Lawrence/Douglas County Emergency Cold Weather Community Warming Center - Volunteers Needed
The City of Lawrence/Lawrence Community Shelter is seeking compassionate individuals to volunteer at First United Methodist Church, 946 Vermont St, in direct response to the Weather Advisory/Winter Storm Watch impacting eastern Kansas. This effort aims to provide a safe and warm environment for those in need of shelter from snow, wind, and extreme cold temperatures.
Key Details:
- Warming Center Hours: Opens at 8 PM Friday evening 1/23/26, closure date assessed on an ongoing basis. Emergency Winter Shelter operates from 8 pm-8 am everyday until closure.
- Shift Options: 4-hour shifts only (volunteers may sign up for multiple shifts). Shifts run 8 pm-midnight, midnight-4 am, and 4 am-8 am.
- Eligibility: Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.
- Role: Greet and serve individuals seeking shelter, provide warm drinks and snacks, compassionately address immediate needs, and assist with cleanup before the center closes for the day (each morning at 8 am).
Volunteer Support:
Volunteers will receive support from the City of Lawrence/Lawrence Community Shelter. This role involves interacting with community members who may be experiencing significant physical, mental, or emotional challenges.
Requirements:
- Flexibility to adapt to changing needs due to weather.
- Strong communication skills, especially via email.
What We’re Looking For in Volunteers
We’re seeking individuals who demonstrate:
- Calm, respectful, and compassionate communication
- Reliability and the ability to follow clear guidance
- Comfort working in a low-barrier, trauma-informed environment
- Good judgment and the ability to de-escalate situations when needed
- A genuine commitment to dignity, safety, and human life
For questions, please contact:
- Misty Bosch-Hastings
- Email: mhastings@lawrenceks.gov
- Phone: (785) 813-9483
Join us in making a difference during this critical time!
