FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHERE IS THE HARC PROJECT HELD?
We are based at the George Street Entrance of Victoria Hall, Sheffield S1 2PF.
See the Contact Us section for our postal address.
HOW DO I VOLUNTEER FOR HARC?
Our recruitment opens on the 10th October. You will need to register with Voluntary Action Sheffield before you can sign up for a shift. Existing volunteers on our database will already have been told about this and many have signed up already. If you have any problems doing this please get in touch with us on 07523 927318. Please note that popular slots fill up very quickly. If you do not get the shift you want it is possible to sign up to be on-call to cover for those who cannot make the shift that they have signed up for.
CAN I DONATE FOOD?
We provide our guests with 3 carefully planned meals a day. Food is bought with the money that is donated. We would much prefer that you gave a donation of money to help us buy the things we need.
HOW DO I DONATE MONEY?
Please refer to the Donate page.
It is also possible to donate to us using PayPal or via the Wonderful Payments platform. Alternatively, please send a cheque to our Registered Office which is HARC c/o The Sheffield Children's Centre, 101 Shoreham Street, Sheffield S1 4SR
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I CAN'T MAKE THE SHIFT THAT I HAVE SIGNED UP FOR?
There will always be circumstances when volunteers can not make the shift that they have signed up for. Please call the HARC mobile 07523 927318. Text and leave a message if no one answers. It is very important to let us know so that we can contact people who have said that they will be on-call to cover the shift.
IS THERE PARKING NEAR TO THE PROJECT?
Please refer to this link for parking near to the project
IS EVERYONE THAT COMES TO THE PROJECT HOMELESS?
Our guests are not always homeless but the are often lonely, vulnerable and leading chaotic lifestyles.
WHY ARE THERE SO MANY VOLUNTEERS ON EACH SHIFT?
The premises that we use are large and there is plenty for our volunteers to do. We tend to over-recruit to make sure that we cover those volunteers that do not attend. It is important that we have sufficient volunteers to keep everyone safe. The most important role for a volunteer is to sit and chat to our guests.
WHAT HAPPENS TO LEFT OVER FOOD AND CLOTHES AT THE END OF THE PROJECT?
We carefully plan the menu for the duration of the project. However, we can never be sure how many guests will show up. Any food or clothes that are left over at the end of the project are given to the Archer project or similar organisations.
I'M NOT ABLE TO VOLUNTEER AT THE PROJECT THIS YEAR, WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?
As well as volunteering for the project there are other opportunites, for example fundraising, marketing and attending events as a Community Ambassador. These usually take place between September and December. Please get in touch if this is something you are interested in.
WHAT CAN I DO IF I DON'T HAVE A COMPUTER AND NEED HELP WITH THE ONLINE APPLICATION FORM?
Get in touch with us by phone (07523 927318) and we will help you with the process.
HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO VOLUNTEER?
The project is for over 18s only; guests and volunteers. Guests and volunteers are not permitted to bring children to the project.
WHAT DATE DOES THE PROJECT START?
The project usually runs from the morning of Xmas Eve to lunchtime on New Years Day
IS HARC PART OF VICTORIA HALL?
No. HARC is a separate charity from Victoria Hall. We are renting the Victoria Hall that many of our guests are familiar with when they use the Sunday Centre, which is also based there.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HARC?
The volunteers handbook, that is given to all volunteers at the briefing in November, has a lot of information about the project that you may find useful. Or please call (0752 3927318) or email us.
IF MY FRIEND/PARTNER/COLLEAGUE IS GIVEN A SHIFT CAN I GO ALONG TO HELP?
It is important that we know who is on the premises during the project so that we can ensure the safety of everyone. If you would like to volunteer with someone please make sure that you complete the application form and sign up for the same shifts. Otherwise it is essential that only the person on our register attends the shift.