7 Reasons Why You Should Volunteer

1. Your time is worth an estimated $23.07 per hour

That’s right, according to the Nonprofit Times, your time is worth $23.07/hr. More specifically, Urban Ministries of Wake County estimates that in-kind gifts and volunteerism allow the agency to deliver more than $9 million in services on a budget of less than $2 million. The time you give contributes towards making that happen.

2. To better understand your communities’ needs

Did you know that 10% of Wake County residents live below the poverty level? That’s about 100,000 people. Don’t let your community’s needs go unnoticed, but instead serve, so you will become more aware of what’s happening in your city.

3. To impact 27,000 Wake County residents in need

As a volunteer you can support families, youth, neighbors who are homeless, hungry, unemployed, in need of healthcare, recovering or experiencing financial difficulties.

4. We have a job for you

Here at Urban Ministries, you don’t have to be a certain age or have a certain skill set. With more than 20 different volunteer opportunities we are sure we have one that is perfect for you.

5. Volunteers live longer and are healthier.

According to Psychology Today, “Volunteers are happier and healthier than non-volunteers. In fact, during later life, volunteering is even more beneficial for one’s health than exercising and eating well. Older people who volunteer remain physically functional longer, have more robust psychological well-being, and live longer. However, older people who volunteer are almost always people who volunteered earlier in life. Health and longevity gains from volunteering come from establishing meaningful volunteer roles before you retire and continuing to volunteer once you arrive in your post-retirement years.”