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Opportunity Details

Red Cross Emergency Warming Center Orientation (age 16+) Referral

Can you help us in our mission of saving and rebuilding lives?

On any given night hundreds of people are out on the streets with no shelter, exposed to the elements. Now imagine when the temperature is below freezing, the wind is blowing and freezing rain is falling.

In response to the limited number of beds in Multnomah County’s overnight shelters, the American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter and the City of Portland are partnering to support those that have nowhere to go on nights when the weather is life threatening. The center provides a safe and warm location for individuals to be inside and not exposed to the elements and potentially freezing to death. In order for the Red Cross to operate the Emergency Warming Center we need volunteers! 

Your support is needed to help staff the overnight Emergency Warming Centers. Volunteers will serve as center staff and will support intake of guests, oversee the evening and help with center set-up and clean-up. There will be multiple shifts throughout the night.

If you’re interested, express interest in this in-person orientation below! The orientation will cover the basics of what it means to be an Emergency Warming Shelter volunteer, and you will learn more about the volunteer opportunity and how to signup for shifts once the centers open.

The Emergency Warming Center is opened during severe weather events between November 1 and March 31. To be eligible to participate in the Emergency Warming Center interested individuals need to:

1) Attend an Emergency Warming Center Orientation (express interest below). Orientations will take place at the American Red Cross, 3131 N Vancouver AVE Portland, OR 97227:

Tuesday, October 21, 10:00 – 11:30am, 
Tuesday, October 21, 3:00 - 4:30pm
Tuesday, October 21, 6:00 - 7:30pm
Friday, October 24, 10:00 – 11:30am
Friday, October 24, 3:00 - 4:30pm
Friday, October 24, 6:00 - 7:30pm
Sunday, October 26, 2:00 – 3:30pm

There will also be a training on Friday, October 17th at Imago Dei Community Church in SE Portland, from 6:30 - 8:30pm. 

2) Complete a volunteer application for the American Red Cross.

3) Have reliable transportation and be available during severe weather events to volunteer at the Emergency Warming Center.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Curtis Peetz at curtis.peetz@redcross.org or 503-528-5669.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to help the homeless in Portland!

Opportunity Requirements:

  • Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older to participate in this opportunity.

Click on "Express Interest" below if you are interested in helping out!

**This is a Referral Opportunity, which means it is run directly by one of our nonprofit partners. Once you express interest, someone from the partner organization should follow up with you shortly to discuss confirming you as a volunteer for this opportunity.

**Please note, your hours may not be recorded in your Hands On Greater Portland account since this is a partner-managed opportunity.

The opportunity date and time you are looking for is no longer available.
Hunger & Homelessness, Disaster & Emergency Services
Homeless
Caring for People,Disaster Services

Age Minimum (with Adult): 16+, Minimum Age:16+

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