Make An Impact

Be A Volunteer

What Volunteers Do:
Volunteers spend one day a week (2 - 2 ½ hours) working with our students over the course of a program semester (Fall, Spring, or Summer). With guidance from their Site Coordinator, volunteers:

  • Help students with reading & homework
  • Support educational games & activities
  • Offer students one-on-one mentorship

What Volunteers Gain:

Our volunteers directly support students experiencing homelessness, making a tremendous impact in the community while also gaining:

  • Service-learning course credit
  • Training on trauma-informed care
  • Knowledge of social emotional learning
  • Leadership skills and experience

You can learn more about our Fall 2025 volunteer opportunities on our Volunteer Matters portal:

Serve Through AmeriCorps

AmeriCorps is a government funded program focused on strengthening communities through direct and indirect service. As a State & National Corps Member with HOPES, you'll have the opportunity to engage in direct service at one of our sites!

Corps Members are part of a designated team where they directly support students in our academic after-school programs. Benefits for these positions include a stipend and transportation allowance as well as eligibility for SNAP, healthcare and childcare benefits. Learn more and apply for one of our current Corps opportunities:

Social Work Internships

We proudly partner with universities and schools of social work across the city to provide enriching internship placements for BSW and MSW students.

What We Offer:

  • Supervision by LCSW-trained staff who provide weekly and group supervision (aligned with CSWE standards)
  • Hands-on experience working with children and families experiencing homelessness
  • An opportunity to engage in program development, trauma-informed care, and community outreach
  • A supportive, mission-driven environment where interns are valued as part of the team

Whether you're focused on school social work or macro-level advocacy, we can offer a chance to engage in practical learning and hands-on, direct service. Contact Jen Harden-Finn for more information (jen@chicagohopesforkids.org):

​Corporate Volunteering

Get involved and make a difference!Chicago HOPES for Kids is always welcoming volunteers who want to support children experiencing homelessness. Your time and dedication can have a lasting impact on their educational journey. For corporations looking to give back, we offer opportunities to organize one-day volunteer events that provide hands-on support. These events are a great way to engage your team while making a meaningful contribution to the community. We encourage corporate groups to collaborate with our trusted partners:

Our team is here to help coordinate and ensure a successful event. If your company is interested in partnering with us, please reach out! We'd love to work together to make a difference.

Run With Us

Registration is now closed. For more information about supporting the Hustle for HOPES team please contact Rita Kahn: rita@chicagohopesforkids.org

  • ​The fundraising minimum for our Hustle for HOPES charity team is $1,500 if you register before the lottery drawing and $2,100 for registration thereafter. The HOPES Hustlers team provides reimbursement for the $260 marathon registration fee once the fundraising minimum is met, a team shirt and training goodies, a hospitality tent at the marathon for family and friends, and a team dinner the night before the marathon. ​

Have a question about the Bank of America Chicago Marathon? Check out their FAQ page.

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Join The Associate Board

Looking for a way to support students experiencing homelessness in Chicago? The HOPES Associate Board is perfect for young professionals seeking to fundraise and bring public awareness to the mission of Chicago HOPES for Kids through networking and planning exciting events like happy hours, fun runs, and more!​We are now accepting applicants! Click here to apply!

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Sign up to receive the email updates on Chicago HOPES for Kids. We will share the latest resources and opportunities that become available for both kids & parents along with events, news articles and much more directly to your inbox.

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