Volunteer
ShelterTech is a volunteer-driven organization that relies on volunteers to bridge the digital divide faced by people experiencing homelessness and are housing insecure in San Francisco. Internet access and technology makes it possible for people to find jobs, human services, and contact family and friends.
If you share our belief that digital equity is a human right, we encourage you to apply and work with us.
Volunteering during COVID-19
While our means of coming together are different, our research and Datathon events are conducted online. Simply put, our goal is still the same: to connect this community with resources that can help them address their challenges, become permenantly housed, and on track to live happy and productive lives.
See what our volunteers have accomplished together.
9,000
At-risk community members can now access services and amenities
560
Bay Area volunteers have contributed to our cause since our founding in 2016
$2M
Worth of work provided by volunteers has been put towards our programs
How we work
Technology
Being based out of San Francisco, tech professionals comprise the bulk of our volunteer base and work together to improve the digital infrastructure powering the services designated for underserved residents.
Research & Community Development
No two experiences of people facing housing insecurity is the same. We have a dedicated team working alongside individuals who have experienced homelessness learning how best to serve the diverse challenges faced by those facing housing insecurity.
Partnerships & Communications
We work with government agencies, nonprofits, and local businesses to strengthen the city’s social services ecosystem. via discourse and knowledge sharing between organizations that align with our mission.
We know that digital equity can be achieved with people like you.
Volunteering at ShelterTech
We ask that you consider these three things before joining:
- You are willing to volunteer at least three hours each week
- You will be kind, considerate, and ethical towards other volunteers and the communities we serve
- You understand that ShelterTech is a volunteer-driven team, and that you will try your best to always represent ShelterTech in a professional and thoughftul manner
- No matter what role you play, the essential attitude you need is a deep belief in digital equity for all people
We need your expertise
Product
Our department—which includes product managers, designers, data scientists, and user researchers—creates and maintains digital services with real impact.
Marketing and Growth
This dynamic team builds awareness by following a communications roadmap and executing our go-to-market strategy for service providers and unsung San Franciscans.
Fundraising and Partnerships
Help us organize events and campaigns to raise donations for our ShelterConnect installations that provide free wifi and hardware for local housing shelters.
Software Development
To create user-friendly websites, we need front- and back-end developers and dev ops professionals who know React or Ruby on Rails.
Volunteer Spotlight
Laura Barrera-Vera
Program Manager, SF Service Guide
I moved to San Francisco in 2019 and immediately decided to join ShelterTech as I felt compelled to take action to address the worsening homelessness crisis. As Product Lead, I have focused on managing product development and on improving collaboration across all key teams to ensure we build an impactful product.