Rooted in Catholic social teaching, the volunteers of Annunciation House live simply and in community, in the same houses as the guests we serve, who are mostly from Mexico and Central America.
We also participate in advocacy and education around immigration issues. We seek to be a voice for justice and compassion, especially on behalf of the most marginalized of our society.
Volunteering
Annunciation House is run by volunteers who commit to an experience of transformative service and solidarity. Some of our volunteers are local community members, while others come for a time to both live and work in our houses of hospitality.
Volunteers form a close-knit community: besides the common ground of living and working together, they meet every morning for reflection; take time off together each month to relax and have fun; and often form friendships that last for life. Read on to learn about the different ways to volunteer with us
There are four distinct ways to volunteer with us:
Short-term volunteers
We are currently receiving high numbers of refugees and need additional volunteer help to accommodate these guests. During such busy times, we are grateful for the help of short-term volunteers who can commit to a minimum of two weeks of service with us. We accept short-term volunteers no more than two months in advance due to the unpredictability of the need.
Year-long commitment
The core of our volunteer community consists of individuals to commit to live and work in our houses for a minimum of one year. Since it typically takes several months for new volunteers to be fully trained and comfortable in their work, the year-long commitment allows them to hit their stride, gain valuable experience, and pass their knowledge on to newer volunteers. In addition to room and board, year-long volunteers receive a small monthly stipend, health insurance, and a travel stipend at the completion of their term.
Summer volunteer internship
For people who cannot make a year-long commitment but still wish to serve in our houses, we have a ten-week summer volunteer program. Summer volunteers live in our houses and do everything that year-long volunteers do, simply with more guidance. Summer volunteers must be at least 20 years old, in good health, and able to be present at Annunciation House for the entire ten-week period. Those who have other commitments that will take them away from the house for more than four days are discouraged from applying. Spanish is helpful but not required.
- Program dates: May 25-August 3
- Application deadline: April 15
Community volunteers
We welcome involvement from people who live in the El Paso/Juarez area and want to volunteer with us once or a few times a week on an ongoing basis. We ask for a commitment of at least four hours a week for a minimum of three months.
