Help People Find Their Next Step After Disaster - Shelter Resident Transition (Yakima)

When a disaster forces someone from their home, getting into a shelter is only the beginning. The American Red Cross is looking for compassionate volunteers to join the Shelter Resident Transition team and help individuals and families take their next step toward a safe and sustainable living situation.

Shelter Resident Transition volunteers work directly with shelter residents during larger disaster operations. You’ll listen to their needs, identify barriers to leaving the shelter, help develop an individualized action plan, and connect them with resources and services that can support their recovery.

What You’ll Do

• Meet with shelter residents to understand their needs, resources, and challenges
• Identify barriers that may prevent a resident from transitioning out of the shelter
• Work with residents to develop an individualized plan for their next steps
• Connect residents with appropriate community resources and support
• Help residents explore options such as returning home, reunifying with family, or finding more sustainable housing
• Follow up with residents to help track progress and address new challenges
• Document client information and transition plans according to Red Cross procedures
• Work as part of a larger disaster response team

Who We’re Looking For

• This role is ideal for people who are compassionate listeners, comfortable working one-on-one with people experiencing stressful circumstances, and able to help others navigate complex situations.
• Case management, social services, housing, customer service, or related experience is helpful, but not required. Training is provided.
• You should be comfortable maintaining confidentiality, working with people from diverse backgrounds, navigating community resources, and balancing compassion with practical problem-solving.

We are especially seeking volunteers who are bilingual in English and Spanish to help support and connect with our diverse community.

Learn more and apply at redcross.org/volunteer