SHELTER POLICIES

BETHANY HOUSE SERVICES

Personal Belongings
Each guest's personal belongings are to be kept in her bedroom area. Valuables and money should be given to the House Manager, at the time of arrival. They will be labeled and held in safekeeping in the office. Lending or borrowing of money or other items is strongly discouraged by Bethany House Services. Staff will not settle any disagreements that may occur related to lending or borrowing among the guests.

Safeguarding of Guests Belongings
Under no circumstances are guest to be in each other's rooms. Guests may use lounge areas for private conversations with each other.

Safety
Guests will be oriented to safety rules and procedures of the Shelter. Fire exits will-be identified during the orientation tour.

Shelter Advocate
Each woman is assigned a Shelter Advocate who will serve as her caseworker during her stay. The guest and her Shelter Advocate will meet to develop a plan which includes: means of achieving necessary assistance, intended Length of stay at the Shelter and conditions mutually agreed upon in the contract of obligations. Each guests will keep a daily appointment with her Shelter Advocate. Guests are expected to be out of the Shelter each week day by 10:00 a.m. pursuing community resources and permanent housing. Each guest is accountable to her Shelter Advocate.

Daily House Cleaning Chores
Each guest is expected to help with the daily house cleaning chores and maintain a clean, orderly bedroom. Chores are listed on a sheet posted daily and should be completed by 10:00 a.m.

Personal Laundry and Bed Linen
Personal Laundry service is provided for the guests at the Shelter. To utilize this service, it is necessary that the attached instructions be followed. Guests are given clean sheets and towels once a week. To receive the clean linen and towels, the items that have been used during the past week need to be presented to the House Manager distributing the clean linen and towels.

Meals
The evening meal will be shaded at 6:00 p.m. All guests are expected to eat together at this time. On Friday and Saturday evenings, because of the 9:00 p.m. curfew, any guest wishing to be at the Shelter for the 6:00 p.m. meal must make this request by signing the meal list posted Friday and Saturday mornings. Guests are responsible for preparing their own breakfast and must complete breakfast and clean-up of the kitchen by 9:00 a.m on weekdays.
Guests may pack a lunch in the morning by 9:00 a.m. if they are planning to be out for the day. Lunch in the Shelter is prepared by the guests and is available between 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. Time of breakfast and lunch on the weekend and holiday is adjusted to the schedule of that day.

Use of Center Stairway
Guests are asked to use the center stairway and side door in order to avoid disruption of programs on the first floor.

Visitors
Family and friends of guest may visit in the living room with the approval of the Shelter Advocate obtained prior to the visit.

Food and Use of Kitchen
No food or beverages are to be taken upstairs. Guests are not to use the kitchen except at meal tunes and are expected to clean up the kitchen and dining area after each meal. Milk for babies may-be taken upstairs to the refrigerator on the second floor. The milk for babies must be kept in a baby bottle at time of feeding. No food (pop. fast food/ groceries, etc.) should be brought into the Shelter or on the premises. If you have any special food needs/please make this known to your Shelter Advocate.

Supervision of Children
Mothers are expected to supervise the children at all times. Children are not permitted in the kitchen or laundry room. Guests may not ask other guests or staff to baby sit.

Bedtime for children is ordinarily 8:30 p.m. unless otherwise approved by the staff. See attached rules. Adult guests are expected to be in their bedrooms by 11:00 p.m.

Smoking is permitted in the 2nd floor smoking lounge only.

No Alcoholic Beverages or Illegal Drugs
No alcoholic beverages may be brought onto the premises or in to the Shelter. Use of alcohol or non-prescription drugs (other than for medical purposes) by guests during their Shelter stay is prohibited.

Phone Service
Two phones are provided for use by the guests in the telephone lounge. All calls should be limited to 10 minutes and kept to necessary business and personal concerns. No long distance calls may be made without approval of the Shelter Advocate.

Access to Director
All guest will have access to the Director for consultation when necessary and for appeal regarding serious conflict.

