Volunteer

Your generosity helps veterans rebuild their lives by providing the support, stability, and resources they need to regain independence.

Volunteer handbook →   Minor consent form →

Volunteers serving a meal
$80K+saved in food costs
Volunteers plating a meal in the kitchen
300+meals served
Service members volunteering on the serving line
6.2K+hours of service given
Musicians performing for residents
18+ different types of activities
Volunteers plating a meal for residents

Powered by volunteers

Volunteers are a crucial part of The Baltimore Station's success. In 2025, they served over 300 meals, saving more than $80,000. Volunteers contributed 6,278 hours of service. Beyond meals, volunteers supported a wide range of activities including events, classes, wellness programs, and community engagement. Their dedication makes a lasting difference in the lives and recovery journeys of the veterans we serve.

Questions? Contact Pete Crispino — Volunteer Coordinator

Volunteer Opportunities

Group only

Meal service

Groups come to our kitchen to make a meal for the men or serve a catered meal. Nervous about getting portions correct and having enough? We can provide you with recipes to help you plan or have all the ingredients ready for you to prepare with a suggested donation. After serving the meal, you even have the opportunity to get a plate and enjoy a meal with the men as well! This is a great way to see the impact you have to our program first hand.

*Requests must be received via email at least one week in advance of proposed service date. Short notice requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

A volunteer group serving a meal they cooked in our kitchen Cook. Serve. Connect.

Group only

Service projects

This is a great way to get your team involved in giving back to the community. Help sort through donations, plan a fun activity, teach a skill or assist with special projects. Projects depend on need and interest at the time of service.

*Requests must be received at least one month in advance of proposed service date. Short notice requests will be considered on a case by case basis.

A corporate volunteer team gathering for a service project Do good together

Individual only

Front desk help

We are seeking consistent and reliable volunteers to support our front desk team. In this role, volunteers help monitor the front entrance, check in other volunteers, answer phones, and provide general support to staff so they can focus on supervising clients. This adults-only opportunity is ideal for individuals looking to connect with the community, gain meaningful volunteer experience, and support a powerful mission.

*Please email or call our volunteer coordinator to set up an orientation and sign up for hours.

A volunteer staffing the front desk at The Baltimore Station Steady presence

Frequently asked questions

What is the ideal number of volunteers for group meal service?

Meal service works best with 4–8 participants, but we can accommodate up to about 12 volunteers. For larger groups, there may be additional opportunities to help with service projects or lead an activity with our clients. Contact Volunteer Coordinator Pete Crispino to discuss volunteer opportunities for your group at pcrispino@baltimorestation.org or 410-752-4454 x 113.

Do I need to provide the food for meal service?

We offer a few different options for group meal service to meet your needs:

  • Bring the ingredients to cook a meal you plan alongside our kitchen team. This is often the most engaging (and cost-effective) opportunity, and it’s a great way to encourage teamwork and creativity in your group as you work together to plan, cook, and serve a meal to the clients of The Baltimore Station in our commercial kitchen.
  • Cater your meal service or prepare food offsite and warm it up in our kitchen.
  • Sponsor a meal (limited to 7 volunteers) — prepare our food under the direction of our kitchen staff. We do request a $300 donation to offset the costs of the meal.

Whichever option you choose, you’ll have a member of our kitchen team present to oversee your meal and assist as needed.

What meals do you recommend? How do I know how much to bring?

We’re open to any menu you choose; we just ask that it contains a protein, a vegetable, and another side. Popular and cost-effective volunteer meals include pasta with salad and garlic bread; soup, salad and sandwiches; tacos, meatloaf, casseroles, or chili. Our team is happy to help with menu ideas, portioning, and guidance throughout each step of the process.

How can individuals and small groups get involved?

We host monthly potluck meals where individual volunteers can bring one dish, rather than provide an entire meal. In addition, we offer “coffee hour” opportunities where small groups or individuals can bring in coffee, hot chocolate, and/or treats on weekdays. Individuals can also assist at our front desk, lead a class or activity, donate baked goods or casseroles, or help with events. To get involved, contact Volunteer Coordinator Pete Crispino at 410-752-4454 x 113 or pcrispino@baltimorestation.org.

