one-time volunteer service, large groups, or for folks who need to fulfill school or court-ordered community service requirements.  If the Sisters’ volunteer program doesn’t fit your needs, there are plenty of other ways to get involved.  Or if you’d like to find out about some other volunteer opportunities around Portland, take a look at our volunteer referral list.  We ask that all volunteers are at least 16 years old, or at least 12 years old with a parent.

How to Start Volunteering

If you’re interested in volunteering, or just want to find out more, the first step is our monthly volunteer orientation, held at the café on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, from 5-7 pm.  At the orientation, you can expect to:

• watch a short video about Sisters
• learn more about Sisters’ history, philosophy, and programs
• take a virtual café tour
• discuss different volunteer roles and opportunities
• learn about café scheduling and sign up for a first shift (if you want to!)
• find out what to expect on your first day

If you’d like to attend our next orientation, contact Mary at (503) 222-5694, ext. 17 or

If Volunteering Isn’t for You

If volunteering isn’t the best form of involvement for you right now, there are other ways to learn more, get involved, and further the Sisters mission. Click above on “Ways To Give” for more information on the following options:

• Food drives
• Hygiene drives
• Garage sales
• Meal coupon purchases
• Stock gifts
• Planned giving

We couldn’t run Sisters without the help of all our talented and hard-working volunteers!  On behalf of our customers and staff, thank-you!