Curfew
All guests are required to be in the Shelter by 6:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and by 9:00 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and before holidays. Exceptions require written approval of the Shelter Advocate.

Television may be watched in the evening after supper until 8:00 p.m. and from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Television may also be watched on Saturday and Sundays. Please keep the volume at a reasonable level. Other guests may be resting or putting children to sleep. A lack of respect for others regarding loud television may result in restrictions on television hours.

Personal Care
Guests must take a shower or bath on the day of arrival and daily during they stay at the Shelter. Good personal hygiene is expected to be maintained at all times.

Leaving the Shelter
Each guests when completing their stay at the Shelter are expected to: Clean the bedroom area, re-make the beds with clean linen and return used linen and towels to the House Manager, have an exit interview with her Shelter Advocate and the House Manager and leave a forwarding address.

Guests Who Do not Return to the Shelter or Leave Without Completing the Exit Procedure noted above shall forfeit possession of their personal belongings. These items will be packed on the day of exit and taken to a free clothing distribution center.

Personal laundry service is-provided for the guests of Bethany House Services Shelter. To utilize this service, it is necessary that you follow these instructions, please.

1.Place only one day of personal laundry for you and your children in the plastic bags provided.

The House Manager does not have time on the night-shift to launder more than one change of clothes for each guest.

If you need additional clothes laundered, please talk with the House Manager to make special arrangements for the additional laundry service.

2. Write your last name on the outside of the plastic bag. Marking pens are available in the white cabinet in the laundry room.

Any laundry bags that do not have the name of the guest (or family) on the outside of the bag will be left in the basement laundry and will not be included in the laundry service until it is marked with a name the next day.

3. The guests' laundry bags must be brought to the basement by 10:30 p.m. to be included in the laundry service of that night. Late bags will be held over until the following night to be washed and dried.

4. Any clothing needing special handling such as badly soiled underwear children's or adults) should be rinsed out by the individual guests before placing such clothing in the plastic bag for laundry service.

5. The clothing washed and dried during the night will be sorted and folded by the night House Manager and placed on the shelves in the laundry room.

6. Guests should pick up their clean clothes in the basement laundry room by 9:00 a.m. the next morning. The door to the basement is usually locked at 9:00 a.m. each morning.

7. If you have any questions and problems about laundry service or need clean clothes, please talk with the House Manager on duty.

We hope that this laundry service will be helpful to you during your stay at the Shelter as you work each day on your plans to find housing for yourself and your family.

REGISTRATION TIME:
3:00 to4:00 PM - BY PHONE ONLY. Names are taken for registration on a first call first served basis- IF YOU REGISTER AND DO NOT COME in WITHOUT NOTIFYING THE HOTEL, YOU WILL BE OUT OF THE HOTEL FOR 7 NIGHTS.

ADMISSION TIME:
From the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October, admission time is 8:30 - 9:00 PM.
From the last Sunday in October to the first Sunday r in April, admission time is 7:00 - 7:30 PM.

LENGTH OF STAY:
During spring and summer hours, 14 nights of lodging are provided for each person. Following this time, a person must be out of the Hotel for one month after which he/she may return for an additional 14 nights.

BAGGAGE:
All baggage (this includes boxes, bags, backpacks, hats and coats) must be checked at the front desk. Toiletry items may be taken to the dorms after being inspected. Clean clothing may be carried in hand -only; rolled up clothing will be inspected. NO STORAGE OF PERSONAL ITEMS IS PROVIDED. All such items must be picked up at the front desk upon departure. ANY SUCH ITEMS I£FT IN THE COURTYARD OR AROUND THE BUILDING AFTER 11:00 AM WILL BE DISCARDED.

VALUABLES:
It is strongly suggested that you check all valuables i.e. wallets, money, I.D., etc. at the front desk.

SMOKING:
Smoking is allowed only in the dining rooms.

BEHAVIOR:
Peaceful behavior is necessary at all times in and around the Hotel. If you are uptight or someone else as giving you a hard time, see a staff member before things get out of hand. FIGHTING WILL RESULT IN ALL PARTIES INVOLVED BEING EJECTED.

