GLOWS CANNOT OPEN AND OPERATE WITHOUT THE ASSISTANCE OF VOLUNTEERS!!  Please click on the volunteer button and sign up to be a GLOWS volunteer!  

We will need a volunteers to unload cots, dog crates, etc. from our storage trailer on site at the shelter about 7:00 p.m. the day before we plan to open the shelter, and return them to the trailer once we close (usually around 7:00 p.m. on the evening of the day we close).  These and other volunteers will also help set up the gym prior to the arrival of our guests.

We will also need volunteers to prepare and serve meals.  This usually consists of supper at 6:30 p.m. the evening of activations, and breakfast at 6:30 a.m. the morning of activations.

We also need volunteers to wash the blankets after we close.  We will reimburse you for the cost of detergent and use of the laundry mat facilities.

We need volunteers to ride with the bus during pickup/drop off to assist the driver, and volunteers to wait at pickup/drop off locations to encourage our friends to wait for the bus.

The majority of our volunteers help to check in individuals and families when they arrive at the shelter, direct them to the cots and blankets, assist in setting up cots as necessary, assist with ensuring everyone in the warming station follows the rules and stays safe, and answer any questions. 

We will provide mandatory training. We will also have trained staff at the facility at the beginning of each shift to go over procedures and answer questions.  Don't worry if we need to open before you've had a chance to attend a training class.  We will have you come in early so we can go over everything.  The work is not hard, and someone will be able to show you want to do when you show up for your shift.

We usually need approximately 14 people to cover all shifts through one overnight period. We have 3 teams of volunteers who rotate shifts. If we need to stay open the next day, we will need to ask for more volunteers to cover the day shift.  Our normal shifts are about 4 hours long, and are set up as follows:

4 people for 5:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. (registration)

3 people for 9:30 p.m. to 1:45 a.m. (monitor)

3 people for 1:30 p.m. to 5:45 a.m. (monitor)

4 people for 5:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. (monitor, guest exit)

If we think there will be a good chance of opening the shelter based on forecast, we will send out a "Warning" email to be watching for notification that we are opening.  This email will contain a link for signing up.  At that point, we ask our volunteers to go ahead and begin signing up for shifts.  We need to ensure we have all shifts covered.  We all know how Texas weather is, so we ask our volunteers to remain flexible and prayerfully consider filling in anywhere we have an opening.  We must have volunteers for every shift to be able to remain open.  

Once a decision is made on whether we will actually be opening or not, you will receive a notification email.  If we do open, you will then be reminded to show up for your shift.  If the forecast is such that we decide not to open, you will be notified not to come in.  We will try to give you as much notification as possible, usually two days prior to the day of activation (opening the shelter). 

If you add your cell number when you sign up, we can contact you by text.

Thank you for helping those who truly need our help to survive dangerous weather conditions!