Volunteer
Last year hundreds of volunteers contributed to the Houston Street Center. Their work is vital as we continue to expand current services, offer ne w programs and serve more people. From teaching a class to tutoring a child , to helping with a special event or assisting with administrative tasks, the Houston Street Center offers an array of opportunities to give back.
Most of our volunteers are community members, space renters or senior and youth participants who took their involvement one step further by becoming a volunteer. So can you! To find out how, please call 212-475-5008.
Eligibility and Contact Info
Interested in making a difference at the Houston Street Center? Click here for the Volunteer Application.
If you are unable to download and print the application, please stop by University Settlement's front desk at the Houston Street Center or call 212-475-5008 to request to have forms mailed to your residence.
For more information call 212-475-5008, or email houstonstreetcenter@universitysettlement.org.
Opportunities
Tutor
Tutor
The STRIDE Program depends on the commitment and dedication of its academic tutors for the success of the program. This position requires volunteers to encourage young people in middle school to achieve academically and intellectually through skill building.
Key Responsibilities: 
- Guide young people in small groups during Scholar Zone to learn and explore beyond homework completion and test preparation.
- Develop organization and time management skills in young people.
- Hone comprehension and analytical skills in young people.
- Encourage young people to communicate effectively in oral and written forms.
- Provide feedback on young people's progress and encourage them to focus on academic excellence.
Term of Commitment: One semester
Time Commitment: Tutors need to be available 2 to 4 hours per week. The sessions run from 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
Qualifications:
- Must pass a background check
- Must be a high school graduate
Support and Training:
- Volunteers must attend a two-hour training session prior to meeting with the students.
- Volunteers will be equipped with a tutoring manual.
- Email correspondences and office hours with Youth Development Specialist for ongoing support.
- Ongoing development sessions.
Translator, Chinese or Spanish
In serving a very diverse community, University Settlement maintains a commitment to clear and accurate translation of all written materials. This is in line with our goal of providing equal access to services and programs for all members of the community. The volunteer position is designed to specifically help with the translation of program materials from English to Chinese or Spanish.
Key Responsibilities: Translate written materials to Chinese and/or Spanish, including:
- Flyers, brochures and other marketing materials
- Letters, memos and announcements
- Bulletins
- Program forms
- Surveys
- Enrollment forms
- Tickets
- Signs
Term of Commitment: On-going with flexible hours
Qualifications:
- Fluent in both English and Chinese and/or Spanish
- Must pass a translation assessment
- Strong writing skills
- Ability to use a computer and translation software
Administrative Assistant
This volunteer position is designed specifically to help with the general administrative tasks for all program areas at the Houston Street Center.
Key Responsibilities:
- File paperwork
- Organize and/or rearrange files or supplies
- Data entry
- Prepare mailings to be sent out
- Fold brochures or other marketing materials
- Photocopy materials for programs
- Assist in the set-up and clean-up of special events
Term of Commitment: Ongoing
Time Commitment: Flexible
Event Assistant
This volunteer position involves event preparation work, execution and post event work.
Key Responsibilities: 
- Assist with purchasing of the items needed to run the event (food and decorations).
- Help with the setup for the event, which includes decorating, setting up the food table, setting up chairs, etc.
- Help clean up after event, which includes taking down decorations, cleaning up the food, picking up trash, etc.
- Outreach for the event, posting up flyers, encouraging friends and family to come to the event, etc.
Term of Commitment: Ongoing
Time Commitment: Flexible