Weekend Day Shelter

Through presence ministry, you can bring joy and love to those utilizing services at Water Street Mission.

In just a couple of hours, you can…

Impact a life

A shift in our Weekend Day Shelter (WDS) invites volunteers to connect with guests through unique experiences. Playing games and planning activities or just showing up to chat are all ways 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 having the chance to engage more deeply with the guests we know and love.

How to Get Involved

Answers to frequently asked questions

What is Weekend Day Shelter volunteering?

On weekends, our day shelter is open to adult guests who need a safe place to rest. Our desire is to not only take care of their need for shelter, but to provide a non-judgmental environment where they can experience hope and healing within community.

Volunteers are energetic initiators of conversation, willing to joyfully “jump right in” and connect with our guests. Your friendly, engaging presence shows them that they are valued and loved. We have board games and conversation cards available for your use, but we also want to encourage you to be creative and come with an activity that brings people together.

Activity Ideas

We have board games and conversation cards available for use during WDS, 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 2.5-hour shift, or go all in and adopt multiple shifts with your small group or friends.

Shifts are available on Saturdays & Sundays for volunteers ages 18 and up:

AM: 9:30am-12:00pm

PM: 1:00pm-3:30pm

WDS 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 WDS once a month. It’s become a wonderful highlight over the winter and guests look forward to their joyful presence!

Important Details

Individuals must be 18+ to volunteer.
No special skills are needed, but volunteers should be excited to initiate conversation and activities with our guests.
Recommended group size is 2-10 adult volunteers.
Please be advised that guests are not obligated to interact with volunteers, but we hope your presence will encourage them to fellowship.
A staff member will always be on location.
Please note that in summer months the number of guests in our shelter will vary significantly depending on the weather.
Individuals fulfilling court-ordered community service hours are not eligible to volunteer for WDS.

Next Steps

Here's how you can begin

For Individuals:

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:

Please click the orange button below to complete the Group Interest Form and let us know you would like to serve in the Weekend Day Shelter.

Contact the volunteer office with any questions:
volunteer@wsm.org
(717) 358-2079