Welcome Host

About Providence Row - Tackling the root causes of homelessness in East London 

For homeless people, or those at risk of homelessness, finding employment and housing opportunities can feel like an uphill battle, even more so if they’re affected by physical, mental health or substance misuse issues. Providence Row works with more than a thousand homeless and vulnerably housed people a year in East London, offering an integrated service of crisis support, advice, recovery and learning and training programmes.  Our aim is to ensure that people who are so often excluded from mainstream services gain the support and opportunities they need to create a safe, healthy and sustainable life away from the streets. Central to our work are our core values of Compassion, Respect, Inclusiveness, Empowerment and Justice.  These inform the content, style and delivery of our services.

About The Role

As a Welcome Host at Providence Row, you’ll be one of the first people our clients see when they walk through the door. You’ll help create a space that feels calm, respectful, and safe — offering a kind face, a helpful hand, and a quiet presence that sets the tone for the rest of their experience. You will work alongside and be fully supported by our staff team. This is a role grounded in compassion, connection, and dignity.

What You’ll Be Doing

As part of the welcome area team, and always with staff support nearby, you’ll:

• Offer a warm and respectful greeting to everyone who comes in
• Help orient clients to the space — what’s available today, where things are, and how they can access support
• Hand out essential items such as towels, toiletries, or phone charging access
• Keep shared areas (book shelf, supply station, reception) tidy, topped-up, and welcoming
• Support staff in keeping the welcome area calm and safe by letting us know if someone might need extra help or space
• Occasionally assist with laundry or helping to restock items for the next day. 

What You’ll Get From This

Volunteering with us isn’t just about giving — it’s about growing, too. You’ll gain:

• Experience working within a trauma-informed, values-led support team
• Development in key skills like communication, teamwork, and emotional intelligence
• Regular check-ins and training sessions, with opportunities to move into more responsibility if you want to
•  A strong foundation for future work or study in housing, support work, or community-based roles
• A certificate of contribution, references, and personalised support from our volunteer team
• A hot breakfast or lunch on your shift, and travel expenses reimbursed.

What We’re Looking For

You don’t need experience working in homelessness services — just the following:

•  The ability to communicate with warmth and clarity
• Good spoken and written English
• Confidence using a computer (we’ll show you how to use our system)
•  A calm presence and a non-judgemental attitude
• An interest in supporting adults facing homelessness and the challenges that come with it.

When You’ll Be Volunteering

Ideally one Shift a week Monday to Friday: 8.30am- 11.30am or 11.30 am – 2.30pm
 
What Happens Next
 
Once you apply, we’ll invite you for a short chat to get to know you, explain more about the role, and help you decide if it’s the right fit for you. After that we will book you for a tour & then a taster day. Due to the nature of the role (working with vulnerable adults), DBS Disclosure barring checks are sought.

Place of volunteering

Providence Row – Dellow Centre, 82 Wentworth Street, E1 7SA

To Apply

Download the Application Form
Send the completed forms to [email protected]