Winter Weekend Day Shelter

Through presence ministry, you can bring joy and love to marginalized people in our community.

In just four hours, you can…

Impact a life

In our Winter Weekend Day Shelter (WWDS) we invite volunteers inside to experience a unique opportunity to connect with guests. Through games and activities or just showing up to chat, volunteers show guests they are loved. We call this Presence Ministry and it’s an important way we build community.

Many of our former guests say that it was the genuine love and care they experienced from staff and volunteers that broke through and helped them connect with God.

Volunteers often return after falling in love with presence ministry and the chance they have to engage more deeply with the guests we know and love. 

How to Get Involved

Answers to frequently asked questions

What's an ACE volunteer?

WWDS volunteers, called ACE volunteers (Accept. Connect. Encourage.), invest themselves in the lives of our guests through the ministry of active presence. These volunteers are energetic initiators of conversation and activities, willing to joyfully “jump right in” and connect with our guests.

Activity Ideas

We have board games and conversation cards available for use during WWDS, but we want to encourage you to be creative and come up with an activity that brings people together (i.e., a craft, cornhole game, adult coloring books, a pre-approved movie, etc.).

You can find more ideas here. All ideas must be pre-approved by our volunteer staff. 

Time Commitment

Serve one 4-hour shift, or go all in and adopt multiple shifts with your small group, family, or friends.

Shifts are available on Saturdays & Sundays from November through March:

AM: 7:45am-11:45am

PM: 12:45pm-4:45pm

WWDS Volunteer Questions & Information

WWDS@wsm.org

717.393.7709

 General Volunteer Questions & Information

WSM Volunteer Office

volunteer@wsm.org

717.393.7709

The "Crazy Bunch"

This group, who call themselves the “Crazy Bunch,” bring bingo to WWDS once a month. It’s become a wonderful highlight over the winter and guests look forward to their joyful presence! ​

Important Details

  • No special skills are needed, but we do ask that volunteers are excited to initiate conversation and activities with our guests.
  • Orientation materials will be provided to you.
  • A staff member will be on location at all times.
  • Individuals must be 18+ to be an ACE volunteer.
  • Recommended group size is 2-10 adult volunteers.
  • Individuals fulfilling court-ordered community service hours are not eligible to volunteer for WWDS.

Next Steps

Here's how you can begin

For Individuals

Sign up for a weekend slot by clicking the VolunteerHub button below.

 

  • If you already have a WSM volunteer account, you will be prompted to sign in to view open shifts and register to serve.
  • If you do not have a WSM volunteer account, you will be invited to create an account and register for a new volunteer orientation.

For Groups:

Contact the volunteer office to reserve a date for your group and talk about next steps. Email us at wwds@wsm.org, or call us at (717)393-7709, option 4.

 

Other questions?

If you have any questions or wish to an adopt a weekend with a group, please contact wwds@wsm.org or (717)393-7709, option 4.