Congregational Shelter OVERNIGHT Volunteer

Our amazing Congregational Shelter Hosts often need a few more hands on deck to help supply Holy Hospitality to their overnight guests. During the winter season, we provide emergency, nightly shelter with the help of numerous congregations throughout Memphis! Please sign up to be notified when a congregation is in need of overnight help!

This is an 18 and up volunteer opportunity.

How it works:

You're signing up to be in an on-call pool of volunteers who might be able to stay overnight at a RITI host location. (Host locations are local faith communities who host 10-15 guests experiencing homelessness through our program!) 

Once you sign up, you will receive updates when congregations request volunteers. You will receive the location of the congregation and any specifics for the date.

Every location will vary on exact responsibilities for Overnight Volunteers and will communicate those with you after you commit to a particular shift.

In general, Overnight Volunteers (two every night at each location) are responsible for the safety of RITI guests during the hours they are asleep, responding to and documenting any needs that arise during that time. A RITI staff member is on call for emergencies, should a need arise. Typically, by the time an overnight shift begins guests are tired and ready to sleep. 

Overnight Volunteers rest through the night much like a camp counselor - at rest with enough alertness to be responsible for the program and those in their care. 

Other duties may include: 

Assisting with laundry (if available on site)

Setting up morning coffee

Cleaning dishes, taking out trash

Ensuring all guests are awake and ready to depart by the designated time (before 7am). 

Helping clear bed linens for the laundry volunteers 

Guests arrive as a group at host congregations around 6 PM for dinner followed by showers and any other amenities the host site offers. Overnight Volunteers typically take over after the evening amenities are offered and will spend the night at the host site with other volunteers and guests. Additional volunteers will transport guests back downtown by 7AM the following morning.