Code Blue Emergency Cold Weather Shelter Volunteer

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The Norristown Hospitality Center is seeking dedicated volunteers to assist in our Code Blue Emergency Cold Weather Shelter during the winter months. The Code Blue Shelter provides temporary, live saving shelter and essential services to individuals experiencing homelessness. Volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, comfort, and well-being of our guests.

On nights when the air temperature or windchill drops to 32 degrees or lower, Montgomery County declares a Code Blue Cold Weather Emergency. The Hospitality Center mobilizes and provides a 25 bed shelter in St. John's Church for men and women. The staff and volunteers provide a cot, blanket, pillow, and pillowcase. We also serve an evening meal to our guests. Will you join our Code Blue team?

Responsibilities:

• Check-in and Check-out: Greet guests upon arrival, verify their identity, and assist with the check-in process. Assist guests with check-out procedures at the end of their stay.
• Overnight Supervision: Provide overnight supervision and monitoring of the shelter environment to ensure the safety and well-being of all guests.
• Meal Service: Assist with meal preparation, serving, and cleanup.
• Guest Support: Offer emotional support, guidance, and resources to guests. Help connect guests with available services and resources, such as social services, healthcare, and job training provided during daytime hours at the Hospitality Center.
• Facility Upkeep: Assist with general upkeep of the shelter, including cleaning and organizing common areas.

Qualifications:

• Compassion and empathy: A genuine concern for the well-being of individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Reliability and punctuality: Ability to commit to regular volunteer shifts.
• Positive attitude: A willingness to work in a fast-paced and often challenging environment.
• Effective communication skills: Ability to interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Basic first aid and CPR training: Preferred, but not required.

Benefits:

• Fulfilling work: The opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals in need.
• Valuable experience: Gain experience working with vulnerable populations and develop valuable skills.
• Community involvement: Be part of a supportive community that is committed to helping those experiencing homelessness.

Other Notes:

• All volunteers receive training and support.
• All volunteers will work along side a staff member. There are are least 2 staff members/volunteers assigned to each shift.
• The shelter only operates on nights when the county declares a Code Blue Emergency.
• The shelter may run any day of the week.

Shifts:

• Shift 1: Setup and Check-in - 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
• Shift 2: Shelter monitor - 7:00 PM - 1:00 AM
• Shift 3: Shelter Monitor - 1:00 AM - 7:00 AM
• Shift 4: Cleanup and Breakdown - 5:30 AM - 7:00 AM

If you are interested in volunteering at the Norristown Hospitality Center's Code Blue Shelter, please contact Matt Kirsch at matt@hospitalitycenter.org or 610-277-1322.