Shelter Shift Volunteer

Lockport CARES Emergency Shelter | Lockport, NY

Lockport CARES operates the only emergency homeless shelter serving Eastern Niagara County. Our shelter is staffed primarily by trained volunteers who provide structured hospitality, oversight, and support within a safe and orderly environment.

Serving as a Shelter Shift Volunteer is one of the most meaningful ways to directly support individuals working toward housing stability.

Role Overview

Shelter Shift Volunteers help maintain a calm, structured, and respectful shelter environment during scheduled shifts. Responsibilities may include:

• Welcoming guests and maintaining a hospitable presence

• Monitoring common areas to ensure safety and adherence to shelter guidelines

• Assisting with light meal preparation (breakfast or lunch shifts)

• Supporting daily routines and structure

• Completing basic documentation as directed

• Communicating any concerns promptly to shelter leadership

Two volunteers are scheduled for each shift to ensure accountability and support.

Training & Support

All new volunteers participate in a structured training process that includes a progressive shadowing model.

New volunteers are scheduled alongside experienced volunteers or staff to learn shelter procedures, safety protocols, and guest interaction guidelines before serving independently.

Ongoing training and guidance are provided to ensure confidence and clarity in the role.

Shift Availability

Volunteers are needed for the following shifts:

• 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM

• 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

• 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

• 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
  
  

Consistent scheduling is preferred to provide stability for guests and staff.

Important Program Boundaries

Shelter Shift Volunteers:

• Provide hospitality and structured presence

• Do not provide counseling, therapy, or case management

• Refer complex situations to designated leadership

• Follow established shelter guidelines and safety procedures

Lockport CARES maintains clear admission criteria and program boundaries to ensure the safety of guests, volunteers, and staff.

Qualifications

We are seeking volunteers who:

• Demonstrate emotional maturity and sound judgment

• Remain calm in structured but sometimes challenging environments

• Respect confidentiality and guest dignity

• Are dependable and able to commit to scheduled shifts

• Have a heart aligned with our Christ-centered mission

Due to the nature of this role, training and background checks are required.

Impact

Your consistent presence helps create a stable, structured environment where guests can focus on securing housing, stabilizing income, and rebuilding their lives. Volunteers play a vital role in maintaining the integrity and daily operation of the only emergency shelter serving this region.