Opportunities From: VolunteerME Mid Coast Maine

Tedford Housing’s overnight Warming Center serves as a safe space for our unhoused and unsheltered neighbors (including families and pets) in the Mid Coast region to stay warm during the winter months. This is a low-barrier program, which means the requirements to enter the center are minimal, we emphasize harm reduction principles, and uphold a high standard of safety. Using low-barrier and harm reduction principles allows us to provide a space for our most vulnerable neighbors by recognizing that many of our guests have complex needs and behaviors related to mental illness, substance use, trauma, and systemic injustice.  

As a Warming Center host, volunteers will support staff by attending to and serving the evening meal and addressing the needs of the kitchen. They will help set a tone of hospitality and create a welcoming, nourishing space as guests arrive. Volunteers will be based in the kitchen, while staff are in the common spaces assisting guests in getting settled for the evening. The role will require an orientation, provided by Tedford staff. 

Host Responsibilities Include: 

Representing Tedford Housing with professionalism, dignity, and pride 

Setting up and serving dinner and coffee 

Keeping kitchen clean and organized, including dishwashing, readying for the next day 

Other kitchen related responsibilities

Commitment: 

Seasonal (Nov 15-May 1) 

At least one 3-hour (approx. 3:45-6:45pm) once-a-week shift for the entirety of the season, preferably the same day 

Arrive on time 

Qualities: 

18 years or older 

Able to pass a background check 

Empathetic, non-judgmental, patient 

Solid understanding of the boundaries, confidentiality, and care needed in a low barrier setting 

Ability to de-escalate small conflicts and respond to guests with courtesy and empathy  

Tolerance for being around individuals experiencing symptoms of mental illness or substance use disorder including intoxication 

A long-standing volunteer effort at Tedford, volunteers or groups of volunteers provide an evening meal for the 16 guests at the adult shelter 365/days per year.  Volunteers bring a main course, salad/vegetables, and often bread or dessert to make it a full meal. Not a cook, but want to purchase a meal from a local restaurant to share with the guests? That's ok too!

Warm Thy Neighbor is a privately funded program that helps qualified residents of the following communities with emergency heating assistance: Brunswick, Topsham, Harpswell, Bailey Island, Cundy’s Harbor, Lisbon Falls, Lisbon, Lisbon Center, Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, Durham, Arrowsic, Bath, West Bath, Georgetown, Phippsburg, Richmond and Woolwich. 

Interviewer Responsibilities Include: 

Calling clients (1-4 people/shift) to review information and process (clients are already eligible) 

Fill out paperwork and send to Tedford for our records 

Call fuel companies to place fuel orders and confirm delivery date 

Commitment: 

Seasonal (late October through early April) 

At least one 3-hour once-a-week shift for the entirety of the season. (mostly mornings, not out of reg work hours) M-F (friday mornings only)  

Qualities: 

Empathetic, non-judgmental, patient listener 

Able to maintainhigh level of confidentiality 

Detail oriented  

Comfortable with basic tech-accessing Google calendar, can scan documents to submit, email 

A small group of committed, experienced, and patient volunteers supports this program and will provide appropriate training to get you started.