HOPE WITHOUT BORDERS: Outreach volunteer 2026 / 2027
Caritas Sofia
Sofia, Bulgaria
Description
Caritas Sofia supports refugees, Roma children, people experiencing homelessness, youth with disabilities, abandoned elderly people and children at risk through a network of social centres. We seek one motivated volunteer to join our outreach team supporting people experiencing homelessness. The role is practical and people‑focused, combining direct support, teamwork and learning. The volunteer will help prepare and distribute food, clothing and essential items; join outreach activities; assist with logistics such as preparing materials, loading and transporting items; help maintain facilities; work alongside staff and volunteers; and gradually take more responsibility. The volunteer is encouraged to contribute ideas that improve daily outreach work.
Accommodation, food and transport arrangements
Accommodation in a shared room in shared flat, in a green and quiet Sofia area. Rent, electricity, water and internet are covered. Travel expenses -- international (to arrive and depart) and local (within Bulgaria, related to the service) -- are reimbursed to the participant. The volunteer will receive a monthly allowance for pocket money expenses and food expenses, in a local bank account: 14 EUR per day. The ammount will be payed monthly so for example: 30 day month is 420 EUR.Additional support is available for participants with fewer opportunities.
Training during the activity
Language support will be provided through the OLS, and mandatory on-site training will include topics such as safeguarding. Volunteers may also take part in personal development trainings according to their interests.
Most of the learning, however, will happen through practice. You will work alongside experienced Caritas staff and learn how a large social organisation coordinates everyday logistics across different programmes. The role will help you develop practical skills in planning, time management, teamwork, communication, organisation and responsible decision-making.
Participant profile
We are looking for a responsible, reliable and practical young person who understands that good logistics are an essential part of social work. A driving licence valid in Bulgaria is required, and you should feel comfortable driving regularly in Sofia. Previous experience driving in a busy city is an advantage, but no professional driving or social work experience is required.
You should be open to working in a multicultural environment and respectful towards people from different backgrounds, including refugees, Roma communities, older people, people experiencing homelessness, children and people with disabilities.
We are especially looking for someone who is:
• Motivated to learn and develop new skills
• Responsible, punctual and careful
• Comfortable working independently while staying in close contact with the team
• Able to organise tasks and adapt when plans change
• Ready to help with practical tasks, not only driving
• Open to teamwork and cooperation
• Committed to the full project period of approximately 11 months
Above all, we are looking for someone who is ready to take responsibility, contribute to the team and use the volunteering period as an opportunity to learn, grow and understand how practical support can have a direct social impact.
Activity dates
A total of 0 week(s) during the period 01/10/2026 to 30/09/2027
Activity location
Ilinden R.D., bl. 55, entr. 3, apt. 47, Sofia, Bulgaria
Activity type
Individual volunteering
Looking for participants from
Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden
Activity topics
Social challenges
Citizenship and democratic participation
Health and wellbeing
Education and training
Creativity and culture
Working against discrimination (including gender discrimination)
WASH (Water, sanitation and hygiene)
Shelter
Deadline for applications
No application deadline
Project code
2026-1-BG01-ESC51-VTJ-000401703