Volunteer | The Peter Maurin Center

Volunteer | The Peter Maurin Center

Stand With Us to Transform Lives

From serving a warm meal to handing out a pair of socks and even a friendly face of hope, the Peter Maurin Center invites anyone who loves community to join us in doing good deeds for those in need.

To volunteer, contact Mike Rauh at mikerauh58@gmail.com or (330) 258-9006

Our 60-80 weekly volunteers are the heart of our mission.

Join the Peter Maurin family and help us provide hope, strength, and vital resources to our most vulnerable community members.

Why Volunteer With Us?

“If The Lord had not made The Peter Maurin Center instrumental in my homelessness, I would not have the fullness of life that I now have.”
– JoAnne

Your service creates real transformation. When you volunteer with us, you’re not just serving a meal or providing clothing – you’re helping transform lives from invisible and marginalized to accepted and relevant.

Why Volunteer With Us?

“If The Lord had not made The Peter Maurin Center instrumental in my homelessness, I would not have the fullness of life that I now have.”
– JoAnne

Your service creates real transformation. When you volunteer with us, you’re not just serving a meal or providing clothing – you’re helping transform lives from invisible and marginalized to accepted and relevant.

Volunteer Opportunities

Hot Meals Program

Akron
Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays
11 AM until 2 PM
1096 Old South Main Street, Akron (near Long Street)

North Hill
Thursdays
11:30 AM until 1 PM
Trinity UCC, 915 N Main Street, North Hill. Entrance at the back of the church on Oakland Ave

Food Pantry Ministry

When: Second and fourth Saturday of every month from 10 AM – 12 PM

What you’ll do: Sort groceries, pack food boxes, and distribute fresh produce to families

Impact: Over 100 families receive groceries each distribution day

Campsite Support Visits

When: Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings

What you’ll do: Join mobile ministry teams visiting campsites, bridges, and parks to deliver meals, clothing, and supplies

Impact: We’ve consistently served 25-30 tent sites twice weekly for 17 years

Emergency Overnight Center

When: When temperatures drop below 15°F

What you’ll do: Evening team helps set up center space and serves hot dinner; morning team serves breakfast and provides support as guests prepare for the day

Impact: This season alone, 70 individuals per night were sheltered during extreme cold (44 total nights)

Special Programs

  • Clothing Ministry: Sort and distribute seasonally appropriate clothing
  • Administrative Support: Assist with office tasks, data entry, and communication

Student Volunteers Welcome

We’ve had many high school students become part of the Peter Maurin family over the years. In fact, many of these students, who are now adults, continue volunteering long after graduation because they’ve grown to love our community so much.

Requirements: Volunteers ages 16–18 must be accompanied by an adult. Those 18 and older may volunteer on their own.

Perfect for: Community service hours, leadership development, and making a lasting impact

How to Get Started

STEP 1

STEP 1

Choose Your Time

  • Meal Service: Tuesday, (Thursday North Hill), Friday, Sunday (11 AM – 2 PM)
  • Food Pantry: 2nd & 4th Saturday (10 AM – 12 PM)
  • Outreach: Thursday evenings, Saturday mornings
  • Special Events: As needed

STEP 2

STEP 2

Contact Us

Email us in advance, indicating which days you’d like to volunteer. You’ll receive a confirmation email based on our current needs.

Contact: Mike Rauh at mikerauh58@gmail.com or (330) 258-9006

STEP 3

STEP 3

Join the Family

Come ready to serve with a smile! It often takes only a simple conversation with our guests to make a profound difference.

“We were homeless and living in a park. The Peter Maurin Center saved our lives… Such a Blessing!” – Martin and Lisa

“The volunteers here don’t just serve food – they serve hope. I’ve never felt more welcomed or valued.” – Community Member

“We were homeless and living in a park. The Peter Maurin Center saved our lives… Such a Blessing!” – Martin and Lisa

“The volunteers here don’t just serve food – they serve hope. I’ve never felt more welcomed or valued.” – Community Member

Make an Even Greater Impact

Meal Sponsorship

Have extra in your pantry? We’re grateful for meal donations that can help feed the 120-150 lunches we serve at a seating. We regularly receive prepared meals from churches, community groups, individuals, and families.

Group Volunteering

Perfect for church groups, corporate teams, school clubs, and community organizations. Contact us to arrange group volunteer opportunities.

When you volunteer with the Peter Maurin Center, you’re answering a call to serve those who have nowhere else to turn. Your time, your smile, and your compassion can transform someone’s entire day – and maybe their entire life.

Contact us today:
Phone: (330) 258-9006
Email: Mike Rauh at mikerauh58@gmail.com

Join our family of 60-80 weekly volunteers who are making a real difference in Greater Akron.

When you volunteer with the Peter Maurin Center, you’re answering a call to serve those who have nowhere else to turn. Your time, your smile, and your compassion can transform someone’s entire day – and maybe their entire life.

Contact us today:
Phone: 330-258-9006
Email: Jim Orenga at jporenga@gmail.com

Join our family of 60-80 weekly volunteers who are making a real difference in Greater Akron.

Join Us

The Peter Maurin Center stands as a beacon of hope in Akron—but we cannot do it alone. With no paid staff, every act of generosity makes a direct impact. Whether you give your time, share your resources, or offer a kind word, you become part of a movement to restore dignity and transform lives.

Join Us

The Peter Maurin Center stands as a beacon of hope in Akron—but we cannot do it alone. With no paid staff, every act of generosity makes a direct impact. Whether you give your time, share your resources, or offer a kind word, you become part of a movement to restore dignity and transform lives.