Be the Calm After the Storm: Join Our Shelter Response Team

Disasters Don’t Wait. Neither Do We.

Be there when it matters most.

When hurricanes hit, wildfires rage, or families are forced to flee their homes, the American Red Cross opens its doors — and hearts — to those in need. But we can't do it alone. We need compassionate, capable people like you to help provide shelter, support, and comfort in the wake of crisis.

 Join Us as a Sheltering Service Associate

As a Red Cross Sheltering Service Associate, you'll be on the front lines of disaster relief, helping to open and operate emergency shelters. Your role will provide warmth, safety, and hope to those facing some of the hardest days of their lives.

Whether it's offering a blanket and a meal, listening with empathy, or helping someone find their loved ones, you’ll be a source of light in the darkness.

What You’ll Do:

Responsibilities vary based on the shelter’s needs and your assignment. You may help with:

• Reception & Registration — welcoming clients and helping them get settled
• Dormitory — setting up sleeping areas and ensuring comfort
• Feeding — supporting meal service and ensuring nutrition needs are met

Information & Communication — helping clients access services and updates

• Supplies — organizing and distributing essential items
• Providing comfort and excellent service to those displaced by disaster

 Time Commitment:

• Local/Regional deployments: Shift work depending on disaster scale; volunteers typically serve 8–12 hours per day for multiple consecutive days.
• National deployments (optional): Typically require a 12–14 day commitment and a valid driver's license.

 What You’ll Need:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Be willing to volunteer in person during or after a disaster
• Ability to work in dynamic, emotionally charged environments
• Strong team spirit and ability to follow direction
• Comfort working with people of diverse backgrounds and needs
• Ability to read, write, and follow instructions in English
• Willingness to complete 3.5 hours of virtual, self-paced training
• Comply with public health and Red Cross safety policies
• A valid driver’s license (for those willing to deploy nationally)

Why It Matters:

As a Red Cross volunteer, you become more than a helper — you become a source of hope. You meet people on their hardest day and remind them they’re not alone. You’ll walk away knowing you made a real, human difference.

 Ready to Be the Light in Someone’s Darkest Hour?

Join our team of shelter heroes.
Sign up now to become a Sheltering Service Associate and help us turn compassion into action.