Volunteer Opportunities From: Wheeler Mission

A warm meal and a smile go a long way to the men coming through our doors. Volunteers prepare trays, hand out drinks, roll silverware, help with clean-up, and offer another face of compassion!

For this shift, you will be serving dinner to 50-80 men depending on the time of year. This is a great serving opportunity for families with children! We can accommodate families with up to 4 children. *If you would like to schedule your family, please reach out for help in selecting a date.

Warm food and a bright smile feed the body and soul

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: Metered parking is available on New York + Delaware Streets. Due to this location being directly downtown, our lot is very small and is reserved for staff and ministry vehicles. Unauthorized vehicles will be towed.  Entrance: Enter through the third door on Delaware St. Let them know you are there to volunteer and how you are serving. 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. Children of all ages are invited to assist with Special Events. We require 1 adult for every 5 youth under age 18.

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! 

Purchase, assemble, and deliver 120-130 Sack Lunches for Wheeler Mission's Men's Residential Center!

 

We need YOUR help to make sure sack lunches are supplied for our guests. Sack lunches typically supplement our hot meals and are a huge help to our Kitchen Staff! This is a great way to help Wheeler Mission offsite!

All teams are required to sign up online prior to serving. Use this link to register your team.                

What goes in the Sack Lunch?: Lunches should include

a sandwich (PB+J, lunchmeat, etc.), apple or orange, chips or cookies, granola bar, fruit snack or candy, and a drink (water/Gatorade, etc.).

We DO have the ability to refrigerate so things like string cheese would be great, too. Please prepare in a brown lunch sack with the date listed on the outside of the bag in Sharpie marker.

This opportunity is off-site, not at a Wheeler Mission facility. We prefer lunches to be prepared in a commercial kitchen. If that is not possible, we ask that you strongly follow the guidelines listed below:

NOT signing up for this opportunity if you aren't feeling well, have been exposed to COVID-19 or other infections, are currently under quarantine measures, etc.  Using pre-packaged food items when possible,  Wearing gloves while preparing the food, and Ensuring your workstation(s) are sanitized.

Where should I bring the lunches?: You can bring them to the Men's Residential Center @ 245 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis, IN 46204. The drop-off entrance is accessible from the alley between the building and the small parking lot. Follow the donation signs! Park near the back doors, ring the doorbell and Staff will assist you in unloading your vehicle.

When should I bring the lunches?: You'll sign up for a shift that's from 9 am-10 am, but that's just a placeholder! You can bring them any time between 9 am-5 pm.

What if I can only provide some of what's requested?: If you are able to bring at least half, please sign up for the shift as usual. If you can bring less than half, please plan to come, but leave the shift open for others to sign up, too!

Where can I find a commercial kitchen? Most local churches have a commercial kitchen! If you don't have access to one, reach out to a Volunteer Engagement Manager to use our kitchen.

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!

Partner with Wheeler Mission by providing a meal through the Share A Meal program! You will have the opportunity to purchase, provide, prepare, and serve the meal to our 80 guests + residents. This is a great way to feed the troops and support the Kitchen Staff! This opportunity allows families or groups (up to 25) to work together to create a special event by providing a unique menu and experience. Share a Meals happen for Lunch 11:15AM-12:30PM) or Dinner (4:15AM-5:30PM) any day of the week. You can schedule to arrive as early as necessary to get the meal ready. Share a Meal hosts have many different options:

cook the meal in our kitchen or yours, cater the meal from a local favorite restaurant, stay and sere the meal or just drop off, provide tablecloths and centerpieces (or not), include notes with each tray (if desired), provide dinner entertainment/music (if that is your skill set).

Let's talk about scheduling your event!

*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!*

 Share a Meal is a GREAT ministry opportunity!

Qualifications for this opportunity:

A servant's heart, good work ethic, and a positive attitude. Ability to prepare and provide a meal for a group of 50-80 people depending on the time of year. Ability to serve the meal or drop off at our location.

Entrance + Sign In 

Parking: Metered parking is available on New York + Delaware Streets. Due to this location being directly downtown, our lot is very small and is reserved for staff and ministry vehicles. Unauthorized vehicles will be towed.  Entrance: Enter through the third door on Delaware St. Let them know you are there to volunteer and how you are serving. 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.

