Volunteer

We always welcome a helping hand and have volunteer opportunities.

Shelter Volunteer Descriptions

Responsible for ensuring that the Shelter runs properly, including non-admission and/or ejection of guests.
Responsible for coordinating the recruitment of all volunteers:
- Scheduling weekly Overnight Host(s)
- Appointing Site Food Coordinator(s)
- Assigning weekly Intake and Screeners
- Recruiting laundry volunteers
Interface with the Ojai Valley Family Shelter Management Team as needed.
Secure volunteer list from previous season and contact experienced volunteers.
Check to see that basic supplies are at the Shelter (see supply list)
Fill out Incident Report as needed and file it in the Traveling File.
Have authority to determine maximum census

Responsible for ensuring food providers for each week.
Contact food volunteers for the week and make sure the volunteers are aware of their commitments.
Answer any questions the food volunteers may have.
Plan on serving approximately 30 to 40 meals at night and up to 35 in the morning.
Preparation of meals can be either at home or at Sites, if facilities provide.
After serving the evening meal, clean up the dishes and the kitchen.
You will be advised if there is any change in the number of meals. Please do not call the Shelter Hotline. Call the Site Coordinator for additional information.
Direct any problems first to your Site Coordinator.
Remember to keep your tax-deductible receipts for the food you buy. You are also entitled to deduct for volunteer mileage, if you keep a record.

Commitment is about 2 hours per week plus one time training.
Work from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the site.
Screen guests for acceptance
Interview and record information on all guests as they arrive at the Shelter.
Have each guest sign Intake Form, Waiver and Shelter Rules during Initial Visit.
Check for TB screening
Evaluate each Guest to screen out those with substance abuse or severe mental health problems. For those identified persons professional resources will be recommended as may be appropriate.
Screener must fill out an Incident Report on anyone to whom entrance is denied and bring it to the attention of the Site Coordinator or Shelter Administrator.
Hand out and be familiar with the alternative and supplemental private and public resources that are available to the homeless. (See flyers)

Commitment is about 10 hours per week. One host and hostess each week if possible.
Arrive at Site by 8:00 PM and sleep over night.
Close Shelter registration at 8:00 PM unless guest has made previous arrangements with Shelter Administrator or Site Coordinator.
Has authority to eject guests for reasonable cause, i.e., disruptive behavior, unwillingness to obey rules, etc.
Inform Site Coordinator and Shelter Administrator of any incidents, including non-admission and/or ejection of guests.
Fill out Incident Report as needed and file it in the Traveling File.
Coordinate serving morning breakfast and clean up
Return trailer keys to the designated location or to the Site Coordinator.

Commitment is about 1/1/2 hours per week. Volunteer should be familiar where the SUV is being transported to because of hookups for that site.
Disconnect hook-ups, transport to next site and reconnects the SUV.

Commitment about 3 hours a week
Oversee and facilitate showers from 6:00PM to 8:00 PM or until there is no one waiting for a shower.
Provide guest with necessary toiletries
Monitor duration of shower (approximately 15 minutes) and remind guests to observe the posted shower rules.
Allow time for hot water to recover between guests.
Verify guests clean shower between each use with spray solution
Lock up the SUV for the night and return keys to the site host.
Place bag of wet towels outside the back door for Laundry Volunteers.

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