volunteer safety guidelines
purpose
background and challenges
background and challenges
The safety of our volunteers, the dignity of those we serve, and the integrity of our outreach mission are our priorities. This document provides essential guidance for volunteers participating in the distribution of water to individuals experiencing homelessness or other forms of vulnerability.
background and challenges
background and challenges
background and challenges
Outreach work is deeply meaningful, but it may expose you to emotionally or psychologically challenging situations. Please carefully consider your readiness to participate.
During outreach, you may encounter individuals living in extremely difficult conditions. Some may be unwashed, partially clothed or naked, or have visible infections, untreated injuries, or amputations. Others may be intoxicated, using drugs, in acute mental health crisis, or engaged in survival sex work. It is not uncommon to see individuals interacting with pimps or clients, or in possession of drug paraphernalia such as needles or pipes. Encampments often lack basic sanitation and may contain hazards like broken glass, human waste, or brackish water.
These realities reflect deeper systemic issues such as poverty, trauma, addiction, and mental illness. Your role is not to intervene, but to offer safe drinking water and a brief moment of human connection rooted in kindness, respect, and non-judgment. Prioritize your safety, remain alert, and follow all outreach protocols.
approach and interaction
background and challenges
approach and interaction
- Approach individuals respectfully and from the front; maintain a comfortable distance.
- Use open body language and a calm, friendly tone.
- Begin with a simple greeting (e.g., “Hi there, would you like some water today?”).
- Respect when someone declines and move on without pressure.
- Avoid sudden movements, standing over someone, or asking personal questions.
- Do not enter tents, makeshift shelters, enclosed spaces, or vehicles.
- Remain in open, visible areas and never separate from your team.
- Be prepared for a range of responses—some may welcome the interaction; others may be guarded or defensive.
- Stay in pairs or small teams and follow the guidance of your outreach coordinator.
general conduct
health & hygiene
approach and interaction
- Treat everyone with respect, compassion, and dignity.
- Maintain a non-judgmental and friendly demeanor.
- Your conduct reflects the mission. Represent it with integrity.
- Respect each individual’s choice to accept or decline water.
- If comfortable, offer your first name and ask for theirs. Fist bumps are welcome.
- This is a faith-based mission—feel free to say, “God bless you.”
personal safety
health & hygiene
health & hygiene
- Never conduct outreach alone.
- Carry a charged phone and emergency contacts.
- Wear your safety vest and carry ID.
- Stay in well-lit, public, populated areas.
- Do not wake individuals who are sleeping or unconscious.
- If asked for money, food, cigarettes, rides, etc., politely decline with simple phrases like: “I can offer you water, I’m sorry I don’t smoke,” or “I’m not permitted to give rides.”
health & hygiene
health & hygiene
health & hygiene
- Sanitize hands before handling water bottles.
- Only distribute sealed, unexpired, clean bottles.
- Stay home if you’re feeling unwell—your shift will be rescheduled.
- Carry sanitizer and consider wearing gloves.
- Avoid touching your face, eating, drinking, or smoking during outreach.
- Sanitize after each encounter.
boundAries & situational awareness
boundAries & situational awareness
boundAries & situational awareness
- Stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
- Always have an exit plan when entering an encampment.
- Watch for hazards: needles, broken glass, contaminated water.
- Do not share personal contact information.
- Leave immediately if the area feels unsafe or a team lead instructs you to.
- Never photograph or record people without permission.
- Avoid political, religious, or emotionally charged discussions.
- Keep conversations brief if someone is incoherent or in distress.
- If asked, you can explain that I Was Thirsty is a mission of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Community Outreach.
emergency situations
boundAries & situational awareness
boundAries & situational awareness
- If in immediate danger, leave the area and call 911.
- For medical emergencies, do not administer first aid. Observe from a distance and call emergency services.
- Report safety concerns to your coordinator promptly.
supplies & equipment
boundAries & situational awareness
weather & environmental hazards
- Bring only essential items: water bottles, gloves, sanitizer, ID.
- Avoid bringing valuables or wearing excessive jewelry.
- Store personal items securely in the delivery vehicle.
- Wear closed-toed, sturdy shoes.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and your own hydration if distributing on foot.
- Do not carry weapons of any kind.
weather & environmental hazards
active police, fire or ems presence
weather & environmental hazards
- Check the forecast and dress appropriately.
- Use sunscreen and stay hydrated.
