Winter Contingency Monitor

** IMPORTANT REQUIREMENT:  Before your first shift as a Winter Contingency Monitor, you will be required to complete a scheduled, volunteer onboarding and shelter orientation session with our Wheeler Mission—Bloomington team.  Please review our Winter Contingency Monitor Orientation schedule here to sign up to attend.

Winter Contingency Monitors play a crucial frontline role at Wheeler Mission—Bloomington in ensuring that our neighbors experiencing homelessness have a safe, warm, and welcoming environment during the coldest months of the year. Volunteers assist staff with guest check-in, provide hospitality, support basic shelter operations, and help maintain a calm and respectful environment within our Emergency Shelter Services building.

This is one of the most impactful volunteer opportunities during the winter season — helping save lives when temperatures drop.

Key Responsibilities

• Welcome guests and support the check-in process
• Offer encouragement, hospitality, and respect to all shelter guests
• Distribute basic supplies as directed (blankets, hygiene items, etc.)
• Assist with meal and beverage service during relevant shifts
• Monitor common areas to help maintain safety and cleanliness
• Communicate any needs or concerns promptly to shelter staff
• Maintain professional boundaries and uphold Wheeler Mission policies