Question 1

Do I need any medical background to volunteer?

Accepted Answer

No. The majority of volunteers are undergraduate students. Professional services like medical care, psychiatry, and chiropractic are provided by outside licensed professionals and JMP medical students. Student volunteers provide services like haircutting, foot washing, wellness activities, and meal support.

Question 2

What does the semester-long training class involve?

Accepted Answer

All new volunteers must complete a semester-long class before working in the clinic spaces. It focuses on a holistic approach to addressing homelessness and aims to equip volunteers with the skills to serve as caseworkers and provide compassionate, informed support to clients. For Spring 2026, the class meets weekly on Thursdays 7-9 pm, beginning February 12.

Question 3

What are the three clinics and who do they serve?

Accepted Answer

The General Clinic (Tuesdays) is the oldest, serving low-income and houseless populations broadly. The Women's Clinic (Mondays) serves female-identifying individuals and children. The Youth/LGBTQ+ Clinic (Mondays) serves unhoused and street-identified youth in their teens and twenties and is LGBTQ+ friendly.

Question 4

How do I apply to volunteer?

Accepted Answer

The application process includes a written application and an interview (by invitation only). Info sessions are not mandatory but recommended. The Spring 2026 application deadline is February 3rd at 4:00 PM.

Question 5

Does the Suitcase Clinic work with outside organizations?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Partners include the Berkeley Free Clinic, Berkeley Food and Housing Project, Berkeley Optometry, Boalt Hall School of Law, East Bay Community Law Center, Lifelong Medical Care, the UC Berkeley-UCSF Joint Medical Program, the City of Berkeley, and several local churches that host the clinics.