Hoos Assisting with Life Obstacles (HALO)

Hoos Assisting with Life Obstacles (HALO) is a Madison House program that seeks to address the issues of hunger, homelessness, unemployment and other life obstacles in Charlottesville. Through seven programs, we provide direct assistance to families and individuals who are in need of food, educational training, companionship and child care. The hope that drives HALO is that we will help those in transitional situations help themselves. In this way, we make a pact to aid in their empowerment to choose the life that they want to live.

Program Sites:

Beyond the Bars

What Will the Volunteers Do?

Volunteers will be tutoring in various subjects (including Math, English Writing, Grammar, History, Science) at the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail to help the inmates with their GED classes. It is the goal of the program to address inmate education needs and to assist in their successful transition back into their communities and families as productive citizens.

When?

Times: TBA

Where?

160 Peregory Lane
Charlottesville, VA 22902

Blue Ridge Area Food Bank Network

What Will the Volunteers Do?

At the Food Bank, volunteers help to sort salvaged food, serve customers in the food relief room, and build emergency food boxes. They also are needed to make Person-in-Need Boxes, staff the Drop In Food Assistance Center, aid with Food Stamp Applications, plan food drives and solicit donations. Volunteers will have regular contact with the homeless and hungry population of Charlottesville.

When?

Any weekday, 9-10:30am or 2-3:30pm

Where?

1207B Harris Street
Charlottesville, VA 22906

GED Tutoring

What Will the Volunteers Do?

Volunteers will be working with adult learners seeking their GED. They will be tutoring individuals or small-groups in various subjects in a supportive and encouraging environment.

When?

Morning classes are held at the Virginia Workforce Center from 9am-11:30am Monday through Friday. Evening classes are held at Albemarle High School on Monday/Wednesday and Tuesday/Thursday from 6-8:30pm.

Where?

The Virginia Workforce Center is located at 2211 Hydraulic Rd, Charlottesville VA 22901. Albemarle High School is located at 2275 Hydraulic Rd, Charlottesville VA 22901 and the classroom is located in room 156 (signs are posted).

Legal Aid

What Will the Volunteers Do?

Legal Aid volunteers assist the local Legal Aid Justice Center, a local non-profit legal clinic, in providing legal services to low-income community members. Volunteers perform clerical work for the attorneys at Legal Aid, which includes research, writing, communication, clerical work, making copies, reviewing documents and running down to the courthouse.

When?

Two-hours shifts, Monday-Thursday, 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm.

Where?

1000 Preston Ave, Suite A
Charlottesville, VA 22903

Salvation Army

What Will the Volunteers Do?

At the soup kitchen, volunteers will assist the kitchen manager with various duties including organizing the food pantry, preparing food, and often serving lunch to the hardworking staff members at the Salvation Army.

When?

Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays between 9am and 12pm

Where?

207 Ridge Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902

The Haven

What Will the Volunteers Do?

Volunteers will work at The Haven, a place for the homeless and very poor members of the Charlottesville community. Volunteers work directly with The Haven at First & Market's staff to ensure that clients are able to take full advantage of the many resources and services that The Haven is able to provide them, including laundry, shower, computers, phone-usage, and a living room. Additionally, volunteers will be encouraged to foster positive relationships with clients.

When?

Two-hour shifts, 7 days a week, 7am-5pm.

Where?

112 West Market Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902

On Our Own

What Will the Volunteers Do?

Madison House volunteers will collaborate with the non-profit organization On Our Own to facilitate a peer support network for individuals who struggle with mental illness. Located near the downtown mall, On Our Own is a resource center for these persons who also battle homelessness and/or addiction. UVA volunteers will be involved in various workshops focused on topics such as life skills, health awareness, and self-appreciation, that promote the well being of those seeking support from On Our Own. The topics of these workshops will vary each month. Madison House volunteers are welcomed members of this unique organization, which functions more like a close-knit family.

When?

Monday: 4-5:30
Tuesday: 4-5:30
Thursday: 10-11:30 and 2:30-3:30
Friday: 1-2:30

Times: TBA

Where?

123 4th St. NW
Charlottesville, VA 22903

PACEM

What Will the Volunteers Do?

People and Congregations Engaged in Ministry (PACEM) helps the homeless find shelter at night during the cold winter months.PACEM is a rotating homeless shelter. Madison House volunteers will register the homeless, talk to the homeless, and provide hospitality at PACEM's intake site at the Haven.

When?

Volunteering occurs on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday from 4:30-6:30pm

Where?

112 West Market Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902