General Policies
There are no major restrictions for volunteering at Calcutta House.  We do not ask for references, but we require that all volunteers sign a confidentiality form to protect residents’ privacy.  We generally accept volunteers who are 18 years of age and over (we occasionally have opportunities for high school juniors and seniors).  Experience working with people with HIV/AIDS is a plus, but not a requirement.

The Impact of Volunteering
Calcutta House’s founders – the Missionary Brothers of Charity – were volunteers, and before it became a 501©(3) non-profit, volunteers staffed the organization.  Calcutta House’s first Executive Director, Sister Joanne Whitaker, RSM, began as a volunteer and was instrumental in turning a grass roots organization into a professionally staffed, model facility.  Volunteers have been and continue to be a vital part of Calcutta House’s mission.