Family Shelter at St. Andrew

Introduction to Volunteering at the Family Shelter at St. Andrew.
St. Andrew Lutheran, 5607 Gher Road  |  Directions: Link to Google Map

In 2003, the Council for the Homeless and Share partnered with the Greater Vancouver Interfaith Association to create the Winter Hospitality Overflow (WHO). At that time, the shelter was operated 100% by faith partner volunteers. Since 2020, Share has provided case management for our overnight guests. This partnership allows our guests to explore resources such as other shelter programs, treatment centers, sober housing, employment, and permanent housing. “Winter Hospitality Overflow” refers to the period between November 1 and March 31. The program bridges the gap between limited shelter space and the increasing number of people who seek shelter during the winter months.  Volunteers extending hospitality to people facing extreme challenges is foundational to the program, and it continues to be the most valuable contribution that volunteers like yourself bring to the single women, children, and families that stay at St. Andrew Lutheran Church overnight. 

Volunteer responsibilities vary depending on the day and time of shift. All volunteer shifts require a background check. Currently, we have two shifts and meal opportunities:

• 6:15 – 8:30 am:  (2-4) volunteers are needed to assist guests in the kitchen, hand out brown bag lunches, and clean up after the morning meal. 
• 6:30 – 9 pm: (3-4) Volunteers are needed to welcome guests for the evening, serve the evening meal, prepare brown bag lunches, prep for laundry service, and collaborate with the Share Engagement Specialist. 
  • Mondays and Thursdays: On these two days, we have laundry responsibilities and break down/reset the gym, which requires extra volunteers.
• Each evening, we need (2) crock pot-size meals [15-20 servings].  Delivery is between 6 and 6:15 pm to St Andrew. There is a bell to the right of the front door to alert staff you are there. You can pick up crockpots Monday through Thursday, 9 am – 1 pm, or any evening after 6 pm. Guests also appreciate fresh fruit – nothing too crunchy, as dental care is not widely available. Also, microwavable breakfast sandwiches are a great treat. In general, anything extra is always greatly appreciated. If you are scheduled but unable to deliver a meal, please contact Linda Jo or Forrest at 360 780 6644 as soon as possible to allow the team time to prepare something else. 

Our Volunteers Include:

1. Faith Partners:  Is your faith community interested in hosting a week, weekend, or a few days at St. Andrew? We have several churches that staff volunteer shifts with members of their community as part of their outreach. 
2. Business Volunteer Time Off: Is your organization seeking ways to leave a positive impact not only on its employees but also on the community at large? Volunteer time off (VTO) is a paid benefit that allows employees to take time off from work to volunteer for a charity of their choice. If you have VTO hours to use, we welcome you to partner with WHO. We have many shift opportunities that will meet your schedule. If you are a company that would like to learn about adopting the WHO as your designated charity, please get in touch with St. Andrew Lutheran Church at (360) 892-7160.
3. Service Hours: Volunteering is an excellent way for young people to make a difference in their communities and learn valuable life skills. It can also help them to develop their leadership potential and explore their career interests. Many high schools in Clark County require service hours to satisfy graduation requirements. The WHO welcomes students individually or in pairs. A Lead on duty will be able to sign documentation for proof of hours. All youth volunteers are asked to contact the office at St. Andrew before signing up.
4. Single shifts: Community members are welcome to volunteer for an evening or morning. Volunteers assist with various activities and have lots of opportunities to extend hospitality and service to our guests. 
5. Recurring shifts: Volunteers with some volunteer experience at the WHO can donate their time on a regular rotation. These shifts will take priority when scheduling other volunteers to maintain a schedule. 

Resources: 

1. WHO Program Volunteer Application & Background Check: The Background check request form must be filled out and given to the WHO team leader of your church – unless you are a volunteer unassociated with a particular church. In this case, please send the background check to the email address located at the bottom of the form. Background checks must be renewed every two years. Read our WHO Background Check Protocol.
2. Confidentiality Agreement: A confidentiality agreement must be submitted and kept on file each year. The form can be filled out onsite before your volunteer shift.
3. Host Manuals:
   (2024-25 Updated Documents will be available October 28)
   • St. Andrew WHO Training Manual 2024 
   • St. Andrew WHO Site Checklists:
     • St. Andrew AM Check List 
     • Hospitality Room AM Shift Suggested Schedule
     • Evening Shift Duties 
     • Hospitality Room PM Shift Suggested Schedule 
     • Laundry