The Victoria Human Exchange Society

What services does your organization provide?

• VHES provides dignified, supportive housing as the step between shelter beds and permanent housing.
• VHES provides a family of friends who support the Occupants as they solve challenges facing them and move on to permanent housing.
• We build the model of support around the needs of the individual, setting goals re employment; permanent housing; healing from addiction; reuniting with families etc.
• VHES works in partnership with other agencies and City Hall without detriment to the grass roots nature of the Human Exchange.

Do you have any age requirements?
Volunteers should be mature adults and sober; able to act responsibly and be respectful of homeless persons and their belongings. No specific age limits.

Do you require language proficiency other than in English?
Not usually.

What time commitment(s) are you expecting from a volunteer?
They usually tell us how much they wish to volunteer and when.

Are there any other requirements for being a volunteer?
Enough good health; no contagious disease; ability to follow Guidelines and directions of a Board that governs the Society. Patience and respect.

Are there any specific skills and experience required?
Any of following:
Computer and publishing skills are needed for web-site and newsletter; accounting and book-keeping skills. Gardening, painting, carpentry and other maintenance skills are appreciated; driving licence and willingness to transport persons to appointmants and meetings. Skill at living with others who come from diverse backgrounds--if the volunteer is willing to live in a house and facilitate.

What type of volunteer positions are typically available?
As above

Is there any training provided for volunteers?
We send volunteers to training sessions when required...and we have the funds

What are the typical volunteer activities occurring at your organization?
Publishing newsletter; collecting stories and art work from people in houses for newsletter. Adding to Web-site. Writing funding Applications, Speaking to groups; preparing Press releases; Transporting persons in houses; Shopping; Facilitating a house.

How will a person benefit from volunteering with The Victoria Human Exchange Society?
The skills learned are a good preparation for employment and can be added to resume.

Do you accept high school students?
Quite possibly--depending on how much supervision they require, and what their goals are.