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Since the pandemic, hundreds of people in Wales have been moved off the streets and into homes and the night shelters run by many churches are no longer needed. However, the charity Housing Justice Cymru, which is supported by the Church In Wales’ Centenary Fund, is now once again calling for volunteers, this time to help with its new Citadel project which supports people as they settle into new homes. To mark Volunteers Week (June 1-7), its director Bonnie Navarra, outlines the value of volunteering.The pandemic has left many of us yearning for the day that we can return to volunteering and once again spend time doing something truly special and fulfilling.People often think that volunteering is all about helping others and supporting charities, but volunteering can be much, much more than that. These are some of the responses our volunteers gave us when we asked what they liked about volunteering for Housing Justice:"Meeting wonderful people and learning new skills""The opportunity to help and hopefully make a difference""I loved that it was such a diverse group of people""Just being a support to others and also meeting other volunteers"For many of us, losing the opportunity to volunteer because of the pandemic has been really difficult.Thankfully, we're delighted to say that we are once again welcoming applications for our most flexible (and perhaps most fulfilling) volunteering opportunity to date: the Citadel Project.The Citadel Project relies upon fully trained volunteers to offer tailored, ongoing support to individuals who are recovering from / at risk of homelessness.Over the last 12 months, hundreds of individuals in Wales have been moved from the streets into new homes. For many this will be the first time they've had access to a home in a very long time.Transitioning into a new home and a new life can be really difficult, and tenancies often break down within the first 2-6 months. As such, many individuals need support settling into their new home.How it worksHousing Justice Cymru provides extensive training to volunteers and matches them up with someone who needs support. With help from a full-time member of staff, these fully-trained volunteers provide a wide range of support depending on the individual's needs and wants.What will I be doing?This depends on your capabilities and the individual you work with, but could include:Emotional support (eg meeting for a coffee and a chat)Assistance with admin tasks (eg registering with the bank, filling out forms)Material help (eg finding a sofa, microwave or other household items)Charlie's storyAfter a period of homelessness and sofa surfing, Charlie (not his real name) has been a beneficiary of Citadel since 2020. Since then he has been supported to move into a new home and has received emotional support, material help and assistance with small admin tasks."It's the little things I need help with, things that I shouldn't struggle with but I do"Whilst to you it may seem fairly straightforward to pay bills or to register at the doctors, these are the sort of things that many others struggle with.When the appropriate support isn't there, this can often result in somebody being evicted and ending up back on the streets. That's why your involvement with Citadel is so important."To be honest if it wasn't for Citadel I don't know where I'd be"Get in touchPlease don't hesitate to get in touch with any questions or to request an application form:Citadel in Swansea – Nigel n.williams@housingjustice.org.ukNeath Port Talbot – Hayley h.grist@housingjustice.org.ukWrexham – Bonnie b.navarra@housingjustice.org.ukOr visit www.housingjustice.org.uk/cymru/citadel for more info.We look forward to hearing from you and hopefully welcoming you (back) to volunteering.