Volunteer Handbook for Jehovah Saints Homeless Shelters

 

Welcome Letter

Dear Volunteer,

Welcome to Jehovah Saints Homeless Shelters! We are thrilled and grateful that you have chosen to join us in serving our community. Your time, compassion, and dedication play a vital role in fulfilling our mission to provide shelter, support, and hope to individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

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At Jehovah Saints, we are more than just a shelter—we are a Christ-centered community committed to restoring dignity and empowering those in need. As a volunteer, you are an essential part of this mission. Whether you are helping serve meals, assisting with programs, or offering a listening ear, your contributions will make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.

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This handbook is designed to provide you with the information, guidelines, and resources you need to succeed as a volunteer. Please take the time to read it carefully and reach out with any questions. We are here to support you every step of the way.

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Thank you for being the hands and feet of Christ in our community. Together, we can make a difference.

 

In His service,

Michael Hopkins

CEO

Jehovah Saints Homeless Shelters

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Table of Contents

• About Jehovah Saints Homeless Shelters

  • Mission, Vision, and Core Values

• Volunteer Program Overview

  • Volunteer Opportunities

  • Benefits of Volunteering

• Volunteer Policies and Guidelines

  • Code of Conduct

  • Attendance and Scheduling

  • Confidentiality Policy

  • Safety and Security Guidelines

• Volunteer Roles and Responsibilities

  • Key Volunteer Positions

  • Expectations for Volunteers

• Training and Support

  • Orientation and Training

  • Staff Support and Supervision

• Emergency Procedures

  • Fire, Medical, and Other Emergencies

• Acknowledgment and Agreement

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1. About Jehovah Saints Homeless Shelters

Our Mission:

To provide Christ-centered shelter, care, and support services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, empowering them to achieve stability and self-sufficiency while restoring their dignity and hope through the love of God.

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Our Vision:

To create a community where no one is left without shelter, and every individual has the opportunity to rebuild their life with dignity and purpose.

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Our Core Values:

• Compassion: Serving others with love and understanding.

• Faith: Trusting in God’s guidance and provision.

• Dignity: Respecting the inherent worth of every individual.

• Empowerment: Equipping individuals with the tools to succeed.

• Collaboration: Partnering with others to maximize impact.

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2. Volunteer Program Overview

Volunteer Opportunities:

There are many ways to get involved at Jehovah Saints Homeless Shelters, including:

• Serving meals in the kitchen or dining area.

• Assisting with administrative tasks.

• Organizing donation drives for clothing, hygiene supplies, or food.

• Providing job training or resume-building workshops.

• Offering spiritual support through Bible studies or prayer groups.

• Helping maintain the shelter’s cleanliness and organization.

Benefits of Volunteering:

• Making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

• Gaining valuable skills and experience.

• Building relationships with staff, clients, and other volunteers.

• Growing spiritually by serving others in Christ’s name.

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3. Volunteer Policies and Guidelines

Code of Conduct:

All volunteers must adhere to the shelter’s Code of Conduct, which includes:

• Treating clients, staff, and other volunteers with respect and kindness.

• Maintaining confidentiality regarding clients’ personal information.

• Following all shelter rules and policies.

• Refraining from discriminatory, offensive, or inappropriate behavior.

Attendance and Scheduling:

• Volunteers are expected to commit to their scheduled shifts. If you are unable to attend, please notify the Volunteer Coordinator as soon as possible.

• Punctuality is important. Arrive at least 10 minutes before your shift begins.

Confidentiality Policy:

• Volunteers must respect the privacy of all clients. Do not share personal information about clients outside of the shelter.

• Any questions about confidentiality should be directed to the Volunteer Coordinator or a staff member.

Safety and Security Guidelines:

• Always follow staff instructions in the event of an emergency.

• Report any safety concerns, incidents, or suspicious behavior to staff immediately.

• Volunteers are not permitted to bring weapons, drugs, or alcohol onto the premises.

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4. Volunteer Roles and Responsibilities

Key Volunteer Positions:

• Meal Service Volunteer: Prepares, serves, and cleans up meals in the kitchen and dining area.

• Donation Organizer: Sorts and organizes donated items such as clothing, hygiene products, and food.

• Program Assistant: Supports staff in running workshops, classes, or Bible studies.

• Administrative Volunteer: Assists with office tasks such as data entry, filing, or answering phones.

• Facilities Volunteer: Helps with cleaning, organizing, and maintaining the shelter’s facilities.

Expectations for Volunteers:

• Be compassionate and patient with clients.

• Follow instructions from staff and supervisors.

• Maintain a positive and professional attitude.

• Dress appropriately for your role (e.g., closed-toe shoes for kitchen work).

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5. Training and Support

Orientation and Training:

All volunteers must attend an orientation session before beginning their service. This session will cover:

• The mission and values of Jehovah Saints Homeless Shelters.

• Volunteer roles and responsibilities.

• Safety and emergency procedures.

Additional training may be provided for specific roles, such as meal service or program assistance.

Staff Support and Supervision:

• The Volunteer Coordinator is your primary point of contact for scheduling, questions, and concerns.

• Shelter staff are available to provide guidance and support during your shift.

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6. Emergency Procedures

Fire Evacuation:

• Follow staff instructions to evacuate the building.

• Use the nearest exit and proceed to the designated meeting area.

Medical Emergencies:

• Notify a staff member immediately if a client, volunteer, or staff member is injured or ill.

• Do not attempt to administer medical care unless you are trained to do so.

Other Emergencies:

• In the event of a security threat or other emergency, follow staff instructions and remain calm.

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7. Acknowledgment and Agreement

By signing below, I acknowledge that I have received, read, and understood the Volunteer Handbook for Jehovah Saints Homeless Shelters. I agree to abide by the policies and guidelines outlined in this handbook and to uphold the mission and values of the shelter.

Name: ___________________________________________
 

Signature: ________________________________________
 

Date: ____________________________________________

 

 

Conclusion

Thank you for choosing to volunteer with Jehovah Saints Homeless Shelters. Your service is a vital part of our mission to provide shelter, care, and hope to those in need. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our neighbors and reflect God’s love in our community.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact the Volunteer Coordinator at [Click Here to Email].

We look forward to serving alongside you!

 

Approved by:
Michael Hopkins

Jehovah Saints Homeless Shelters