Needs From: United Way of Southwest Michigan

Volunteer: Help Homeless Sheltered Families

Emergency Shelter Services, Inc. implements and manages strategic programs to prevent homelessness for singles and families in Berrien County and also provides support and resources to ensure that each member of our community reaches their highest level of self-sufficiency. We run the only family homeless shelter in Berrien County.

Come provide and serve a daily meal, collect or provide household items that are vital to families, help paint or decorate rooms and more. If you would like to bring your group to help please respond to this need. Our families often come to us with nothing and we could use your help to fill them with faith, hope, and love while they are staying with us. 

Agency: Emergency Shelter Services

Emergency Shelter Services, Inc. implements and manages strategic programs to prevent homelessness for singles and families in Berrien County and also provides support and resources to ensure that each member of our community reaches their highest level of self-sufficiency. We run the only family homeless shelter in Berrien County.

Come provide and serve a daily meal, collect or provide household items that are vital to families, help paint or decorate rooms and more. If you would like to bring your group to help please respond to this need. Our families often come to us with nothing and we could use your help to fill them with faith, hope, and love while they are staying with us. 

Agency: Emergency Shelter Services

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 49022

Allow Groups: Yes

Volunteer: ESS Looking for Social Media Volunteer

Emergency Shelter Services (ESS) is looking for a social-media savvy individual who is willing to curate social media content for Facebook and Instagram platforms 2x/month. This position will help bring awareness to Berrien County's unhoused population and highlight the work done by ESS to end homelessness. 

This position would operate remotely (with a flexible schedule of your choosing) and in partnership with the ESS Marketing Committee. Social media and marketing experience is preferred.


Agency: Emergency Shelter Services

Emergency Shelter Services (ESS) is looking for a social-media savvy individual who is willing to curate social media content for Facebook and Instagram platforms 2x/month. This position will help bring awareness to Berrien County's unhoused population and highlight the work done by ESS to end homelessness. 

This position would operate remotely (with a flexible schedule of your choosing) and in partnership with the ESS Marketing Committee. Social media and marketing experience is preferred.


Agency: Emergency Shelter Services

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 49022

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Join the Emergency Shelter Services Board of Directors

Do you have a passion for helping homeless families in our area? The Emergency Shelter Services has is looking for qualified individuals to join our Board of Directors.

Current Board of Directors

Emergency Shelter Services, Inc. (ESS) is a nonprofit that services the homeless and those experiencing housing instability. Our various programs and support help the residents of Berrien County get back on their feet, creating hope for a better future. 

As a board, we are shifting from a working board to an advisory board, where our primary goal is to leverage our time, effort, and networks to raise funds and community awareness for Emergency Shelter Services (ESS). The efforts of our board directly impact the success of ESS and its ability to continue operating Shelter and grant-based programs helping those most at risk for housing instability throughout Berrien County. 

Expectations of the Board

As the highest leadership body of the Emergency Shelter Services, Inc. and to satisfy its fiduciary duties, the ESS Board of Directors is responsible for:

Determining the mission and purposes of the organizationFundraising and resource developmentStrategic and organizational planning in conjunction with the Executive DirectorEnsuring strong fiduciary oversight and financial management in conjunction with the Executive Director and the appointed Financial Firm Enhancing the organization’s image throughout the community Assessing its own performance as the governing body of the organization

Expectations of Individual Board Members

Each individual board member is expected to:

Know the organization’s mission, policies, programs, and needs Faithfully read and understand the organization’s financial statements Serve as active advocates and ambassadors for the organization Leverage connections, networks, and resources to develop collective action to fully achieve the organization’s mission Give meaningful personal financial donations Help identify personal connections that can benefit the organization’s fundraising and reputational standing, and can influence public policy Prepare for, attend, and conscientiously participate in board meetings Participate fully in monthly committee meetings Follow the organization’s bylaws, policies, and board resolutions Disclose potential conflicts before meetings and actual conflicts during meetings Maintain confidentiality about all internal matters of the organization

Time Commitment:
Currently, the ESS Board of Directors meets monthly on Mondays at 6pm. This may occasionally adjust depending on scheduling conflicts of board members. 

Process: 

Respond to this post.Expect a response from an ESS Board Member which will include an application.Meet with the ESS Board President.Attend a Board meeting.Board votes on approval.

We hope you will take this opportunity to join us in making an impact in Berrien County. Reach out today!

Agency: Emergency Shelter Services

Do you have a passion for helping homeless families in our area? The Emergency Shelter Services has is looking for qualified individuals to join our Board of Directors.

Current Board of Directors

Emergency Shelter Services, Inc. (ESS) is a nonprofit that services the homeless and those experiencing housing instability. Our various programs and support help the residents of Berrien County get back on their feet, creating hope for a better future. 

As a board, we are shifting from a working board to an advisory board, where our primary goal is to leverage our time, effort, and networks to raise funds and community awareness for Emergency Shelter Services (ESS). The efforts of our board directly impact the success of ESS and its ability to continue operating Shelter and grant-based programs helping those most at risk for housing instability throughout Berrien County. 

Expectations of the Board

As the highest leadership body of the Emergency Shelter Services, Inc. and to satisfy its fiduciary duties, the ESS Board of Directors is responsible for:

Determining the mission and purposes of the organizationFundraising and resource developmentStrategic and organizational planning in conjunction with the Executive DirectorEnsuring strong fiduciary oversight and financial management in conjunction with the Executive Director and the appointed Financial Firm Enhancing the organization’s image throughout the community Assessing its own performance as the governing body of the organization

Expectations of Individual Board Members

Each individual board member is expected to:

Know the organization’s mission, policies, programs, and needs Faithfully read and understand the organization’s financial statements Serve as active advocates and ambassadors for the organization Leverage connections, networks, and resources to develop collective action to fully achieve the organization’s mission Give meaningful personal financial donations Help identify personal connections that can benefit the organization’s fundraising and reputational standing, and can influence public policy Prepare for, attend, and conscientiously participate in board meetings Participate fully in monthly committee meetings Follow the organization’s bylaws, policies, and board resolutions Disclose potential conflicts before meetings and actual conflicts during meetings Maintain confidentiality about all internal matters of the organization

Time Commitment:
Currently, the ESS Board of Directors meets monthly on Mondays at 6pm. This may occasionally adjust depending on scheduling conflicts of board members. 

Process: 

Respond to this post.Expect a response from an ESS Board Member which will include an application.Meet with the ESS Board President.Attend a Board meeting.Board votes on approval.

We hope you will take this opportunity to join us in making an impact in Berrien County. Reach out today!

Agency: Emergency Shelter Services

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 49022

Allow Groups: No