Tucson is a beautiful desert location with numerous attractions and amenities. SOOP volunteers are included and welcomed by Shalom Mennonite Fellowship, with occasional opportunities to get involved at the church. Weekly events for SOOPers include Sunday morning church, eating out together on Sunday noon, Sunday evening social time and Thursday evening Bible study led by SOOP volunteers.
There are a variety of sites to choose from for volunteer work such as the food bank, diaper bank, home repair, thrift stores, libraries, etc. Each SOOPer is responsible to arrange their own volunteer work, with suggestions offered by local coordinators, and must have their own transportation to get to their volunteer locations, as they are spread throughout the city.
SOOPers are required to obtain their own housing while here. There are a limited number of RV sites available at the church for $200 per month, but the sites must be scheduled in advance and preference is given to returning SOOPers. All lodging and meals are at the volunteer’s own expense.
Longer terms benefit our volunteer placements and community building with other SOOP participants, so eight to twelve weeks is preferable. A term of three to four weeks is workable, and less than that is highly discouraged.