Howard Brown Health was founded in 1974 by four volunteers who revolutionized healthcare for the LGBTQ+ community in Chicago. We have volunteer opportunities at some of our health centers, our 3 Brown Elephant Resale Shops, and in the community at street festivals, parades, health fairs, and fundraising events.
New Volunteers
Volunteering with Howard Brown Health is contingent upon successfully completing our pre-volunteer screening process which includes your (1) Application, (2) Orientation, (3) Sexual Harassment Prevention Training, (4) MBI Background Check, (5) Self-Paced trainings, and (6) DCFS Background Check.
Note: If under 18 years old, you are required to complete the Volunteers Under 18 Form signed by your legal guardian.
Our Current Volunteer Requirements
Non-Patient Support Volunteers (those volunteering at the Brown Elephant or at fundraising events, parades or festivals) are required to complete Steps 1 through 4. Patient Support Volunteers (those volunteering in our clinics, Broadway Youth Center, or at Outreach sites) are required to complete Steps 1 through 6.
Click here to submit your application.
All volunteers agree to follow Howard Brown Health’s Code of Conduct.
We are a federally qualified health center and require background screenings. Upon completion of the volunteer orientation, you will receive an email from MBI Worldwide Background Checks & Drug Screening (info@mbiworldwide.com) titled “Please complete your background check for Howard Brown Health Center” to initiate your background check. The link is only valid for 7 days and you will need to pass the background check to volunteer with us.
Note: Please be sure to utilize a browser such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox when clicking on the link in their email. It is NOT RECOMMENDED that you use Internet Explorer, as this may prevent you from accessing the link.
Complete 3 Self-Paced Trainings and Upload Certificates for HIPAA, Bloodborne Pathogens and Mandated Reporting Training which you can access after you submit your application.
To access trainings, visit: Sign In > MY PROFILE tab > click “Trainings”. After applying to the volunteer program, you will receive a welcome email with username and password for the HIPAA and Bloodborne Pathogens trainings.
To upload forms, visit: Sign In > MY PROFILE tab > click “Additional Info” section > under “Administration” section, click “Choose File” next to the form you want to upload.
After signing up for an orientation, you will receive an email from the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) (dcfs.cfs689backgroundcheck@illinois.gov) titled “Account Creation and Authorization Required for a DCFS Background Check, requested by Howard Brown Health.” Follow the steps to initiate your background check by the State of Illinois.
Please contact volunteer@howardbrown.org if you have any questions or concerns.
Corporate Volunteer Hour Match Program
Your employer may match your volunteer hours with charitable donations. Many companies will match an employee’s time volunteering, including volunteering at Howard Brown, with a financial gift – and the donations help us do important things!
This employer match must be initiated by the volunteer. Check with your employer to see if they have a volunteer hour matching program. If so, reach out to volunteer@howardbrown.org to start doubling your impact!
Existing Volunteers
Already registered to volunteer at Howard Brown? For details about upcoming volunteer opportunities, click the link below to visit the volunteer portal or contact us at volunteer@howardbrown.org.