Making Winter Months Warmer for Springfield’s Vulnerable Residents

During the challenging winter months, Unity of Springfield transforms into an overnight crisis cold weather shelter, offering refuge and care for Springfield’s vulnerable population. From November 1 to March 30, our doors are open on days when weather conditions pose a serious risk to unsheltered individuals. We invite the compassionate Springfield community to join us in our endeavor to provide vital support to those most in need.

We have a variety of ways to get involved. From laundry, to cleaning, to staying overnight.

Proud Partnerships

In our mission to offer comprehensive services, we are proud to partner with the Community Partnership of the Ozarks and The Connecting Grounds.

Inclusivity and Openness

We are an all-genders shelter committed to providing a safe haven for everyone—couples, families, and individuals alike. Our philosophy is one of nondiscrimination, embracing all regardless of race, ethnicity, age*, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, economic status, or any other aspect of background or identity.

* Note: While we provide a secure environment, we can only accept minors when accompanied by a parent or guardian. For unsheltered minors in need of shelter, there are specialized social services programs available.

 

 

“The value of all service lies in the spirit in which you serve and not in the importance or magnitude of the service. Even the lowliest task or deed is made holy, joyous, and prosperous when it is filled with love. Let the God within you express itself through you in the world without.
– Charles Fillmore, Co-Founder of Unity

CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER!

Volunteer Opportunities for the Winter Months

Unity of Springfield is actively looking for volunteers to make our Crisis Cold Weather Shelter run smoothly and warmly. We have four different types of volunteer opportunities available:

Hospitality

Role: Hospitality volunteers set the tone for our guests by creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Responsibilities: 
  • Arrive at the shelter by 6:00 PM.
  • Set up the shelter space for guests.
  • Make coffee and stock the snack cart.
  • Greet guests as they arrive.

Overnights

Role: Overnight volunteers ensure that our guests have a secure and restful night.

Responsibilities: 
  • Arrive by 7:30 PM and assist guests in getting settled.
  • Lights usually turn off by 9:30 PM.
  • Coordinate overnight hours among volunteers to ensure each gets some rest.
  • Stay until the guests depart, typically by 7:30 AM the next day.

Laundry Transport

Role: We need reliable volunteers to handle our laundry logistics with Enterprise Laundry Services, which is conveniently located just 1.3 miles away from Unity.

Responsibilities: 
  • Pick up dirty laundry from the church around 7:00 AM.
  • Drop off dirty laundry at Enterprise Laundry Services.
  • Pick up clean laundry from Enterprise.
  • Return clean laundry to the church.

Food Delivery

Role: Not everyone gets a meal before coming to shelter. In past years we have had volunteers bring dinners to serve to our unsheltered friends.

Responsibilities: 
  • Make and bring a dish to share with our unsheltered friends.
  • We often have hospitality volunteers willing to serve the meal. However, we appreciate any help you are willing to provide.

Sanitation

Role: Sanitation volunteers play an essential part in maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of our shelter.

Responsibilities: 
  • Arrive by 7:00 AM at Unity of Springfield.
  • Clean the shelter area, bathrooms, and other common spaces.
  • All cleaning supplies are provided by the shelter.
  • The cleaning typically takes between 1-2 hours.

Connect with us!

If you would like more information about volunteer opportunities, please let us know!

 

Contact Us

Why We Shelter

A message from Sue Baggett-Day, the spiritual leader of Unity of Springfield.

Need help?

Unity of Springfield works closely with Community Partnership of the Ozarks. This organization is responsible for scheduling sleeping arrangements for the shelters across Springfield. If you are in need of additional assistance, we recommend reaching out to them directly.

Can we pray with you?

Compassion Booklet