- In high heat, take breaks and watch for signs of heat exhaustion.
active police, fire or ems presence
active police, fire or ems presence
active police, fire or ems presence
- Police, Fire, and EMS may not know about the I Was Thirsty mission.
- Never interfere with their work or cross police tape or security boundaries.
- Follow all directions immediately and respectfully.
- Do not film or photograph officials performing their duties.
- If permitted and safe, leave water in a public space and exit.
- You may offer water to officials and let them know our church is praying for their safety.
debrief & support
active police, fire or ems presence
active police, fire or ems presence
After each shift, please report to your coordinator:
- Volunteer hours
- Kilometers traveled
- Number of water cases delivered
- Any challenges or incidents
- Suggestions for improvement
Outreach can be emotionally impactful. If you feel overwhelmed, speak to a team leader—we are here to support each other.
Your safety and well-being are just as important as our mission. Thank you for your commitment to restoring dignity and hope—one bottle of water at a time.
Stay safe. Stay kind. Stay hydrated.
volunteer code of conduct
volunteer code of conduct
I Was Thirsty – Volunteer Code of Conduct
Purpose
The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to ensure that all volunteers, staff, and partners of I Was Thirsty operate with respect, professionalism, and safety in their interactions with the unhoused and vulnerable populations in Thunder Bay. Our goal is to provide clean water, dignity, and compassion to those in need while maintaining a safe, supportive environment for all participants.
1. Respect and Dignity
- Treat all individuals, regardless of background or circumstances, with respect and compassion.
- Protect the dignity and privacy of every recipient of our services.
- Avoid judgment, discrimination, or harassment in any form.
2. Professional Conduct
- Volunteers should act in a professional and responsible manner at all times.
- Maintain clear and positive communication with recipients, other volunteers, and community partners.
- Follow instructions from program coordinators and report concerns promptly.
3. Safety and Responsibility
- Prioritize personal safety and the safety of others during all volunteer activities.
- Follow all safety guidelines when delivering water, including handling equipment and interacting in public spaces.
- Do not engage in risky or illegal activities during program participation.
- Report any incidents, hazards, or emergencies immediately to a program coordinator.
4. Confidentiality
- Respect the confidentiality of any personal information shared by recipients or volunteers.
- Do not disclose sensitive information outside the organization without explicit permission.
5. Substance Use
- Volunteers must not use alcohol or recreational drugs while participating in program activities.
- Volunteers under the influence of any substance are prohibited from serving or interacting with recipients.
6. Inclusivity and Non-Discrimination
- Promote an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome.
- Discrimination, harassment, or bullying based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other characteristic is strictly prohibited.
7. Conflict Resolution
- Address conflicts respectfully and constructively.
- Report unresolved conflicts to program coordinators for mediation.
8. Representation of the Organization
- Represent I Was Thirsty positively and accurately in all communications, including social media.
- Volunteers may not speak on behalf of the organization without prior approval from leadership.
9. Commitment to Mission
- Understand and uphold the mission of I Was Thirsty: delivering water, dignity, and compassion to those in need.
- Be punctual, reliable, and prepared for volunteer shifts.
10. Acknowledgment
By volunteering with I Was Thirsty, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to abide by this Code of Conduct. Failure to comply may result in removal from volunteer activities.
Checklist and Verification
This checklist ensures all volunteers uphold the values of respect, safety, and professionalism while supporting our mission: delivering water, dignity, and compassion to those in need.
Volunteer Responsibilities
☐ I will treat all recipients, volunteers, and staff with respect, dignity, and compassion.
☐ I will maintain professional conduct at all times, including clear and positive communication.
☐ I will prioritize safety, follow all guidelines, and report hazards or incidents promptly.
☐ I will protect the confidentiality of personal information shared with me.
☐ I will not use alcohol or recreational drugs while volunteering.
☐ I will promote inclusivity, avoid discrimination or harassment, and work in the spirit of reconciliation with our First Peoples.
☐ I will handle conflicts respectfully and report unresolved issues to program coordinators.
☐ I will represent the organization positively and refrain from speaking on its behalf without permission.
☐ I will commit to the mission, be punctual, reliable, and prepared for my volunteer activities.
Acknowledgment
I have read, understood, and agree to follow the above Code of Conduct while volunteering with I Was Thirsty.
Name: ___________________________
Signature: _______________________
Date: ___________________________
"...For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in..."
Matthew 25:35 NIV
