Volunteer Opportunities From: Wheeler Mission

Wheeler Connect is an informal time to connect with a member of our Volunteer Engagement team. It’s a chance to ask questions, learn more about our programs or locations, and talk through other ways you might want to serve.

Wheeler Connect takes place just before meal service at some of our Indianapolis locations. Some volunteers join Wheeler Connect before serving a meal, while others participate in Wheeler Connect on its own. You're welcome to do whichever works best for you! This time is meant to be conversational, helpful, and welcoming.

Wheeler Connect is currently available at the Center for Women & Children and the Shelter for Men in Indianapolis.

If you’re interested in scheduling a facility tour, a separate tour sign-up link is available.

A warm meal and a smile go a long way to the men coming through our doors. 

 

For Meal Service volunteer tasks may include rolling silverware, pouring drinks, plating food, or handing out trays. You will have the opportunity to interact with Staff and Guests in a meaningful way. This is a great way to show care and compassion for those we serve! Meal Service shifts are available 365 days a year: Lunch Service  (11:15 AM-1 PM) and Dinner Service (4:15 PM-6 PM). We have 11 slots available for each shift.

If you have a slightly larger group than slots available, please reach out. We can likely still accommodate your group.

You will be serving lunch/dinner to 100-250 men depending on the time of year. Meal Service is the Wheeler Mission's greatest volunteer need.

 Love your neighbors!

Qualifications for this opportunity:

A servant's heart, a good work ethic, and a positive attitude. Able to do manual labor for at least one hour, work well with others, listen to instructions, and carry out assigned tasks with minimum supervision. Minors between the ages of 8-17 years old must be accompanied by a parent or adult while serving.

 Entrance + Sign In 

Parking: You may park in the parking lot that is connected to the Shelter for Men. There is also parking on the street next to the shelter but you will have to pay for the time that you are volunteering. Entrance: Enter through the Volunteer Entrance Door #2 on Market Street. Ring the doorbell as these doors are locked and someone will let you in! If you’re not able to enter through these doors, please come to Door #1, the Admin Entrance. Let them know you are there to volunteer and how you are serving. You may call the main desk at 317-687-6795 if you have trouble getting into the building. Sign in (and out) at the Volunteer Check-In Kiosk(if you have any technical difficulties with this, please let us know) or through the App: CauseConnect by Galaxy Digital.

Groups + Youth  

All individual volunteers (including children) are required to sign up online prior to serving. Use this link to register your team. Individuals under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult and bring a signed parental waiver. We require 1 adult for every 5 youth under age 18. You can find a PDF of the youth liability waiver here. If you have a larger group than slots available, please reach out. We can likely still accommodate your group.

Other Information 

Dress code: Please wear close-toed shoes, pants, and shirts with sleeves in the kitchen. Please dress casually, comfortably and modestly for all other roles.  Interaction with guests: Always offer a smile and hello! Use discernment as to how to interact with guests of the opposite gender. Please do not exchange contact information. Gifts: Please do not give money or gifts, unless approved by the Volunteer Ministry Team or Wheeler staff person. Photography and videography: You are more than welcome to take photos of our buildings and your volunteer group, but photographs/videos including guests and residents are not permitted. Cell phones: Please refrain from using your cell phone while volunteering as this can be a distraction to other volunteers and staff. If you need to use the phone, let staff know and they will direct you to another area. Please do not wear earbuds or headphones during your volunteer time.  Personal belongings: Please leave belongings in a locked vehicle and out of sight. Wheeler is not responsible for lost or stolen property.  Safety + Security: Each of Wheeler’s residential locations has metal detectors and security cameras to ensure the protection of guests, volunteers, and staff. Please do not bring weapons into our facilities.  Please remember we serve a diverse population. Be aware that our homeless guests may have criminal backgrounds, including sex offenders (Shelter for Men and Center for Men only). Be Flexible: We ask that you come to your scheduled volunteer time with a patient heart and extend flexibility if your opportunity does not go as anticipated!? 

Thank you so much for serving with us! See you soon! 

Serve Healthy Meals, Spread Community Spirit!

We are excited to announce a new partnership with the Indianapolis Colts—introducing Colts Caring Mondays! Each Monday, volunteers will have the opportunity to serve nutritious meals, generously sponsored by the Colts, to our Indianapolis guests at Wheeler Mission.

The Colts are deeply committed to giving back to our community and ensuring that those we serve have access to healthy, nourishing meals. This is a unique and impactful way to give back alongside an organization that shares our passion for caring for others.

What to Expect:

Serve healthy meals to our guests.Help create a welcoming and positive atmosphere.Connect with others who care about our community.Wear your Colts gear to show your spirit and support!Hey, you never know—you might be volunteering alongside a Colts player!

