FOOD: Serve Dinner Safe Parking Program in El Cajon

FOOD:
Serve Dinner at the Safe Parking Program in El Cajon

Many individuals experiencing homelessness for the first time often opt to live in their cars. By providing them with dinner, you are offering an opportunity to connect and feel cared for as they strive to secure housing. Dreams for Change hosts a safe parking program where these individuals can have a safe place to park and receive on-site services such as restrooms, handwashing stations, charging stations, and case management services.

Dreams for Change and their safe parking participants are counting on your assistance to help set up for the meal service promptly at 5:30pm. Your contribution will greatly enhance the overall experience for their participants.

Please note that there must be one parent per child present if volunteering with minors.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plating and serving the meals

Skills &

Qualifications:

• No prior experience needed
• Comfortable working outdoors and engaging with people experiencing homelessness
• Ability to follow hygiene and food service instructions
• Reliable and punctual for meal service setup at 5:30 PM

Training Provided:

• On-site training provided at the beginning of the shift

Attire: Please dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather, and wear closed‑toe shoes. This opportunity takes place outdoors with plenty of shade.

Physical Requirements: You should be able to lift 10 lbs or more and stand for a prolonged period. This project is able to make accommodations for individuals with physical limitations by providing a chair for people who need to take a break from standing. The space where this project takes place is wheelchair accessible.

Weather: This event takes place rain or shine in a parking lot.

Photos: Dreams for Change strictly prohibits taking photos of clients, vehicles, and staff. Special arrangements can be made, but you will need to contact the Director of Communications and Marketing AND the Program Manager. To safeguard their clients' privacy, please refrain from tagging the location on social media.

Communication: All emails will be sent from info.

Note: Clearing a Megan's Law California Sex Offender search before your first shift is required to participate in this opportunity.

Hands On Connect App: You must download the Hands On Connect app to your smart device to electronically sign the waiver and check in at this volunteer opportunity. If you do not sign in using the app, your service hours will not be verified and their team will not go back and modify them. The Hands On Connect App can be downloaded from the Apple Store and Google Play.

If you do not download the app and sign in with the on‑site Hands on San Diego QR code, your hours will not count.

The mission of Dreams for Change remains its guiding beacon:
To respond to the needs of communities by creating innovative and cost‑effective programs to empower and stabilize the lives of families and individuals.

Population Served:
Families, Homeless, Low‑income communities.

Minimum Age (with Adult): 12+, Minimum Age: 18+.

Thursday, January 8, 2026 From 2:44 PM – 2:44 PM.

Full opportunity address and directions will be sent to you by e‑mail after you sign up. All volunteers must be registered in advance to attend.

Your donation means more volunteers making an impact on San Diego nonprofits, schools, and parks.