RULES AND POLICIES - PAGE 2

WEAPONS:
No weapons of any kind are permitted in or around the Hotel. Check all such items at the front desk. If any are found on your person,once you have been admitted, you will be required to leave.

ALCOHOL/ILLEGAL DRUGS:
No alcohol or illegal drugs are permitted in or around the Hotel. You will be refused admission if you are found drinking or taking drugs anywhere around the building. If these items are found on your person after you have been admitted, you will be required to leave.

MEALS:
No food or drink from the outside may be brought into the Hotel. A meal is served after you are admitted. You may take no food from the dining rooms or kitchen into the dorm areas. This is necessary in order to prevent bugs.

SHOWERS:
You must shower before going to bed. If you do not, you may not stay in the Hotel.

LIGHTS OUT:
Lights go out in the dorms at 9:30 PM. Others may read or watch TV in the dining rooms until 11:00 PM.

WAKE-UP:
Wake-up time is 6:00 AM. A light breakfast is served at this time.

DEPARTURE:
All guests must be out of the building by 7:00 AM. (If the temperature is below 10 degrees, additional time will be given in the morning.)

YOU MUST MAKE YOUR BEDS BEFORE LEAVING!!

YOU MAY LEAVE NO PERSONAL BELONGINGS IN THE HOTEL!!

NEIGHBORHOOD:
We ask our guests not to loiter around such places as the Holden House, Wilkinson Plaza and Sinclair College.

LOITERING:
No guests are permitted in the courtyard or around the building between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM. ALSO, THESRE ARE NO PEOPLE PERMITTED IN THE COURT YARD AFTER ADMISSION TIME UNTIL 7:00 AM. NO SLEEPING IN COURTYARD!!

HOUSE POLICIES AND RULES - PAGE 3

1. Guests may use the address and phone number of the Hotel as a place to be reached. Phone messages will be posted at the board behind the front desk.

MAIL MAY BE PICKED UP BETWEEN 9 AND 11 AM MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY ONLY!!

2. Case Managers are available during the week. To schedule an appointment ask one of the staff members.

3. CLOTHING VOUCHERS ARE WRITTEN ON TUESDAYS ONLY BETWEEN 9 AND 11 AM.
Guests are permitted a clothing voucher only once every 45 days.

4. A staff member is available Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM to help guests with paperwork or to make referrals.

YOUR STAY AT ACCESS

1. Your stay at ACCESS is from 1 to 14 days; depending on your needs and your willingness to cooperate. Extensions can be granted up to 28 days based on your needs and your demonstrated efforts to correct your homeless situation. Extensions are determined by a full staffs consensus.

2. Once you leave ACCESS you are not permitted to return for 90 days. (This may be waived by the Executive Director for emergency circumstances.)

3. All residents (NO EXCEPTIONS) will meet with the Day Resident Supervisor once a week. A sign up sheet will be posted every Friday near the main office. It is your responsibility to schedule a time to meet with the supervisor.

ENTERING/EXITING ACCESS
1. When you enter the shelter, valuables and money should be given to a staff person to lock In the safe. You will then be asked to sign for any Items requested by you. You will have access to your locked up property from 8am to 4pm Monday through Friday. PLAN AHEAD FOR YOUR NEEDS.

(ACCESS is not responsible for any lost or stolen items that belong to you.)

2. In order to prevent theft, misuse and for the safety of children, all medications are to be given to a staff person upon entering the shelter. Medications will be dispensed according to your needs or prescribed schedule.

3. There Is NO ROOM FOR STORAGE of any kind at ACCESS. You may bring your clothing and personal Items only.

4. MUST sign-In and sign-outreach time you leave the shelter. This sheet is kept on the desk by I the main office.

5. There are two types of -EXITS at ACCESS. A "FREE WILL" EXIT means you have made other arrangements and you are willingly leaving the shelter. An "AGAINST WILL EXIT" means you have broken the rules and you are being asked by a staff person to leave the shelter. If you are exited "AGAINST WILL" YOU WILL NOT BE PERMITTED to room to ACCESS.

