Position Summary
As a Residential Program Volunteer, you will play a vital role in maintaining a supportive, safe, and welcoming environment for survivors and their children residing in HAVEN’s emergency shelter. Volunteers assist with a variety of essential tasks, from front desk duties and providing supplies, to offering emotional support, engaging with children, and keeping the shelter environment clean and organized.
Volunteers can select one or more of the following focus areas based on interest, availability, and agency need:
1. Front Desk & Shelter Support
- Greet residents with warmth and professionalism.
- Answer shelter phones and direct calls appropriately.
- Buzz residents into the building.
- Fulfill resident requests for personal hygiene items, cleaning supplies, pantry items, etc.
- Maintain confidentiality and uphold trauma-informed boundaries.
- Provide emotional support to residents and their children when appropriate.
2. Shelter Operations & Organization
- Clean and maintain shelter spaces (intake room, lobby, dining room, laundry, pet center, lounges).
- Organize and restock staff areas such as the staff laundry room and personal needs cabinet.
- Sort and organize donated items.
- Assist with special projects to help keep the shelter safe, clean, and well-organized.
3. Childcare & Playroom Support
- Supervise and engage children in free play in the playroom or outdoor playground.
- Facilitate age-appropriate structured activities (e.g., crafts, games, story time).
- Provide trauma-informed care and emotional support to children.
- Care for children while their parents attend support groups, counseling, or meetings.
4. Kitchen & Pantry Support
- Organize and stock the kitchen, kitchenette, and pantry with food and supplies.
- Dispose of expired food and maintain accurate labeling and dating.
- Portion and store food appropriately for resident use.
- Deep clean kitchen areas and ensure cleanliness standards are met.
- Sort and organize food donations and kitchen supplies.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Completion of HAVEN’s 24-hour Core Skills & Values training.
