shippolicies

Revised 04/28/2003SHIP

Self-Help Interfaith Program

AGREEMENT TO POLICIES

SHIP Guests

1.Self-Help Interfaith Program ("SHIP") is a cooperative venture of congregations from different faiths in Orange County which accepts homeless guests who are looking for or just starting new jobs into a program where SHIP provides shelter (at congregation sites on a rotating basis), meals, budget and job counseling, and loving guidance. SHIP has established certain policies designed to provide guests with the tools and guidance to become self-sufficient -- to be working and have savings for permanent housing within a period of up to four months.

Those accepted into SHIP are guests of the program who agree to the following provisions. Guests are not tenants and remain in SHIP at the sole discretion of the SHIP congregations.

2.Guests must have been substance and alcohol free for a period of at least 30 days prior to entering the program. Absolutely no drugs or alcohol are allowed on or near any SHIP site. Any guest exhibiting disorderly or intoxicated behavior will be asked to leave immediately. SHIP reserves the right to randomly test guests for illegal drug or alcohol use.

3.Any applicant on probation, parole or with any criminal record must disclose the offenses prior to acceptance into the program and that information will be provided to the Church Coordinators. In addition, a waiver must be in effect at all times permitting any parole/probation officer or other government entity to provide information to SHIP as it deems necessary.

4.Guests will be assigned a personal advisor who will meet with that guest at least once per week. Personal Advisors will verify employment, pay, savings and any individualized requirements of the program (such as AA). Personal Advisors will also assist guests in preparing budgets, setting savings goals, and matching guest needs with available resources. Progress on goals will be monitored weekly or as established by the PA.

5.SHIP provides a bus pass for the first month a guest is in the program. Guests are responsible for the pass and extras or substitutes will not be distributed.

6.All SHIP guests receive their own private voice-mail.

Employment and Savings Goals

7.SHIP guests are required to actively seek and find qualifying employment within the first 30 days of the program. Qualifying employment is a single 36-hour (minimum) per week job, primarily days, in an employer/employee relationship and paying no less than minimum wage. Guests must complete a minimum of 12 applications per week (two each day Monday through Saturday) at hiring employers, which may be amended by the Personal Advisor or Program Director, and will provide verification of their efforts by completing a job lead log each day by 6:30 p.m.. Graveyard, full-time evening shifts and self-employment are unacceptable, as are commission only positions. Exceptions to these requirements are limited to extraordinary circumstances and must be approved by the Church Coordinators affected, the Personal Advisor, and the Program Directors.

8.Guests are required to follow an individualized savings plan and budget (as established with the PA). Guests will be required to show savings books, deposit slips, pay stubs, or money orders to the PA. All funds

saved are intended to be used for permanent housing. While guests remain in the program, funds shall be used only for the purposes in the established budget. Guests must consult their PA before making purchases other than those in the established budget. Loaning or borrowing money from staff, PA's, congregation volunteers or other guests is strictly prohibited.

9.Guests must attend all scheduled meetings with the PA, Program Director, Church Coordinator or other mandatory SHIP meetings, including weekly group, budget training, AA/CA/NA meetings.

Rules & Enforcement

10.The following infractions are cause for immediate exiting from the program:

Evidence of intoxicating substance use or abuse

Physical, threatening, or extreme verbal abuse of other guest or volunteers

Infractions that endanger life and/or property

Extremely disruptive behavior

Possession of any weapon (including knives)

Willful destruction of congregation or SHIP property

Discovery of dishonesty on SHIP documents

Theft of property

Any threat of violence

AWOL – Staying out overnight without prior approval from the Program Director.

11.Foul language or personal slurs against any guest or volunteer will not be tolerated.

12.For minor infractions, SHIP operates on a "three strikes and you're out" policy. Each guest is allowed two "strikes" with regard to minor violations of SHIP or individual congregation rules (including savings, goals, meetings, curfew). Guests will be informed in writing when a "strike" has been issued to them. Guests will be automatically exited upon receipt of a third "strike". Strikes may be issued by PA's, Church Coordinators or the Program Directors.

13.SHIP adheres to a strict curfew policy. All guests are expected to attend dinner. Alternate arrangements must be made in advance if due to work. Guests may leave after dinner but must return by 10 p.m. Leaving the premises after curfew is not allowed. Guests must sign in and out at all times. Guests should plan their schedules around mandatory evening meetings. Guests are not allowed to stay out overnight except when advance clearance has been given by the PA, Church Coordinator and Program Director. No overnight visitors are permitted. All other visitors must be approved in advance by the Church Coordinator.

14.Guests must leave the congregation site daily before 7:00 AM and arrive back no earlier than 6:00 PM, except on weekends or other special dates as established by the host congregation.

15.Guests must keep their living area clean and in good order. All guests will have individual and communal cleaning responsibilities. Guest must maintain proper personal grooming and cleanliness at all times.

16.No pets of any kind are allowed.

17.Pornographic material is not allowed at the site.

18.Guests must remove all personal belongings within 24 hours of exit. Any belongings left following 24 hours of exit (or non-contact) will be donated to charity or otherwise distributed to the needy.

19.Sexual activity on the congregation grounds is not allowed at any time.

20.Guests must also comply with site-specific rules as provided by the host congregation.

21.SHIP reserves the right to use discretion with regard to special circumstances as they relate to these rules and practices.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Initials

________I am aware that SHIP will be keeping case notes on my progress. I understand that these notes are the property of SHIP and will be utilized by SHIP volunteers only. I further understand that I have no right to review the notes of volunteers without SHIP permission.

________I have read and understand the items set forth in this agreement. I agree to abide by these rules and policies with the understanding that failure to do so may result in my being exited from the program.

________I agree to hold SHIP, its host and support congregations and the Shelter for the Homeless organization harmless against all damages, injuries, liabilities, actions, costs and expenses, either directly or indirectly, arising out of my participation in SHIP.

________I understand that SHIP may use my personal information for recruiting volunteers and funds or other support for SHIP, and authorize such use so long as my name and picture are not used without my further permission. This authorization shall remain valid for a period of not less than five years.

________I declare that all statements and representations I have made and will make to SHIP are true and correct, and understand that I will be accepted into the program for an initial two week probation period while my application information is verified and my appropriateness for the program is evaluated.

Guest Signature_____________________________________________Date ________

Witness_____________________________________________Date ________