When you are exiting the shelter, PLEASE strip your bed, take your sheets, blanket, towel and washcloth that you were issued to the laundry room In the basement. Also, fill out an exit form, which will be given to you by a staff person.

DAILY SCHEDULE
Wake-up call is made at 7am - Monday through Friday. Wake up call on Saturday and Sunday Is 8am. (EXCEPTIONS are made for working residents by shift supervisors.) You are to get up at wake up call, shower, dress and make your bed by breakfast at 7:30am.
Bedtime for adults and teen-agers Is at 11:30pm - Sunday through Thursday. Bedtime is extended to 1am on Friday and Saturday. (For small children under 14 years of age see the section on children.)
CURFEW from November through April is 5pm. The summer CURFEW from May though October is 8pm. You are to be INSIDE the shelter at these times unless you have received special permission from a shift supervisor. Special permission will NOT be given for parties, bingo or play time.

A. These are the only times you are permitted to eat while at the shelter, unless under a doctor's orders (This must be verified by the doctor in writing.)

B. Food is NOT permitted anywhere in the shelter except in the dining room and the kitchen. Special permission by a staff person may be granted for special occasions for snacks to be eaten in the T.V. Room. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES IS FOOD ALLOWED IN YOUR ROOM!

C. If you will NOT be here for a meal, it is your responsibility to let the person cooking know.

D. A minimum of 1 person will be assigned meal preparation. This chore includes; Setting the table, Following the posted menu, Cleaning as you cook when ever possible, Serving the meal.

E. A minimum of person will be assigned after meal clean up. This chore Includes; Cleaning the tables, Proper storage, and covering of leftover foods. Cleaning of stove top and burners. Cleaning the microwave inside and out if used, Cleaning all four sinks. Washing, rinsing, and draining all dishes and silverware, Wiping the counter tops, and Cleaning out all three sinks.

5. Washing your clothes is permitted at assigned times ONLY. You will find a schedule of your assigned day and time on the basement door.

6. Chores are as follows:
A. You are responsible for cleaning your room everyday this includes: Making your bed. Dust, Hang up your clothes, Sweep the carpet, and Put your belongings away
B. You will be assigned other household chores on a daily basis in addition to your room. These chores such as Sweeping, Cleaning a bathroom, etc. are to be done BEFORE you leave the shelter. No Later Than10:am.
C. If you are not able to do your chores because of legitimate business you must make arrangements with staff person and a substitute resident. You and the substitute resident will both be held responsible for the chore being done.
D. Teenagers (14 & up) will be assigned appropriate chores.

CHILDREN AT ACCESS
1. Mothers are responsible for their children at all times.
2. Mothers should take turns supervising the playroom.
3. NO physical punishment or verbal abuse will be tolerated
4. Bedtimes for children are as follows:
Up to 9 years - - - By 8:00pm
10 to 13 years - - - By 10:00pm.
Teenagers - - - See adult bedtimes.

If your child is of school age and school is in session your child is required to attend school.
You are responsible for cleaning up after your child.
The playroom is provided for your children. Be sure you and your children leave the playroom clean.
Anytime you leave the shelter your child must go with you, regardless of their age. Staff, volunteers and other residents are never permitted to babysit your / children.
Sugar makes children overly active. PLEASE limit your child's sugar intake.

Children are to be seated (chair or high-chair) at the dining room table whenever they are eating. Mothers are responsible for feeding their young children.

VISITORS AT ACCESS
Visitors are NOT PERMITTED INSIDE THE SHELTER or on the property of ACCESS except for assisting a resident with their belongings when entering or exiting the shelter. Males are NEVER permitted in the shelter except to assist with these two actions. Females may visit in the reception area for brief period (10 minutes) ONLY when they are assisting you in resolving your homeless situation.
If you have an appointment outside the shelter a friend or relative may pick you up in front of the shelter on South High Street.
If your caseworker, counselor or minister is stopping by the shelter to see you PLEASE notify the shift supervisor in advance. These are the ONLY visitors permitted for any length at ACCESS, and they are allowed here for the convenience of the residents and community professionals Involved.

