The Next Shelter Hero (Volunteer) Could Be You

When disaster strikes, a safe place can change everything. As an American Red Cross Shelter Volunteer, you'll be one of the first friendly faces people see after experiencing a fire, tornado, flood, or other emergency. You'll help create a welcoming environment where every person is treated with compassion, dignity, and respect.

At the Red Cross, our shelters are open to all. We are guided by our Fundamental Principles of Humanity, Impartiality, and Unity, which means we serve people based on need, without discrimination. No matter who someone is, where they come from, or what challenges they are facing, they are welcome in a Red Cross shelter.

What You'll Do

As a Shelter Volunteer, you'll help provide comfort, support, and hope by:

Registration & Reception

• Welcome residents with warmth and compassion
• Help individuals and families check in and gather basic information

Dormitory & Logistics

• Set up cots and sleeping areas
• Distribute blankets, comfort kits, and essential supplies
• Help maintain a safe, organized shelter environment

Feeding

• Serve meals, snacks, and water to residents
• Support families as they meet immediate needs

Health & Emotional Support

• Licensed professionals, such as nurses and EMTs, may provide basic health services
• Offer a listening ear and emotional support during difficult times

What It Takes

• Be at least 18 years old for most shelter and deployment opportunities
• Complete a standard background screening
• Complete Red Cross training, including the Shelter Hero learning path
• Be flexible to serve locally or, if interested, deploy to support larger disaster responses

Why Volunteer?

Disasters don't wait. Neither do the people who need help. Every shelter volunteer helps ensure that families have a safe place to stay, meals to eat, and caring support when they need it most.

Answer the Call

Your kindness could be the reason someone feels safe tonight.

Join a community of compassionate people who believe in helping others, welcoming everyone, and turning hope into action. Sign up today through the American Red Cross Volunteer Portal and become the difference someone remembers long after the disaster is over.

Share this opportunity with your friends, family, coworkers, and community. The next volunteer who answers the call could help change a life. ❤️🩹🏠 #RedCrossVolunteer #ShelterHero #HelpCantWait #BeTheDifference #EveryNeighborMatters