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The aftermath of devastating wildfires continues to leave families rebuilding long after headlines move on. By volunteering with A Sense of Home, you can be part of a coordinated disaster recovery effort that transforms empty rooms into welcoming, functional living spaces. Volunteers work hands-on to deliver not just furniture but a renewed sense of stability for households transitioning from displacement to a more permanent home. This program focuses on practical, dignity-preserving actions: staging rooms, assembling and cleaning items, and coordinating deliveries so each family receives a tailored setup that reflects their needs.
Every staged house is called a Home Creation, and each one combines donated furnishings and household goods with thoughtful placement and personalization. Operations are based at the ASOH DRP Warehouse in El Monte, CA 91731, located near Altadena. Volunteers collaborate in teams to sort inventory, prepare furniture, and reveal completed rooms to recipient families. Whether you prefer independent tasks or group-based staging, there are roles that match different interests and physical abilities. Safety and respectful interaction with recipient families are central to the experience, and volunteers are briefed on expectations before each shift.
What volunteers do on site
Typical responsibilities span a range of activities that keep the warehouse and delivery pipeline moving. Volunteers might spend a shift staging furniture to create a lived-in feel, assembling pieces that arrive disassembled, or cleaning and inspecting donated items to ensure they meet quality standards. Other tasks include loading trucks for deliveries, unpacking and restocking the warehouse, and breaking down packing materials for recycling. All work contributes to a cycle that turns donations into immediate, usable homes for families. The environment is collaborative, and experienced coordinators assign tasks according to comfort level and physical capacity.
Warehouse assistance shifts
For volunteers who prefer independent but essential roles, the Warehouse Assistance Shifts (typically on Tuesdays and Wednesdays) focus on maintenance and preparation tasks. Duties often involve building or moving furniture, reorganizing inventory, conducting light repairs, and maintaining cleanliness so staging operations can proceed efficiently. These shifts emphasize steady, behind-the-scenes effort that keeps the program resilient; each item cleaned, fixed, or correctly shelved reduces delays when a family is ready to receive a home. Volunteers on these shifts gain practical skills in inventory management and basic furniture repair while supporting a larger recovery mission.
Home creation shifts
Home Creation Shifts usually run most Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and are the moments when volunteers bring everything together for a reveal. Shifts are available as a morning block (10:00 AM–12:30 PM), an afternoon block (1:00 PM–3:30 PM), or an all-day option (10:00 AM–3:30 PM). During these shifts, teams thoughtfully select and arrange living room, bedroom, and dining area items to match each household’s layout and preferences. The experience is emotionally rewarding; volunteers often participate in a staged reveal where families see their furnished rooms for the first time, an important milestone in rebuilding their lives.
Scheduling, requirements and sign-up process
Signing up begins with an expression of interest, but please note that expressing interest does not guarantee placement on a shift. To secure a spot you must complete registration through the ASOH portal, sign the required safety waiver, and reserve a specific shift via the SignUpGenius link provided during registration. Volunteers should wear closed toe shoes and comfortable, season-appropriate clothing that can get dusty; the warehouse environment may be warm or cool depending on the day. While initial outreach has welcomed ages 12 and up and encourages inquiries about younger participants, formal program guidance lists a minimum age of 14 for most volunteer roles; please ask the Opportunity Coordinator about any exceptions or group sign-ups for those under 18.
Why this volunteering matters
Participating in this program supports families who often feel overlooked despite continuing recovery needs. Your contribution restores more than furniture: it helps rebuild dignity, renews hope, and reinforces community ties that are critical after a disaster. The program serves populations including families, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and low-income communities affected by wildfire. Managed by an L.A. Works partner, the effort follows established health and safety protocols, and volunteers are asked to comply with the guidelines posted by the coordinating organization to ensure a safe, effective operation. If you have questions or need accommodations, contact the Opportunity Coordinator listed on the posting to discuss options before signing up.