Communities will need a significant infusion of resources in the future to care for persons with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). The AIDS epidemic has served to confuse the differences between professional and volunteer roles of caregiving and has complicated the original intent of service by each of these groups. Recognition on the part of traditional agencies as well as new AIDS projects that volunteers have a vital function in service delivery is imperative. In fact, volunteers have often served to point the direction of future service roles for professionals. Clearly, the implications are that volunteers must be armed with knowledge and support to carry out their ever changing part in the delivery of care to the severely ill. It is necessary to encourage and support volunteer efforts, as well as to gear their expectations to reality. Internal social support should be offered to avoid volunteer attrition. Grass root organizations, as well as traditional social service agencies, should pay more attention to the social and educational needs of their staff. This attention to personnel will benefit the organization, the clients, and in the long run, the community. (ABL)