Volunteer Opportunities

Please note, the times below are for volunteer shifts. The actual duration for each program will be different.

April Showers

It's more than a hot shower. It's a matter of dignity.

During peak use, our shower trailer provides 40 showers each day. Each 10-minute shower can consume around 25 gallons of water. That can mean 9,000 showers and therefore approximately 225,000 gallons of water are used each year.

In order to sustain the shower program, every day we provide:
  • fresh towels
  • clean pairs of underwear for men and women
  • shower sandals
  • soap and shampoo
  • toothpaste and toothbrushes
  • as well as other personal hygiene items

Those are important items. But most importanly, our shower trailer provides dignity to each person who uses this service.

Your donation will help us defray the cost of running the shower program so that we can sustain hot showers for anyone who needs one, and to continue to provide that sense of dignity.

Thank you!
Grace Pantry
The food pantry operates each Thursday at 674 Main Street in Worcester. The food pantry is in the basement. Six (6) slots are available for each volunteer shift:
  • Thursdays, 12:30 pm–5:30 pm: Volunteers assist with setting up the pantry and helping our guests shop for their grocery needs.
  • Fridays, 9:00–5:00 pm: Volunteers assist with sorting items and preparing for regular programming hours.
Food Pantry hours:
Every Thursday
1:00 pm–5:00 pm
Grace Closet
Our clothing distribution program operates at 674 Main Street in Worcester. The clothing pantry is in the basement. Multiple slots are available for each volunteer shift:
  • Tuesdays, 9:00 am–4:00 pm (3 slots): Volunteers may arrive at any time during this time range. Volunteers will help sort and arrange clothing in the pantry.
  • Wednesdays, 12:30 pm–4:30 pm (6 slots): Volunteers will help set-up and distribute of clothing, and assist families with shopping for their needs.
Clothing Pantry hours:
Every Wednesday
1:00 pm–4:00 pm
Meals on Main Street
Our Meals on Main Street program will resume in-person, full meal service on Saturday, May 22, 2021.
  • Saturdays, 9:00 am–12:00 pm (3 slots): Volunteers may arrive at any time during this time range. Volunteers will set up for meal service prior to the arrival of guests.
  • Saturdays, 12:00 pm–4:00 pm (3 slots): Volunteers will Assist with serving meals then clean up.
Meals on Main Street hours:
Every Saturday
1:00 pm–4:00 pm
on the sidewalk outside of 674 Main Street, Worcester, MA
Hotel Grace
From October 3, 2021–May 14, Hotel Grace operates 24/7 to provide shelter, hot meals, and hot showers. Starting in October each year, volunteers help to run the shelter. You can sign up using the button at right and choose a volunteer shift that works with your schedule. Thank you! If you’re a first-time volunteer at Hotel Grace, please download and carefully read the Hotel Grace Volunteer Handbook.
Hotel Grace hours:
24/7, October–May, shifts vary
No shifts June–September
Additional Instructions
  • Please arrive early for your shift. Our pantries and shelter can be very busy, so it is important that the shift supervisor has a chance to check in with you before your first shift and provide training.
  • If you need to park in the lot next to 674 Main Street, please acquire a parking pass to place on your dashboard or you may be towed.
  • Due to Covid-19 protocols, we recommend that all volunteers wear a mask. We will provide PPE if needed. We also require you to be healthy with no symptoms as well as not living with someone who is symptomatic or is otherwise health compromised.
  • Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions. Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you!
Joshua’s Showers
Our shower trailer is located outside Hotel Grace.

At this time, we are not scheduling volunteers with Joshua's Showers.


9:00 am–1:00 pm (4 slots): Volunteers may arrive at any time during this time range. Volunteers will help with intake and providing supplies to the guests at the shower trailer.
Joshua’s Showers hours:
Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–1:00 pm
Ascension Church (Hotel Grace)
44 Vernon Street, Worcester, MA

Net of Compassion’s work is fueled by the generosity of donors. Contributions of all sizes make a difference. Please consider making a donation today.

674 Main Street C1, ​Worcester, MA 01610  •  (508) 322-1363  •  Email: info@netofcompassion.org

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