By Molly Balison and Jodi Peterson-Stigers
When there’s a need in the community, there’s an army of volunteers waiting to be ignited for their next service project. Over eighty volunteers in the Treasure Valley have teamed up with JustServe, a wonderful volunteer platform, established in 2012, by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, that connects people who want to help with local organizations that need an extra set of hands. Their mission is simple: make it easy for neighbors to serve their community in meaningful ways.
Through JustServe, volunteers of all ages and backgrounds can discover opportunities that fit their time, talents, and passions, from assembling furniture to serving meals or helping at special events. Their team has a gift for bringing people together and creating experiences that make giving back feel joyful, purposeful, and deeply rewarding.
JustServe volunteers dedicated their Sept. 11 week of service to learning more about Interfaith Sanctuary’s new shelter and providing much needed donations for the current shelter operation. Thirty-six volunteers attended tours of our new shelter on State St. led by Executive Director Jodi Peterson-Stigers, to learn, connect and find ways to be of service to our new home.
One volunteer, Amy Siddoway, said, “Seeing the new State Street Shelter was absolutely amazing! I couldn’t believe how every room in the shelter had a purpose and was planned with great love and care…There were so many resources to help care for and teach the residents.”
Like Siddoway, other volunteers learned that the building on State Street will give guests a home address and 24/7 access to , not just a place to stay at night. All the more reason
One JustServe specialist, Bryn Booker, helps oversee volunteers and search for new service opportunities. “When people are serving together, it doesn’t matter what they believe, it doesn’t matter their background, it doesn’t matter the differences. Something we can all unite around is doing good, ” she said
In her four years of involvement with JustServe, she has seen and experienced the mutual benefit of service for both the people being served and those serving.
While on the tour the groups learned about Furnishing Hope, Interfaith Sanctuary’s community-powered program that invites donors and volunteers to help turn our new State Street shelter into a welcoming home. Supporters can sponsor individual pieces of furniture or entire rooms, from the teen lounge to the early-education classroom, and even join us for build days to assemble and set up the spaces.
To Booker, the heart behind JustServe is, “The second greatest commandment to ‘love thy neighbor.’” By donating, buying and building furniture, JustServe will be extending their love to our unhoused neighbors to make their space a home.
“The tour helped me truly understand the needs and care of the residents and the challenges they face on a daily basis,” Siddoway said, “This new shelter is greatly needed in our community.
Click the button below to learn more about Furnishing Hope.