Food and household-supply drives:
Thanks to the generosity of community sponsors, IOH maintains a food pantry and household-supply closet for our families' use. We're always seeking out new groups to solicit food and supplies. Food needs include pasta, cereals, rice and grains, and other nonperishables; household supplies include diapers, laundry detergent, kitchen supplies, cleaning supplies, soap.

Adopt-an-apartment:
IOH seeks groups willing to sponsor and execute the cleaning, painting, furnishing, and general refurbishment of an apartment.

Grounds maintenance and beautification:
IOH has outdoor jobs of all sizes and scopes, for individuals and groups large and small. Basic needs include clearing brush, weed shrubs, and kudzu; trimming shrubs; and pulling weeds. More involved needs include playground renovation; moving and replanting shrubs and bushes; solving erosion problems; constructing small garden areas; picking up and laying mulch.

Building maintenance and improvement:
IOH seeks handymen and handywomen to help with recurring and one-time needs, including basic plumbing (e.g., stopping leaks on sinks, caulking tubs and bathroom floors); patching and repairing walls; small painting jobs; and changing furnace filters.

Occasional movers:
From time to time, IOH has a need for people with trucks or vans who are willing to help move families into or out of IOH; pick up or deliver large items (such as copiers, refrigerators, and large indoor or outdoor tools). Willing movers would put themselves on a list that we could call when a need arises; there would never be an obligation to help, but any consideration would be appreciated.

Community meals:
On the 1st and 3rd Thursday evenings IOH families gather for counseling and training sessions-called "community meetings." Volunteers provide meals so that families can focus on the sessions rather than worry about feeding their families after the meetings. Volunteers may simply drop off the food or stay and eat with the group. If at all possible, we prefer volunteers to commit to providing a specific number of meals (e.g., the first Thursday of each month for six months, or four meals over the course of four months).

Community meeting child care:
During the community meetings, three to four volunteers are needed to sit with the children while their parents focus on the counseling and training sessions.

Holiday-season support:
IOH needs groups willing to help provide gifts and necessities during the holiday season. IOH works with each group to develop a specific list of needs that group will supply (e.g., gifts for young children or high-school age children; holiday decorations for the facility or for specific families; and holiday-season meals and events for the families).

Tutoring:

Help an IOH child with a school subject they find diffiult. Usually elementary reading or math; some junior high level.

IOH Quarterly Newsletter:

IOH needs individuals to hlep write articles, layout the newsletter, or help with bulk mailing preparatin for the HopeLine. The HOpeLine is published quarterly January, April, August, Novemer)

Organization or Church Liaison:

This person acts as the contact between IOH and your organization, helps recruit volunteers and keeps your group informed about IOH and our needs.

Special Projects

Help with or coordinate fundraising events, or other once-a-year projects.