Program Overview

The Items for Hours Program was originally created during the COVID-19 pandemic when traditional volunteer opportunities were limited due to health and safety restrictions. Providence House recognized that many individuals still needed community service or volunteer hours for school, church, employment programs, scholarships, court-approved programs, and other requirements.

To address this need while continuing to support families experiencing homelessness, Providence House developed an alternative service option that allows participants to earn volunteer hours through the donation of much-needed program and household supplies.

What began as a temporary solution has evolved into an ongoing program that helps meet organizational needs while providing a flexible service opportunity for participants.

How the Program Works Today

The Items for Hours Program allows approved participants to earn volunteer or community service hours by purchasing and donating requested items that directly support Providence House programs and operations.

Standard Participation Guideline

As a general guideline:

10 volunteer hours = approximately $100 worth of approved items

The value of donated items may vary depending on the organization’s current needs. In some cases, the required donation amount may be less; however, this serves as the standard benchmark used by Providence House.

All guidelines, item values, and participation requirements are subject to change based on organizational needs and priorities.

Current Supply List Process

Providence House now primarily utilizes an Amazon Wish List to manage requested items.

Participants will generally be directed to purchase items from the Amazon Wish List unless:

• An alternative retailer is requested by the participant.
• An item is unavailable through Amazon.
• A participant is unable to locate or access a requested item through Amazon.
• Providence House determines another purchasing option is more appropriate.

Any exceptions or alternate purchasing arrangements must be communicated and approved through Mrs. Jones before purchases are made.

Requesting a Current Supply List

Because organizational needs change frequently, previously distributed supply lists are no longer considered valid.

Participants must request the current list by:

• Email: cjones@theprovidencehouse.com
• Phone: (318) 221-7887 EXT. 119

The list provided will reflect the organization’s needs at the time of the request.

Items may support various departments including:

• Family Shelter Operations
• Child Development Center
• Resident Services
• Workforce Development
• Administrative Functions
• Facility Operations

As a result, requested items may vary significantly throughout the year.

Flexible Purchasing Option

Providence House understands that participants may not be able to purchase all requested items at one time.

With prior approval, participants may be allowed to complete their item donations over multiple purchases or pay periods.

Examples may include:

• Purchasing a portion of the requested items one week and completing the remainder later.
• Making purchases across multiple pay periods.

Approval for staggered purchasing is granted solely at the discretion of Providence House and may vary based on organizational needs and participant circumstances.

Participant Responsibilities

Participants are responsible for:

• Confirming that the Items for Hours Program is accepted by the organization, school, church, court, employer, or agency requiring their service hours.
• Requesting the current supply list before making purchases.
• Following all instructions provided by Providence House staff.
• Maintaining documentation and receipts as requested.

Providence House cannot guarantee acceptance of donated-item service hours by outside organizations.

Program Disclaimer

The Items for Hours Program exists to support the current operational and programmatic needs of Providence House.

Program requirements, item requests, donation values, approval processes, and hour allocations may be modified at any time based on organizational needs.

Participation in the program does not guarantee approval of service hours by any outside entity.

For the most current program guidelines or to request a supply list, participants should contact Providence House directly.

For more information, contact Cortland Jones at cjones@theprovidencehouse.com or (318) 221-7887.