Q. Where do we go to volunteer?

A. This depends on what volunteer work you will be doing. St Christopher House has 6 locations, plus other partnerships where St Chris volunteers help out. All of the locations are located in the downtown west-end of Toronto.

Q. I want to volunteer with my child or family. Is this a possibility?

A. Yes, we highly encourage family volunteering at St Christopher House. This is a great way to strengthen your family relationships while doing something meaningful and fun.

Q. How long will it take for me to start volunteering?

A. This depends on several factors, including the police check and reference checks. It can take somewhere between 2 weeks and 2 months to start volunteering.

Q. What kind of commitment do I need to make to be a volunteer?

A. Unless you are a school or corporate group, or a youth doing 40 hours for their high school placement, you need to make at least a 3 month commitment to volunteering. For some positions, you need to make at least a 6 month or one year position. Please read the position descriptions (link to current vol. Opportunities) carefully to find out about the specific commitment required.

Q. Is St Christopher House a religious organization?

A. No. St Christopher House started as a religious agency of the Presbyterian Church in 1912, but it became a non-sectarian United Way agency in the 1940’s. It currently has no affiliation with any religion.

Q. Can I volunteer for my 40 hours needed for high school at St Chris?

A. Yes, absolutely. We encourage youth to get involved with St Christopher House through the Youth Zone leadership program.

Q. Can I get a reference letter for volunteering?

A. After 6 months of volunteering, we are happy to provide a reference letter. There are some exceptions.

Q. I have a criminal record – does that mean I can’t volunteer?

A. The answer to this depends on the details of your criminal record. If you do have a criminal record and you want to volunteer, you will need to meet with the Executive Director and the Volunteer Coordinator to discuss your situation.

Q. How long does the police check process take?

A. It can take between 4-8 weeks, depending on the backlog at the Toronto Police Services.

Q. Does the police check cost me any money?

A. No, St Christopher House will cover the complete cost of the police check.

Q. Why does St Christopher House check references for volunteering?

A. This is a part of our screening process, to ensure the safety of our participants.

Q. Why does St Christopher House require a police check for volunteering? A. We need to ensure the safety of all of our participants.