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! 

Music has the ability to uplift spirits, encourage hearts, and more importantly - praise God for who He is and what He has done. Praise & Worship volunteers facilitate this by providing a safe, relaxing, and encouraging environment and leading residents into a time of music, devotional, and praise.

*This opportunity requires additional steps and conversations with a Volunteer Engagement Manager. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, 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!*

Praise His name forever!

Qualifications for this opportunity: This is a Christ-centered serving opportunity that requires the leader go through an application process. Reach out if you are interested in learning more about this opportunity. 

Co-ed groups of up to 25 are welcome. The leader must be a spiritually mature person that is actively growing in their walk with Jesus and can sign in agreement with Wheeler Mission's Statement of Faith. Able to serve one-time, semi-regularly, or on a regular basis. Must have experience with leading people into Christ-centered worship, be able to demonstrate sound Biblical wisdom, strong interpersonal skills, able to set and maintain boundaries, have a high degree of integrity, able to maintain confidentiality, extend flexibility & encouragement, and exercise discernment. Regular Praise & Worship Volunteers will be required to go through the High Impact application process, which includes an interview process.

Entrance & Sign In 

Parking: Metered parking is available on New York + Delaware Streets. Due to this location being directly downtown, our lot is very small and is reserved for staff and ministry vehicles. Unauthorized vehicles will be towed.  Entrance: Enter through the third door on Delaware St. Let them know you are there to volunteer and how you are serving. Sign in at the Volunteer Check-In Kiosk (if you have any technical difficulties with this, please let us know) or through our App.

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/. Individuals under age 18 must be accompanied adult and bring a signed parental waiver. We require 1 adult for every 5 youth under age 18.

Other Information 

Dress code: Please wear close-toed shoes, pants, and shirts with sleeves. Please dress modestly.  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 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! 

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 Men's Residential Center (MRC).

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. 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. 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: Metered parking is available on New York + Delaware Streets. Due to this location being directly downtown, our lot is very small and is reserved for staff and ministry vehicles. Unauthorized vehicles will be towed.  Entrance: Enter through the third door on Delaware St. Let them know you are there to volunteer and how you are serving. 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" 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:

Co-ed groups of up to 15 are welcome. Let's talk if your group is larger! Volunteers should be outgoing with good interpersonal skills, have the ability to work independently, set and maintain boundaries, have a high degree of integrity, maintain confidentiality, demonstrate sound wisdom and have a common sense approach while interacting with guests & residents. Minors are welcome and must be accompanied by a parent or adult while serving (Parents, please use your discernment when children are younger than 8 years old).

Entrance + Sign In 

Parking: Metered parking is available on New York + Delaware Streets. Due to this location being directly downtown, our lot is very small and is reserved for staff and ministry vehicles. Unauthorized vehicles will be towed.  Entrance: Enter through the third door on Delaware St. Let them know you are there to volunteer and how you are serving. 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.

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! 

Enjoy a fun weekend activity fellowshipping with men in long-term programs at our Men's Residential Center. Recreation Time volunteers plan an activity or two (like board games, Bingo, or minute-to-win-it type activities), bring supplies (and snacks!), and then host a time of fellowship for the men! 

*This opportunity requires additional steps and conversations with a Volunteer Engagement Manager. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, 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!*

Recreation Time is only limited by your imagination!

Qualifications for this opportunity:

Co-ed groups of up to 15 are welcome. Let's talk if your group is larger! Volunteers should be outgoing with good interpersonal skills, have the ability to work independently, set and maintain boundaries, have a high degree of integrity, maintain confidentiality, demonstrate sound wisdom and have a common sense approach while interacting with guests & residents. Minors are welcome and must be accompanied by a parent or adult while serving (Parents, please use your discernment when children are younger than 8 years old).

Entrance + Sign In 

Parking: Metered parking is available on New York + Delaware Streets. Due to this location being directly downtown, our lot is very small and is reserved for staff and ministry vehicles. Unauthorized vehicles will be towed.  Entrance: Enter through the third door on Delaware St. Let them know you are there to volunteer and how you are serving. 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.

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!