Wayne County’s emergency warming center is offering a volunteer orientation session on Saturday, Oct. 4.
The training will be offered from 10 a.m. until noon at LifeSpring Church South, 501 S. Seventh St., Richmond, where the center operates on extremely cold nights. The session will take place in the basement of the church, which can be reached through the door on South E Street starting at 9:30 a.m.
Prospective volunteers will learn more about the warming center operations and volunteer expectations, and can ask questions about the many ways to contribute before deciding if the opportunity is a good fit.
The center is open overnight during freezing temperatures to offer a cot, a hot meal and other social service resources when available.
Last winter, volunteers helped shelter 476 guests on 32 of the coldest nights.
According to Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority, during the Jan. 29, 2025, Point-in-Time Count, Wayne County participants found 110 households and 130 individuals experiencing homelessness. The count included five youth, six seniors, 98 adults and 21 of unknown age.
Volunteers wanting to serve guests during open hours need to be 18 or older. They should be available for four-hour shift increments. Bringing a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license, state ID or passport, to the orientation is requested.
However, minors can help with light cleaning and setup or teardown before or after the center closes.
Those unavailable to volunteer also can donate food, supplies or funds.
Advance registration is encouraged for the volunteer orientation at eventbrite.com/e/ewc-richmond-volunteer-orientation-tickets-1722509104099
For more information, email ewcrichmondin@gmail.com or call/text 765-313-9670.
Those unavailable to attend the training can complete a volunteer interest form at forms.gle/iDA2qJGeQg7Soyei9.
A version of this article will appear in the October 1 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.