CAST Volunteers Needed

Do you have a heart for helping others? CAST is seeking volunteers willing to dedicate their time toward assisting with serving and cooking meals, monitoring the bus stop, and staying the night. If you are interested, please email Sam Howard at [email protected].

What is CAST?

Every year from November to April, Chesapeake churches, synagogues, mosques, and organizations open their doors to homeless families for nights of warmth, food, and support through the CAST program. Churches are ideal CAST hosts because they usually have the facilities needed, however any organization can host. Each week during the 2024-25 season, CAST hosts will provide a safe and warm facility that serves roughly 40 to 50 people breakfast, lunch, and dinner while providing shelter for seven days.

Partnering organizations help by providing volunteers and other expenses while ensuring the hosting organization has everything it needs to have a successful week. The cost to provide these services is about $1,500. A scholarship is available for churches that cannot cover the full cost. This CAST program is also a great opportunity whether or not you're affiliated with a faith-based community to volunteer your time and talents. The CAST hosts will need about 25 volunteers to assist in serving and cooking meals, monitoring the bus stop, and staying the night. CAST provides busing service and is always in need of drivers who have a Commercial Driver's License with a P endorsement. The Chesapeake community truly comes together to help those who need it most.

If you're interested in learning more, please reach out to Sam Howard at [email protected]. If you or someone you know is struggling to find access to housing, food, or other critical life resources, please contact Chesapeake Thrives by visiting CityOfChesapeake.net/Thrives, call 757-382-2489, or visit Chesapeake's Housing page.