Whether you're a long-time Colts fan or simply passionate about serving others, this is a great opportunity to make a difference. Join us for Colts Caring Mondays and help bring smiles, healthy food, and team spirit to Wheeler Mission!

We all know how a good haircut makes us feel - clean, confident, and professional! Barbers are needed to put their learned skills of hair cutting and styling to use at the Shelter for Men.

For this shift, we will create a sign-up sheet prior to your scheduled arrival, and you will come with all the supplies to cut hair for the men residing at our Shelter for Men. Depending on the duration of your stay and your speed you could cut between 5-20 heads during your shift. We are open to most days and times and are happy to work around your availability. Let's talk about your schedule!

This opportunity requires approval by the Volunteer Engagement Manager. Once you respond, a Volunteer Engagement Manager will contact you concerning availability.

Qualifications for this opportunity:

Must be a licensed barber or cosmetologist and submit your license for our records.

Must be able to cut a variety of hair types.

Must be able to set and maintain boundaries, have a high degree of integrity, maintain confidentiality, demonstrate sound wisdom and have a commonsense approach while interacting with guests.

Entrance + Sign In 

Parking: You may park in the parking lot that is connected to the Shelter for Men. There is also parking on the street next to the shelter but you will have to pay for the time that you are volunteering. Entrance: Enter through the Volunteer Entrance Door #2 on Market Street. Ring the doorbell as these doors are locked and someone will let you in! If you’re not able to enter through these doors, please come to Door #1, the Admin Entrance. Let them know you are there to volunteer and how you are serving. You may call the main desk 317-687-6795 if you have trouble getting into the building. Sign in (and out) at the Volunteer Check-In Kiosk(if you have any technical difficulties with this, please let us know) or through the App: CauseConnect by Galaxy Digital

Groups

All individual volunteers are required to sign up online prior to serving. Use this link to register your team: https://www.wheelervolunteer.org/start-here/groups/team-registration/. If you have a slightly larger group than slots available, please reach out. We can likely still accommodate your group.

Other Information 

Dress code: Please wear close-toed shoes, pants, and shirts with sleeves in the kitchen. Please dress casually, comfortably, and modestly for all other roles.  Interaction with guests: Always offer a smile and hello! Use discernment as to how to interact with guests of the opposite gender. Please do not exchange contact information. Gifts: Please do not give money or gifts, unless approved by the Volunteer Ministry Team or Wheeler staff person. Photography and videography: You are more than welcome to take photos of our buildings and your volunteer group, but photographs/videos including guests and residents is not permitted. Cell phones: Please refrain from using your cell phone while volunteering as this can be a distraction to other volunteers and staff. If you need to use the phone, let staff know and they will direct you to another area. Please do not wear ear buds or headphones during your volunteer time.  Personal belongings: Please leave belongings in a locked vehicle and out of sight. Wheeler is not responsible for lost or stolen property.  Safety + Security: Each of Wheeler’s residential locations has metal detectors and security cameras to ensure the protection of guests, volunteers, and staff. Please do not bring weapons into our facilities.  Please remember we serve a diverse population. Be aware that our homeless guests may have criminal backgrounds, including sex offenders (Shelter for Men and Center for Men only). Be Flexible: We ask that you come to your scheduled volunteer time with a patient heart and extend flexibility if your opportunity does not go as anticipated!? 

Thank you so much for serving with us! See you soon! 

Host a Special Event

Special events allow volunteers to create a safe and encouraging environment while providing a therapeutic time of relaxation and entertainment. This is time for our men to kick back and enjoy life after a long and often stressful week. Special events have the ability to uplift spirits, encourage hearts, and more importantly - praise God for who He is and what He has done. 

*This opportunity requires additional steps and conversations with a Volunteer Engagement Manager. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, click on "RESPOND AS TEAM" and go ahead and create a TEAM NAME and add YOURSELF as the leader (you can add email addresses and names of your teammates at a later point). One of our team members will be in touch to discuss dates and next steps!*

Qualifications for this opportunity:

A servant's heart and a positive attitude. Ability to prepare and lead a special event for a group of 30-200 depending on the location and the time of year. Desire to showcase a special talent or host a unique event.

Entrance + Sign In 

Parking: You may park in the parking lot that is connected to the Shelter for Men. There is also parking on the street next to the shelter but you will have to pay for the time that you are volunteering. Entrance: Enter through the Volunteer Entrance Door #2 on Market Street. Ring the doorbell as these doors are locked and someone will let you in! If you’re not able to enter through these doors, please come to Door #1, the Admin Entrance. Let them know you are there to volunteer and how you are serving. You may call the main desk 317-687-6795 if you have trouble getting into the building. Sign in (and out) at the Volunteer Check-In Kiosk (if you have any technical difficulties with this, please let us know) or through the App: CauseConnect by Galaxy Digital.

