A few years ago, I volunteered at a local shelter. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, I knew I wanted to help, but I didn’t realize just how profoundly that choice would reshape the way I see the world. 

Homelessness is something many of us hear in passing- on the news, in policy, or from a safe distance as we walk by. It’s too easy to disconnect from the human side of the issue. After I began spending more time at the shelter, that distance disappeared. 

I started having real conversations with people whose lives didn’t fit the stereotypes I’d grown used to hearing. I met a former teacher whose life changed after a personal loss. I met a mother who had to leave her home for the safety of her children. I met young people who had grown up in foster care and were trying to navigate life on their own. These weren’t just stories, they were people. People with memories, dreams, humour, strength and so much to offer. 

Being in that space shifted something in me. It turned a distant issue into something deeply personal. It reminded me that hardship doesn’t care about who you are or where you come from, and that regardless of circumstance, all people deserve to be listened to and understood. 

Volunteering Isn’t Just About “Helping”

When I first signed up, I thought volunteering was about giving my time to those “in need.” But I quickly learned it’s much more than that. It’s about connection, trust, and dignity. 

It’s about showing up as a fellow human being. It’s about listening without judgment. It’s about sharing space, sitting down over coffee, and recognizing someone not for what they’ve lost, but for who they are. 

In small acts of serving meals, organizing winter gear, or just being available to talk, I began to see how powerful it is to simply be present. Many people experiencing homelessness are used to being overlooked or dismissed, but when you volunteer with care and consistency, you help return something that can’t be bought or measured: a sense of worth.

I Gained More Than I Gave

I went in thinking I’d be giving back. What I didn’t expect was how much I’d receive in return. 

Perspective. Gratitude. Empathy. A deeper understanding of community, and the realization that the line between “us” and “them” is far thinner than we like to believe. Life has a habit of changing in an instant- through illness, job loss, grief, or systems that fail to catch us when we fall. 

Why This Matters. Now More Than Ever

As housing costs soar, mental health support becomes harder to access, and more people fall through the cracks, homelessness is no longer something we can see as “someone else’s problem”. It’s a reflection of our shared systems, our priorities, and ultimately our capacity to care. 

And the truth is, everyone has something to offer. Maybe it’s your time. Maybe it's your skills. Maybe it’s just your conversation or a warm meal. Maybe it’s simply your willingness to show up and say, ‘I see you. You matter.” 

If you’ve been thinking about volunteering, take that step. You don’t need to be an expert or have all the answers. You just need to bring an open heart. 

Because while you might be showing up to make a difference in someone else’s life, don’t be surprised when it transforms your own. 

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