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Opportunity Details
2025 Cold Patrol Community Canvasing
The Salvation Army participates in the Metro Nashville Cold Weather Community Response Plan. When temperatures are forecast to reach 32 degrees or below for three or more hours, The Salvation Army often helps to provide a “cold patrol” to conduct street outreach and provide information on the weather, shelter options, as well as supplies and resources. To help complete this mission, The Salvation Army seeks volunteers to be on standby when the plan is activated.
Cold Patrol Duties (6p-10p)
- Prepare the cold patrol outreach vehicle by loading it with adequate supplies including hand/foot warmers, available winter clothing (hats, socks, gloves, etc.), snacks, pet food and supplies, and water.
- Ensure the cold patrol outreach vehicle is fit for service, including clearing it of any snow/ice and ensuring it is road-ready with properly inflated tires, working lights, etc. Fill with gas as needed using company card.
- Drive to known encampments and along streets and roadways throughout Davidson County, stopping to alert and offer resources to those out in the cold. These often include drives along the “pikes” such as Dickerson Pike, Gallatin Pike, Nolensville Pike, Murfreesboro Pike, Hillsboro Pike, Franklin Pike, Harding Pike, Edmondson Pike, Donelson Pike, Stewarts Ferry Pike, Lebanon Pike, Clarksville Pike, Charlotte Pike, Brick Church Pike, Whites Creek Pike, Long Hollow Pike, Antioch Pike, etc. and their connecting roads. It also includes streets throughout the Downtown District and North Nashville including Jefferson Street, Buchanan Street, Broadway, Demonbreun Street, Church Street, Gay Street, Rosa L Parks Blvd, Lafayette Street, Main Street, West End Ave, and First through 18th (You are not expected to cover all these areas every night.)
- Provide transportation to shelter locations via the outreach vehicle, bus passes, partner agencies, or Uber. Shelter locations include the Nashville Rescue Mission, Room In the Inn and the Guest House, Launch Pad, and the Metro Emergency Shelter.
- Assess individuals encountered for signs of hypothermia, frostbite, severe intoxication, overdose, dementia, suicidality, and severe psychiatric symptoms and call for emergency assistance when warranted from EMS, Mobile Crisis, etc.
- Ensure the safety of fellow volunteers and staff by always being within eyeshot of each other and carrying a cell phone.
- Maintain records of the number of people encountered, number of supplies distributed, number of transports provided, etc.
- Participate in regular training on privacy, street outreach, trauma-informed care, cultural competency, and recovery-based language. Ensure the dignity and privacy of all people served. Serve without discrimination.
- Maintain appropriate and ethical boundaries with the people you serve.
All duties listed above will be in collaboration with a Salvation Army staff member.
A brief orientation for volunteers will be provided at 5:45pm from our staff experienced in working with this community.
Housing & Homelessness
People Experiencing Homelessness
Age Minimum (with Adult): 18+, Minimum Age:18+
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