A month or two of volunteering is more likely to lead to a job. An employer or employment agency is more likely to consider a resumee if they know that the unemployed person is getting up and doing something worthwhile. It lets the employer know that person is able to get out of bed on time each morning, is a reliable helper, is gaining new skills, is personable, etc. No need to be out of pocket as expenses are often reimbursed. Of course it doesn't pay the bills but hopefully savings or welfare payouts do. It's how I got a good job as it was recommended to me to volunteer in an office after doing a computer course. People fresh off courses have difficulty getting work as they have no experience so in that case working in an office for five weeks led me to walk straight into a well-paid job whereas had I not have done the volunteering I may have just been unemployed as there is so much competition for jobs. If someone is unable to volunteer then perhaps spend time doing free online courses or similar.