Be Part of the Solution
By volunteering at Beacon of Hope Shelter, you have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of homeless men—and to be part of something bigger than yourself. We are forming several ministry task groups and inviting anyone who has not yet volunteered to prayerfully consider where God may be calling you to serve.
To learn more or to get connected with one of our many opportunities, please contact Stan Herndon at (515) 955-3366. We also ask for your ongoing prayers; they are needed without ceasing.
If you have a particular talent or skill you’d like to share, we would love to hear from you. Your gifts matter, and they can bless others in powerful ways.
Worship Leaders
As a Christ-centered shelter, we hold a nightly worship service for the men who live here. We are seeking individuals and groups who feel led to serve by guiding these times of worship. Our purpose is simple: to share the love of Jesus.
This doesn’t have to take the form of a traditional sermon. Your message of God’s grace can be shared through music, a testimony, a short skit, or any creative expression that conveys the hope and love of Christ.
If you feel called to lead one of our evening services, please contact Stan Herndon at (515) 955-3366.
Feeding the Hungry
Our numbers vary each day, so we serve as few as 15 and as many as 50 men each night at the Beacon. They eat at 5:30 p.m., so anyone helping should plan accordingly. To schedule an opportunity to help, email Stan Herndon at beaconofhopestan@gmail.com or call (515) 955-3366.
Option 1: Use Ingredients from Our Pantry
You’re welcome to visit the shelter a day or two before your serving date to see what’s available in our pantry, refrigerator, and freezer. We aim to offer meals that include a meat, a vegetable and/or a fruit, a dessert, and a beverage. Our selection varies—sometimes we have a great variety, and other times it’s limited—but you’re free to choose items that will help you create a well-rounded meal.If you choose this option, you may take the ingredients you need, prepare the meal off-site, and bring it back to the shelter fully cooked. Dinner is served at 5:30 PM.
Option 2: Provide and Prepare Your Own Meal
Your group may also choose to provide all the food, prepare it at home, and bring it ready to serve.
We supply all tableware and beverages for the meal.
Volunteer Staffing Opportunities
Receiving Desk Volunteers Needed
Hey Beacon friends—we need your help! Our receiving desk is open 24/7, and we have several shifts available. The greatest need is for volunteers willing to serve between 10 PM and 5 AM. As Matthew 25:40 reminds us:
“And the King shall answer and say unto them, ‘Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.’”
Other Ways to Serve
There are many meaningful ways individuals and groups can support Beacon of Hope. If your church group, youth group, women’s or men’s ministry, class, community group, or service organization would like to take on a project, we would love to help you get started. We also welcome volunteers with skills in:
- Fundraising
- Communications and promotion
- Administration and operations
- Any practical skills that help a ministry run smoothly
If you have a talent or gift you’d like to share, please let us know—we would love to hear from you!
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