Be the Comfort in the Storm: Become a Shelter Volunteer! - Lake County

Make a difference during times of need! The Red Cross is preparing for another extremely busy disaster season and it’s critical to have a trained and ready volunteer workforce to provide relief at a moment’s notice. You can help by providing in-person support in a Red Cross shelter before, during, and/or after a disaster event. Shelter Service Associates support the day-to-day activities within a shelter by completing tasks necessary for shelter operations while interacting with clients to ensure their needs are met. Responsibilities vary depending on assignment, but may include:

• Reception: Welcoming, registering, and supporting shelter clients.
• Dormitory: Managing sleeping arrangements.
• Feeding: Helping with meal distribution.
• Information: Providing updates and assistance.
• Supply: Handling and organizing supplies.

Requirements: Be comfortable working with diverse populations under stressful conditions. Hold a valid driver’s license (required for divisional and national deployments).

Time Commitment: Flexible to work shifts before, during, and after disaster events. The hours are long and may include consecutive 8-12 hours shifts. A minimum 14-day commitment is required if deploying to support large-scale national disaster events.

Ready to make a difference? Here's how to get started!

1. Go to redcross.org/volunteer to complete our online application. It takes less than 10 minutes!
2. Once your application and background check are complete, a member of our team will reach out for a quick screening call. This allows us to make sure this position is the perfect fit for your interest, availability, and needs.
3. We’ll get you connected and provide all necessary training to ensure you feel supported and successful as a volunteer.

Questions? Email our team at IDMT.Recruiting@redcross.org for more information about this or other positions.