Volunteer & Website Terms
The short version: we're neighbors keeping each other warm. Nobody is paid, nobody is a professional, and we're all doing our best. These terms just make that clear so we can keep doing it.
Last updated: November 12, 2026
1. Who we are
The Scioto Warming Station is a group of neighbors who volunteer to keep people warm on cold nights. We are not a registered nonprofit or tax-exempt organization, and we are not a government agency, hospital, licensed shelter, or emergency service. Everyone here is a kind human, not a professional.
2. What we do and do not provide
- We offer a warm place to rest, and sometimes drinks, food and supplies, when volunteers are available. Hours can change or end without notice because of staffing, weather, safety or space.
- We do not provide medical care, mental-health care, case management, or supervision. In an emergency call 911.
- Nothing here guarantees that the station will be open, staffed, or able to meet any particular need.
3. Signing up to volunteer
- Signing up is a plan, not a contract. Please cancel as early as you can if you cannot come; you can do that under "My shifts." We may change, combine or cancel shifts and may ask any volunteer to leave or stop volunteering at any time.
- Volunteers must be 18 or older, or have a parent or guardian sign up and stay with them.
- Volunteers agree to follow facilitator instructions, treat guests and each other with respect, and not come while impaired. Bring only what you are comfortable having with you.
- Volunteers are not employees and are not paid. Volunteering does not create an employment or agency relationship.
4. Assumption of risk
I understand that volunteering and visiting the station involve risks, including exposure to illness, cold and wet weather, slips and falls, interactions with people in distress or conflict, handling food and supplies, and travel to and from the site at night. I choose to take part voluntarily and accept those risks.
5. Release and indemnity
To the fullest extent the law allows, I release and agree not to sue the Scioto Warming Station, its volunteers and facilitators, the property owner or host the host site or building owner, and their respective members, officers, directors and agents (together, the "Released Parties") for injury, illness, death, or loss of or damage to property arising from my volunteering or visit, including injuries caused by ordinary negligence of a Released Party. This does not release claims for gross negligence or intentional misconduct, or any rights that the law does not allow to be waived.
I also agree to indemnify (reimburse) and hold harmless the Released Parties for claims, losses and costs (including reasonable attorney fees) brought by anyone else that arise from my own negligent or wrongful conduct while volunteering or visiting, to the extent permitted by law.
If I am signing up a minor, I am their parent or legal guardian and I agree to this section for them.
6. Guests
People who come to the station for warmth are asked to sign the separate guest waiver. You can find it under "Sponsors & links." The station may refuse entry or ask anyone to leave to keep people safe.
7. Donations
Donations of money, food or supplies are voluntary gifts to a volunteer group. We are not a tax-exempt entity, so donations are not tax-deductible and we do not issue receipts. We do not guarantee how any particular donation will be used beyond supporting the station.
8. Photos
We will not photograph guests without their permission. Volunteers should not post photos or identifying information about guests.
9. Your information
See our Privacy Notice. By signing up you confirm you have read it.
10. Using this website
This website is provided as is, with no promise that it will always be available or error-free. Do not rely on it for emergencies. Please do not misuse it (including by signing up other people without their consent or trying to access others' information). We may remove sign-ups or block access at any time.
11. General
These terms are governed by the laws of the State of Ohio. If any part is found unenforceable, the rest stays in effect. We may update these terms; the date above will change. By ticking the box and signing up, you agree to these terms and we record the date and time you agreed.
Questions: Abby Spears, abby@sciotoconnect.org, 740-357-9773.