Harsh Weather Haven Winter Pilot

Cochrane, AB
On-site
Posted Oct 9, 2026
1 position

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Employment type: Full-time
Experience level: Entry, Junior · 0+ years
Posting language: English
Working hours: 40 hours per week
Seniority: Entry level

Job summary

Set up and staff a library warming station, providing warm drinks, food, clothing, and a welcoming place for people seeking shelter from the cold. Offer conversation and information about community resources, and share information about Helping Hands and its volunteer opportunities.

Job details

Summary As a Harsh Weather Haven volunteer you will be helping vulnerable people, and anyone else who is cold outside this winter in Cochrane. You will be setting up a warming station in the Cochrane Library, offering warm drinks, food, clothes and caring :) Location In-Person Cochrane, Alberta When Opportunity Type Ongoing - Start Anytime Schedule Flexible About This Opportunity Help your community as a Harsh Weather Haven volunteer! Starting in November 2026, we will roll out a winter Harsh Weather Haven (HWH) pilot in cooperation with the Cochrane Public Library. The Cochrane Public Library has traditionally observed high traffic of vulnerable people coming into its spaces during the afternoons and evenings when it gets cold while waiting for the bus. Helping Hands will be setting up a warming station in the library to help anyone who is cold. >The Harsh Weather Haven will be open Mondays to Fridays, from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm, divided into two shifts: 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, depending on when volunteers are available. >The Harsh Weather Haven will run from November 2, 2026, to February 26, 2027. Volunteers will set a table in the main area of the library, visible from the service desk, but with enough space to offer privacy. HWH volunteers will hand out warm hats, socks, hand warmers, granola bars, and warm cups of soup, coffee, or tea to people looking to shelter from the cold. Volunteers will also be willing to listen to anyone who wants to chat, as we all know how a little bit of social connection could go a long way for someone going through a tough time. There will also be a directory of resources that volunteers could offer to people who want to connect with other available services in the community. Vulnerable individuals won't be the only ones stopping by the table at this location, as volunteers may also get to tell visitors about what Helping Hands offers and volunteer opportunities. We are looking for a roster of volunteers willing to take a few shifts throughout the season. Each shift will have 2 volunteers; at least one will have First Aid training, and one will have either Trauma-Informed Care or Crisis Intervention training. Training will be provided as needed. Apply soon to take part in group training sessions for first aid and crisis intervention! Volunteer Requirements Whether you meet these requirements or not, we encourage you to share your interest in us. You may still be a fit for a different opportunity with our organization. Willing to undergo a background or police records check Comfortable commuting to opportunity location Own cell phone Minimum Age Additional Requirements Create volunteer account via www.helpinghandscochrane.ca Compassionate individuals Willing to complete training in trauma informed care Causes Community & Social Services Skills & Experience Community Development & Outreach Skills First Aid / CPR Crisis Intervention Skills Customer Service Tags compassion help #spreadthewarmth vulnerable people Warming Centre Support the Community

What you’ll do

Requirements

Volunteers must be willing to complete a background or police records check, have a cell phone, and create a volunteer account through Helping Hands Cochrane. Compassionate individuals are encouraged to complete training in trauma-informed care or crisis intervention; each shift also requires at least one volunteer with First Aid training.