The Volunteer Chore Program

Volunteer Chore Program provides volunteers to help the elderly (60 and over) and adults with functional disabilities remain independent in their own homes.

The Chore Program serves as a safety net, helping those for whom other resources are unavailable. Chore assists 150+ Whatcom County residents each year. It costs approximately $350 per year per client to run the program; it costs approximately $54,000 per year for someone to live in assisted living.

The Volunteer Chore Program is EXPANDING to Island County in Spring 2025! 

We are now open to both volunteer applications and client referrals. Once we build our volunteer base, we’ll start connecting volunteers with people who need help. We’re excited to see the response from the community!

Client Testimonials

“The Chore Program has given me back my dignity and pride in my own home. My volunteer has become a faithful and valued friend. Her work and her friendship are of the highest quality.”

“I had to have hip replacement and was in a lot of pain. The help was temporary but so helpful when I needed it.”

“It has made living possible since my husband’s illness and death. I’m in a wheelchair and somewhat helpless. I’m very grateful for all your help. I couldn’t continue to live on my own without the assistance.”

Why Volunteer?

“I want to thank you and your program for the opportunity I have had over the past nine months to make a tangible difference in someone’s life. Your program is a vital part – albeit an often invisible one – in our community.” – Chore Volunteer

Volunteers are crucial to the mission of VCP. Benefits to volunteering include:

• Increasing the quality of life for a senior or adult with disability
• Friendship
• Making our community a safe, diverse, and appealing place to live
• Letters of recommendation
• Mileage reimbursement

The Volunteer Chore Program provides services and employment on a nondiscriminatory basis and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. We receive funds through the Older Americans Act and the Senior Citizens Act through the Northwest Regional Council, Whatcom County Health Department, the City of Bellingham Human Services Program, and private and business donations.