Meal Service

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!