Groups + Youth  

All individual volunteers (including children) are required to sign up online prior to serving. Use this link to register your team: https://www.wheelervolunteer.org/start-here/groups/team-registration/. Children of all ages are invited to assist with Special Events. We require 1 adult for every 5 youth under age 18. You can find a PDF of the youth liability waiver here.

Other Information 

Dress code: Please wear close-toed shoes, pants, and shirts with sleeves in the kitchen. Please dress casually, comfortably, and modestly for all other roles.  Interaction with guests: Always offer a smile and hello! Use discernment as to how to interact with guests of the opposite gender. Please do not exchange contact information. Gifts: Please do not give money or gifts, unless approved by the Volunteer Ministry Team or Wheeler staff person. Photography and videography: You are more than welcome to take photos of our buildings and your volunteer group, but photographs/videos including guests and residents is not permitted. Cell phones: Please refrain from using your cell phone while volunteering as this can be a distraction to other volunteers and staff. If you need to use the phone, let staff know and they will direct you to another area. Please do not wear ear buds or headphones during your volunteer time.  Personal belongings: Please leave belongings in a locked vehicle and out of sight. Wheeler is not responsible for lost or stolen property.  Safety + Security: Each of Wheeler’s residential locations has metal detectors and security cameras to ensure the protection of guests, volunteers, and staff. Please do not bring weapons into our facilities.  Please remember we serve a diverse population. Be aware that our homeless guests may have criminal backgrounds, including sex offenders (Shelter for Men and Center for Men only). Be Flexible: We ask that you come to your scheduled volunteer time with a patient heart and extend flexibility if your opportunity does not go as anticipated!? 

Thank you so much for serving with us! See you soon! 

Host Art Therapy

Art Therapy allows volunteers to create a safe and encouraging environment while providing a therapeutic time of relaxation and entertainment. This is time for our men to kick back and enjoy life after a long and often stressful week. Art Therapy has the ability to uplift spirits, encourage hearts, and meet the men where they are at. This is an opportunity that can be hosted by an individual or a group.

*This opportunity requires additional steps and conversations with a Volunteer Engagement Manager. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, click on "RESPOND" or "RESPOND AS TEAM" and go ahead and create a TEAM NAME and add YOURSELF as the leader (you can add email addresses and names of your teammates at a later point). One of our team members will be in touch to discuss dates and next steps!*

Qualifications for this opportunity:

A servant's heart and a positive attitude. Ability to prepare and lead an art activity for a group of 6-15 depending on the activity. Leader must have Art Therapy experience.

Entrance + Sign In 

Parking: You may park in the parking lot that is connected to the Shelter for Men. There is also parking on the street next to the shelter but you will have to pay for the time that you are volunteering. Entrance: Enter through the Volunteer Entrance Door #2 on Market Street. Ring the doorbell as these doors are locked and someone will let you in! If you’re not able to enter through these doors, please come to Door #1, the Admin Entrance. Let them know you are there to volunteer and how you are serving. You may call the main desk 317-687-6795 if you have trouble getting into the building. Sign in (and out) at the Volunteer Check-In Kiosk (if you have any technical difficulties with this, please let us know) or through the App: CauseConnect by Galaxy Digital.

Groups + Youth  

All individual volunteers (including children) are required to sign up online prior to serving. Use this link to register your team: https://www.wheelervolunteer.org/start-here/groups/team-registration/. We require 1 adult for every 5 youth under age 18. You can find a PDF of the youth liability waiver here.

Other Information 

Dress code: Please wear close-toed shoes, pants, and shirts with sleeves in the kitchen. Please dress casually, comfortably, and modestly for all other roles.  Interaction with guests: Always offer a smile and hello! Use discernment as to how to interact with guests of the opposite gender. Please do not exchange contact information. Gifts: Please do not give money or gifts, unless approved by the Volunteer Ministry Team or Wheeler staff person. Photography and videography: You are more than welcome to take photos of our buildings and your volunteer group, but photographs/videos including guests and residents is not permitted. Cell phones: Please refrain from using your cell phone while volunteering as this can be a distraction to other volunteers and staff. If you need to use the phone, let staff know and they will direct you to another area. Please do not wear ear buds or headphones during your volunteer time.  Personal belongings: Please leave belongings in a locked vehicle and out of sight. Wheeler is not responsible for lost or stolen property.  Safety + Security: Each of Wheeler’s residential locations has metal detectors and security cameras to ensure the protection of guests, volunteers, and staff. Please do not bring weapons into our facilities.  Please remember we serve a diverse population. Be aware that our homeless guests may have criminal backgrounds, including sex offenders (Shelter for Men and Center for Men only). Be Flexible: We ask that you come to your scheduled volunteer time with a patient heart and extend flexibility if your opportunity does not go as anticipated!? 

Thank you so much for serving with us! See you soon!