Be the Support Someone Needs
Each day, people who struggle with loneliness, depression, or suicidal feelings turn to Samaritans’ 24/7 Helpline for nonjudgmental support. On the other side of a phone call or text message, they find a caring listener ready to provide compassion. You can be that caring listener!
Our Impact in 2024
142
volunteers on the Helpline
98,276
hours volunteered
108,453
calls answered
Volunteer Opportunities
We have a variety of volunteer opportunities on our Helpline. Volunteers include teens (15+), students, working adults, and retirees. You don’t need to worry about having any prior training. All we ask is that you:
- Connect with our mission of suicide prevention through compassionate listening
- Follow our model of not giving advice or offering your opinion
- Provide a safe and nonjudgmental place for our callers and texters to share
- Practice open and honest communication
- Have basic computer skills
Two Hundred Hour Commitment
The most popular volunteer opportunity we have is our full commitment. We ask our volunteers to commit to volunteering for 200 hours (adults) and 150 hours (teens) over nine months. Adult volunteers must complete one four-hour shift every week and one overnight shift per month. Teen volunteers must complete one three-hour shift every week, but do not have a required overnight shift.
Remote Volunteering
Volunteer from your home, no matter where home is! Remote volunteering requires access to:
- A computer (we recommend a PC or Mac)
- A headset or headphones with microphone
- Reliable internet
- A quiet, confidential space
- Cell phone
Apply to Volunteer on the 24/7 Helpline
Few things can be as rewarding as knowing that you were there when someone needed you most. The more trained volunteers we have, the more people we can serve. Please complete the volunteer inquiry form and we will contact you with information about training availability.
We are currently not recruiting for prospective volunteers who can only do shifts from 7pm-11pm on weeknights.
“To me, being a Samaritans volunteer means being supportive, authentic, and comforting for individuals who are hurting in the community. The opportunity allows for an avenue to connect with people in meaningful ways, which feels more important than ever right now. I am inspired by the vulnerability and openness of callers and texters, and try to take those lessons into my everyday life!”
Adrienne
helpline volunteer
Apply to Become a Helpline Volunteer
Over the past few months, we have experienced an outpouring of support from potential volunteers like you. Due to this increased interest, we currently have a waitlist of potential volunteers, and our application process is delayed. We deeply appreciate your interest in becoming a volunteer and your patience as we work diligently to train and onboard new volunteers.
Please complete the inquiry form below and we will follow up with information on how to get added to the volunteer waitlist. If you are aged 15-24, consider applying to volunteer on the Hey Sam textline. If you have any questions, please reach out to helplineinfo@samaritanshope.org.
We truly appreciate your interest in volunteering with us to support those in need of compassionate support.
Samaritans Helpline Volunteer Inquiry Form
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