Volunteer Services King County

“I really appreciate (VS). I really respect and admire my volunteer. I wouldn’t want anyone else. I couldn’t give higher praise.” 
Volunteer Services Program Participant 

Volunteer Services (VS) volunteer, Kenya, finds immense joy in giving back and serving the most vulnerable members of the community. It warms her heart that even simple acts like running errands, folding laundry, and engaging in friendly conversation can bring happiness to others. 

The mission of VS (formerly Volunteer Chore Services) is to help low-income older adults and adults with chronic illnesses or disabilities to remain independent in their own homes free of charge. We match volunteers with older adults to provide companionship, light housework, yardwork, pet care, minor home repair, transportation, shopping, and other simple chores. Opportunities to help are available all over the county.  

VS is volunteer-based and free of charge to clients. VS is a safety net for individuals who cannot afford to pay for assistance, do not qualify for other assistance, and do not have family or friends available to help. VS helps clients stay in their homes by avoiding assisted living and preventing injury and expensive medical care or government assistance.  

Last year VS served more than 325 unique older adults and adults with disabilities. We provided 15,610 hours of service, including over 3,400 shopping and transportation hours.  

Researchers have found mounting evidence linking loneliness to physical illness and to functional and cognitive decline. As a predictor of early death, loneliness eclipses obesity. In a recent survey, 96% of program participants said they would recommend VS to a friend or family member, 96% reported VS was very helpful or helpful, and 96% reported an improvement in attitude and mental health.  

As a program participant said, “I couldn’t take care of this place without the volunteers! Keep up the good work!”