What is the minimum age to volunteer?

All of our volunteer opportunities are open to everyone, no matter the age. We only ask that minors under the age of 16 be supervised by a guardian or adult from the group. All volunteers and guardians should be mindful that they’ll be working in a facility for veterans in recovery — and a commercial kitchen — and review the volunteer handbook and minor consent form in advance.

Can I volunteer for special events?

Yes! The Baltimore Station welcomes volunteers for our special events and signature fundraisers throughout the year. These volunteer opportunities are a great way to support homeless veterans while helping with event setup, registration, guest services, auctions, and other event activities. Visit our individual volunteer sign-up platform to see upcoming opportunities, or contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Pete Crispino, at pcrispino@baltimorestation.org for more information.

Do volunteers work directly with veterans?

Yes. Many of our volunteer opportunities involve working directly with the veterans participating in our residential treatment and recovery programs. Volunteers may assist with meal service, recreational activities, life skills programming, facility improvement projects, and other meaningful opportunities that help support veterans on their journey toward stability and independence.

Can students volunteer?

Absolutely! The Baltimore Station welcomes student volunteers who want to give back to their community and support veterans experiencing homelessness. Students under 18 are required to have a signed parental minor consent form, and all student volunteer groups must be accompanied by an adult supervisor. Volunteering is a great opportunity for students to earn service hours while making a meaningful impact.

How do I sign up to volunteer?

Signing up to volunteer is easy! If you know which volunteer opportunity you’d like to participate in, you can register online through our volunteer portal. If you’re not sure which opportunity is the best fit, simply complete our Volunteer Interest Form. Our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you to discuss upcoming volunteer opportunities for individuals, groups, students, and corporate teams.

Why is volunteering important for nonprofits?

Volunteers play a vital role in helping nonprofits maximize their impact. By donating their time and talents, volunteers allow organizations like The Baltimore Station to dedicate more resources to programs and services that directly support veterans experiencing homelessness. Whether helping at special events, organizing donation drives, or completing facility improvement projects, volunteers make it possible for us to serve more veterans and strengthen our community.

What are the benefits of volunteering in your community?

Volunteering is a meaningful way to give back while making a lasting difference. It allows you to connect with others, develop new skills, and support causes that matter to you. At The Baltimore Station, volunteers help create a welcoming environment for veterans working toward recovery, stable housing, and long-term independence. Every volunteer plays an important role in changing lives.

We need you

We need volunteers ready to give their time and make a meaningful impact in the lives of the veterans we serve.

Serve our residents

Volunteers are key to our mission serving meals, leading activities, and supporting projects in many ways.

Learn more →

Make a donation

Monthly donations provide steady support for veterans on their path to recovery.

Give today →

Donate supplies

We are always in need of non-perishable food, bed linens, toiletries and other supplies.

Learn more →

Share your talents

Have a skill or passion to share? We welcome people from all backgrounds to support our residents’ recovery.

Learn more →

Host a fundraiser

Fundraisers are a great way to support our program from trivia nights to workplace or community collections.

Learn more →

Hire a resident or graduate

Empower a resident or graduate to feel the self-worth and independence that comes from earning an income that he will need to support himself and his family.

Signup to Volunteer

Our meal service program lets groups cook, serve, and share a meal with the men at The Baltimore Station. Choose the option that fits your schedule: cook alongside our kitchen team using your own ingredients, sponsor a meal with a $300 donation, or cater/prepare food offsite and warm it here.

The best part comes after serving — volunteers make a plate and sit down to eat with our clients. That connection is a critical part of recovery, showing our men the community cares about them.

Find an available date below to reserve your spot.

Questions, or looking for an individual opportunity? Email pcrispino@baltimorestation.org.

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Give hope to a hero

Help veterans rebuild their lives by donating, volunteering, or getting involved to make a meaningful impact. For volunteer opportunities and donations, contact Pete Crispino – Volunteer Coordinator