Volunteer Opportunity
Sorting and Organizing Assistant/ New Home Set-up
Program Area:
New Beginnings Market and Refugee Resettlement and Placement
Location:
Schedule:
7911 NE 33rd Drive, unit 290 Portland OR, 97211
Shifts are Monday-Friday, between 9am-5pm. We are looking for volunteers who can commit to volunteering 2-4 hours per week, in this time range. Some New Home Set-ups may take longer.
Position Description:
At IRCO, our mission is to welcome, serve, and empower refugees, immigrants, and people across cultures and generations to reach their full potential. We imagine a future where refugees and immigrants belong, our staff are nurtured, and all communities thrive. The New Beginnings Market primarily assists IRCO's resettlement division in providing household and personal care goods to clients during the relocation process. The Refugee Resettlement & Placement program helps welcome and orient newcomers to life in Portland and The United States. The R&P team assists refugees in finding long-term housing and gainful employment, and connects them to culturally specific services, opportunities, and community. The goal is for refugees to exit the program with the tools and knowledge to be self-sufficient in their new home.
Position Summary:
New Beginnings Market is a warehouse marketplace where refugees and other new arrivals can come to shop with dignity. New and gently used furniture, clothing, and household and personal care items are donated to us and we arrange and organize the store into an easy to navigate shopping experience. IRCO clients then shop for the items they need in their new homes - free of charge. The Market also facilitates the relocation of new arrivals into their long-term housing, by providing and delivering all furniture and items. Volunteers will be expected to:
Fold and sort clothing inventory
Count and track new inventory
Help tidy and organize the warehouse
Assist with new arrival relocation, as needed
Help staff in locating items needed (checklist provided)
Help staff with loading the truck with furniture and other items to be delivered
Help staff with unloading the truck at the new long-term housing
Must complete provided warehouse safety and lifting training. Staff help will always be provided for lifting large or heavy items.
Requirements:
Must be 18 or older
Must pass background check
Must complete provided warehouse safety and lifting training. Staff help will always be provided for lifting large or heavy items.
Safety equipment, such as back braces, gloves, and Hi Vis vests will be provided, if the volunteer wishes to use them. Training on the equipment will also be provided.
Must wear closed-toed shoes and comfortable clothing, layers are recommended.
Training will be provided on moving equipment (dollies, hand trucks, bed movers, etc.)
Time Commitment:
We are looking for volunteers that can commit to a year of regular service.