Become A Member

How can I become a member?

To be eligible to become a Member and receive volunteer services you must be 55 or older and a Brisbane resident. (Our younger Volunteers may request services if they are temporarily disabled due to illness or accident.)

To find out more about being a Member of Brisbane Village Helping Hands please click on and read BVHH Member Information.

To apply for membership, click on BVHH Membership Application form, complete the ​form, and return it to us, along with proof of complete COVID-19 vaccination and booster, ​by email at brisbanevillagehelpinghands@gmail.com or by U.S. mail at P.O. Box 734, Brisbane, CA 94005. Your personal information will be kept strictly confidential. Membership dues are $20 per year to help cover our operating costs, including liability insurance. This fee may be waived in cases of hardship. Due to the pandemic, BVHH will waive all dues through the end of 2021.

If you would prefer to receive the Member Information and Application documents and the Communicable Disease Waiver by mail, please leave your name, phone number and address on our voicemail, 415 508-2185, and they will be sent to you. If you don’t have a means of copying and sending your vaccination card, please call or email BVHH and a board member will assist you.

Please note: If you need full-time home care, expertise in transporting you due to mobility issues, or professional care management, we are not the right organization for you, although we can provide respite for a caregiver.

FAQ

How will volunteers be vetted?
In addition to an application process, there will be a criminal background check for every volunteer. For volunteer drivers there will also be a driving record check and verification of current driver license and automobile insurance.

Will there be liability insurance to cover any problems resulting from the actions of a volunteer?
Yes. While each volunteer’s insurance will be the primary insurance, the Village will purchase an umbrella liability policy.

What if I need a service that isn’t listed?
Services that are not described on our website may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

How far in advance should I schedule a request?
Members are asked to make a request at least a week in advance of the date for which the service is requested. Members are encouraged to make the request as soon as they become aware of the need.

Will volunteers fill all my requests?
We will make an effort to fulfill your request, depending on volunteer availability. But we cannot guarantee that we will be able to match all requests with an available volunteer.

Who pays for what?
Volunteers who are driving members will not accept money for gas. However, members who receive rides will be responsible for tolls or parking charges.

What about wheelchairs?
The member needing services must be “ambulatory,” which means members are either walking independently, or with the assistance of a cane or walker. No more than a guiding hand or arm to lean on may be required of the volunteer.

Can I be both a member and a volunteer?
Yes. Some members who are able to help others may not need services right now but want to join so they know services will be there for if they need them in the future. Also, people needing some of our services may be able to help their neighbors in other ways, and we welcome their contributions.