Overnight Shelter Volunteer

Save to Favorites

The St. Stephen’s Emergency Shelter is a sober shelter in South Minneapolis that serves 45 adult men every night. Guests usually stay in the shelter for 1-3 months and can often extend their stay until permanent housing is found by participating in a financial savings program. The St. Stephen’s Emergency Shelter Team supports guests in their progress towards achieving self-identified goals and housing stability.

St. Stephen's Human Services is seeking Overnight Shelter Volunteers to work with shelter staff, assist in shelter operations, ensure shelter guests' basic needs are met for the evening, contribute to hospitality, and provide a safe and dignified shelter environment. The Overnight Shelter provides on-the-ground support to individuals experiencing homelessness and is a great way to build a stronger framework for understanding homelessness in our community.

PRIMARY DUTIES

• The Overnight Shelter Volunteer will:

• help create a hospitable and welcoming environment for all shelter guests;
• document the names and bed numbers of guests who request wake-up calls and next-day lunches, and assist in walking up guests at 4AM, 5AM, and 6AM;
• track how many guests need next-day lunches and assemble as needed;
• answer phone calls and assist with incoming inquiries for assistance and referrals throughout the evening and overnight,
• build and maintain trust with guests;
• listen to concerns and grievances from shelter guests and relay messages to advocates;
• report any escalating situations to shelter advocates so that they can de-escalate as needed;
• ensure lights are turned off at 10PM each night;
• lock lockers in the small and big bedrooms at 10PM, and unlock lockers at 6AM the following morning;
• turn off TV in the den at 10:30PM Sunday - Thursday and at midnight on Friday and Saturday;
• assist overnight staff in responding to questions and situations that occur throughout the night;
• set up coffee and breakfast for guests to enjoy in the morning prior to leaving the shelter;
• respond to guest requests as needed in the morning,
• if staying until 9AM, complete a walk-through of the shelter before leaving in the morning to ensure all guests have left and to turn off all lights; and
• other duties as needed.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• ability to build professional, trusting and respectful relationships with individuals of diverse backgrounds;
• strong professional boundaries
• eagerness to learn about navigating systems and available resources for people who are experiencing homelessness;
• ability to interact positively and professionally with guests experiencing mental health and chemical health symptoms;
• willingness to help as needed;
• ability to work collaboratively and creatively with staff and guests;
• must be at least 18 years of age; and
• ability to pass a background check.

SCHEDULE

• 9PM-7AM, 7 days a week.
• Volunteers can expect to sleep for approximately five hours during overnight shifts.
• Commitment to at least one shift per month for a minimum of 6 months.