MAIL

1. Mail maybe be sent to ACCESS while you are here, the address 245 South High Street. Akron. OH. 44308.
2. When you leave ACCESS, you are responsible to fill out a change of address card immediately. (Get the card from a staff person.) Welfare checks cannot be forwarded
3. Until your change of address is effective, you may come to the shelter to pick up your mail. After two (2) weeks all unclaimed mail will be returned to the Post Office

PARKING
There is NO PERMANENT (24 hour) PARKING FOR RESIDENTS. If you have a car it must removed out of the parking lot by 7:30am and can't be parked there again until 5pm.

PHONES
1. There are two (2) phones available to residents. The ACCESS office phone and the pay phone (253-0051).
2. The ACCESS office phone is for BUSINESS CALLS ONLY, such as your caseworker/welfare, apartment hunting, etc. You MUST ask a staff person for permission to use the office phone. The staff, person will dial the number for you. This phone has LIMITED usage since ACCESS is charged for each call made.
3. The pay phone is for your use to make calls as well as receive calls from 8:00am to l0:00pm daily. There are NO phone call between l0:00pm and 8:00am.
4. You must be courteous regarding the time spent on the phone. Be considerate residents as to length of time per call. You are NOT PERMITTED to use loud or abusive language on the phone.
5. You will follow the instructions of at staff person requesting you to end your conversation.

RADIOS
1. Radios are permitted in your room but must be played a volume that will not disturb other residents.
2. RADIOS ARE NEVER TO be PLAYED BETWEEN 11:30pm and 7am.

Chores
See the Direct Service staff for a daily chores and complete it by 10:00am. Be sure to notify them when you are done.

Complaints & Grievances
You may file a written complaint if you believe that your rights have been violated or you have been treated unfairly. You are encouraged to try to resolve problems you are experiencing with other residents or staff before you fill a written complaint. You can obtain a Client Complaint form from the Direct Service desk. Please request staff assistance to complete the form, if needed. The form should be turned in to the Office Manager for consideration by the Executive Director. You will receive a response to your complaint following an investigation by staff. Usually it takes 3 5 business days to receive a response.

Curfew
All residents are expected to return to the shelter no later than 9:00 pm on weekdays and 11:00 pm on Friday and Saturday, residents who have a valid activity (work or important personal event) may request a "late slip" for entry after the curfew. Other exceptions are not permitted.

Direct Service Contact Person
You will be assigned to a Direct Service Contact Person who will be available to assist you. You should meet with this Contact Person at least weekly and keep she/he informed about your progress. If you desire an extension, you will need to discuss your situation with him/her and return the completed Request for Extension form.

Dorm Hours
Dorms are closed at 8:00am weekdays and 11:00am on Saturday and Sunday. Dorms are opened at 9:00 am and Noon for 10 minutes to allow residents to retrieve belongings. Dorms open at 4:00 pm. Lights are turned out at 10:00pm each night.

Extension of Shelter Stay
You will be eligible for an additional extension or up to30 days if you observe shelter guidelines and procedures and you demonstrate one of
the following:

1. You are making progress toward steady income and housing and can document this progress. Documentation may include: pay stubs, copy of application for benefits, statement from case manager, copy of application for apartment.

2. You are activity participating in a program at Friends {employment Connections. Solutions & Possibilities, or Mental Health Liaisons).

You may request additional 30 day extensions if you observe shelter guidelines and procedures and you are actively participating in a program at Friends. You may not stay more than 270 days (9 months). Residents who are not active in a program shall not be eligible for an extension beyond 60 days.

ID'S
You will receive a Friends' ID card which is your pass into the building and to receive a towel for showers. Only one replacement card will be issued.

