Volunteer Job Description: Emergency Weather Response (EWR) Crew Member
Volunteer Job Description: Emergency Weather Response Crew Member(EWR)
Vision: We envision the area churches in St. Charles, Lincoln, and Warren County will provide safe overnight sleep to protect our homeless neighbors from dangerous inclement weather.
Purpose:
- Harvester Christian Church is a part of a county-wide initiative called Emergency Weather Response (EWR) that is activated if the temperatures are predicted to be 20 degrees or below overnight. We are part of a network that opens its doors as a Free Warming Center 1-2 weeks a year to provide our homeless neighbors safe sleeping accommodations for the night. Each night of activation, teams of 3 volunteers serve 4 or 8-hour shifts between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. to provide hospitality to these homeless neighbors.
- Ephesians 4:11-12: “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”
Key Responsibilities:
Hospitality: Welcome and assist homeless neighbors as they arrive, ensuring they feel safe and comfortable.
Monitoring: Supervise the warming center throughout the night, maintaining a peaceful and secure environment.
Support Services: Provide basic amenities such as blankets, hot drinks, and snacks.
Assistance: Help with setting up and cleaning the warming center before and after use.
Coordination: Communicate with other volunteers and team leaders to ensure smooth operation during shifts.
Qualifications:
- Commitment to the mission and values of Harvester Christian Church through membership.
- Completion of Belong and/or Discover Harvester class (highly recommended, though not required).
- Compassion and a heart for serving the homeless community.
- Ability to work in a team and communicate effectively.
- Flexibility to serve during late-night and early-morning hours.
- Willingness to undergo any necessary training or background checks.
Time Commitment:
Flexible shifts of 4 or 8 hours between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. during activation periods from November to March.
Harvester Christian Church is expected to provide volunteers to serve 1-2 weeks per year during activation periods. 2024-25 Schedule TBD
Training and Support:
- Initial orientation and training are provided by the EWR Network typically in early November to prepare volunteers for their roles.
- Ongoing support and resources are available through Harvester Christian Church and the EWR initiative.
Benefits:
Spiritual Growth: Deepen your faith through acts of service and compassion, living out Christ’s call to serve the least of these.
Community Impact: Make a tangible difference in the lives of our homeless neighbors during extreme weather conditions.
Personal Fulfillment: Experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from providing critical support to those in need.
Skill Development: Enhance your skills in hospitality, crisis management, and teamwork.
Flexible Scheduling: Choose shifts that fit your availability, allowing you to serve in a way that complements your schedule.
Reporting To: EWR Crew Leader
Contact:
For more information or to sign up, please contact Carissa Figgins
Local Outreach Pastor
By serving on the Emergency Weather Response Team, you will be providing essential support to our homeless neighbors during extreme weather conditions. Your dedication and compassion will help build up the body of Christ and demonstrate the love of Jesus to those in need.