Why are there age restrictions that do not allow my children to serve food in a homeless shelter?
For a number of reasons, the majority of homeless shelters ask that volunteers who serve food be a specific minimum age and maturity. (This varies by shelter but often high school age youth are the youngest who can help and other places require volunteers to be at least 18.) Some homeless shelters are “wet” shelters that serve all people – including those who may have consumed alcohol or other substances. The environment may not be safe and comfortable for younger children. Other shelters are often concerned about issues of privacy – for example, family shelters may have children living there who child volunteers would know from school. Some shelters do not allow any volunteers on-site in order to preserve the privacy and anonymity of the guests they serve.
