Volunteers needed to help seniors with household and yard chores

Volunteer Chore Services of Catholic Community Services is a "safety net" for elders and adults living with disabilities who are unable or ineligible for state/paid chore services. All of the seniors we help are extremely low-income, have health problems or difficulty with mobility, and most live alone with no family or friends to support them.  We carefully match volunteers to opportunities based on their personalities, neighborhood, and preferences.

Many seniors in Shoreline and Lake Forest Park are waiting for someone like you in their community to connect with them, take them shopping or with small tasks around their homes. Here are a few opportunities throughout North King County.

• A sweet, understanding senior would love your visits! As a former volunteer, she now finds, her limited mobility is making it hard to keep up with the light housework. She loves hugs and is appreciative of any help she can get.
• A veteran, who served in Cambodia lives with his dog and cat, would like help with his laundry. He is a soft spoken man, but he is willing to share his life experience with you. Occasionally, he needs help with organizing and vacuuming his home.
• A friendly, sweet senior would love your help with her yard. With a couple of friends, this can become a yard work party.

Here are some quotes from our annual survey from seniors we serve.

“I feel less anxious about grocery shopping and it alleviates my stress.”

“I am able to stay in my home due to help with the yard. I could not afford to hire someone; therefore I am very grateful for the help I received. I try to mow my own yard. With a knee replacement it is hard to weed.”

“She (the volunteer) makes me feel better. I watch for when she comes. I know that if I can’t do something she will be coming to help me.”

“Having my apartment clean gives me a big boost and also it helps save my energy for other tasks.  But especially, I just love the time I get to visit with my boys. When they walk through my door it makes me feel that spring has arrived. My mood jumps up at least ten points.  The boys’ parents need to know what a fine job they have done. I don’t have grandchildren, but if I did I’d want them to be like Nick or Nathan. They are very special.Thank you Belina -it’s a good match!”

For more information on how you can help, please call Belina Van, the volunteer coordinator in your area, at 206-328-6849, Volunteer Chore Services main Intake Line at 206-328-5787, or email Belina or Volunteer Chore services.