Thanks for sharing, you motivated me to volunteer :)
God bless you.
How I did it: I lived at the St John Bosco House in Eugene as a Catholic Worker, acting as support for young mothers. It was made easier with the emotional support and guidance of the experienced workers in the house and the board. Reading the works of the founders of Catholic Worker helped me ground myself in hard times.
Lessons & tips: Read the works of Dorothy Day. Let go of material possessions. Be willing and able to let go of your ideology.
Resources: Dorothy Day- In my own Words