Lounge areas
Residents are permitted to congregate in the second floor lounge area until midnight Sunday Thursday and until 2:30 am on Friday and Saturday. Women residents observe the same closing hours in the first floor lounge area. Residents are discouraged from "hanging out" in the lounge during the daytime. Loitering in the lobby area and in front of the building is not permitted.

Meals
Dinner is served nightly by community volunteers between 6:30 and 7:30 pm. Other meals are provided as donations are available. Several churches provide free meals for lunch and dinner (see bulletin board or as a Direct Service staff person).

Personal Clean-up
You are expected to clean your bed area/daily. Please dean up after yourself in the shower and restrooms as well.

Re Entry to the Shelter
You will not be eligible for re entry to the shelter until at least 90 days have elapsed since your last stay. Exceptions to this guideline are made only for those who remain active in an agency program for 30 consecutive days.

Showers
To respect others, a daily shower is required. Please see Direct Service staff to receive a towel and notify them you're showering. Your ID card will be kept by the staff until the towel is returned.

Sign up for Beds.
Notify Direct Service staff by 4:00pm each day, if you plan to spend the night. If you don't sign up, your bed will be available to a new client. YOU may sign out for one night and keep your bed by notifying the Direct Service staff by 4:00 pm.

T.B. Test
All residents are required to complete a T.B. test at the ECCO Family Health Center within 48 hours of entry into the shelter. Direct Service staff will assist you in obtaining the test.

Wake up calls
You may request a wake up by notifying Direct Service staff by 10:30 p.m the night before. Wake up calls are done on the half hour (6:00, 6:30, 7:00, etc.). Final wake up is 8:00 am weekdays and 10:00 am on Saturday and Sunday.

SHELTER GUIDLINES

1. Respect of self, staff, and other residents is expected. Therefore, the following behaviors will not be tolerated: fighting, threats, harassment, excessive public display of affection or use of profanity Stealing or physical violence result may result in permanent loss of shelter.
2. The shelter is a drug free, sober environment. You may not stey in shelter if drugs or alcohol are in your system.
3. Weapons must be turned in to the Direct Service desk for safe keeping. You may request that it be returned any time you leave the building.
4. For the comfort of others, food and smoking are permitted only in the lounge areas.
5. Only residents and clients receiving day services are permitted in the building. Visiting may occasionally be arranged for special circumstances.
6. Residents are encouraged to fully participate in the programs available through the agency.

I have reviewed and understand the guidelines and procedures of the shelter, am aware of the services provided by Friends, know my rights as a consumer of Friends' services, and understand what is expected of me as a resident, I agree to work with the programs (which I select) and the staff of the shelter to meet my goals. I will show respect to and cooperate with others in the shelter in an effort to maintain a safe and healthy environment.

I am voluntarily using the free services of Friends and understand that in spite of staff's best efforts, the safety and security of myself and my possession cannot be guaranteed. I agree to hold harmless Friends of the Homeless. Inc., its staff and Board of Trustees for any injury and loss I may experience at the shelter on its grounds. I also agree that if I cannot arrange for necessary medical treatment, Friends' staff has the right to do so for me.

I am extended a 30 day period for shelter with the understanding that I am homeless with no other resources available and that I am pursuing a steady income and more permanent housing. I will be using my own resources to move toward those goals and I am welcome to use additional resources available to me through the various programs of Friends. I understand that I will be eligible for an additional 30 day extension if I am actively participating in a program of Friends (Employment Connections, Solutions & Possibilities or Mental Health Liaison) or can demonstrate progress toward both my income and housing goals. I will be eligible for additional extensions only if I am active in a program of Friends. It is my sole responsibility to request an extension by the date listed below by completing the Extension Request form and returning it to my Direct Service Contact Person.

Entry Date:______________ Extension Request Due Date:____________	Exit Date:__________________
_____________________________________________       _______________________________________
Resident Signature	Direct Service Contact Person
________________________ Date of this Agreement
White copy to Resident	Yellow copy to Resident File