1. Policy Statement
Family Promise of Puget Sound is committed to providing a safe, secure, and respectful environment for all individuals and families seeking temporary shelter during inclement weather. This policy outlines the essential rules and expectations for all guests, staff, and volunteers within our Inclement Weather Sheltering facilities. Adherence to these guidelines is crucial for ensuring the well-being of everyone present and for maintaining an orderly and supportive atmosphere.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all individuals (guests, staff, and volunteers) present at any Family Promise of Puget Sound Inclement Weather Sheltering location. It covers all activities and behaviors within the shelter premises during its operational hours.
3. Guiding Principles
* Safety First: Prioritize the physical and emotional safety of all guests, staff, and volunteers.
* Respectful Environment: Foster an atmosphere of mutual respect, dignity, and consideration for all individuals.
* Compliance: Adhere to all applicable laws, regulations, and organizational policies.
* Accountability: Ensure clear expectations and consequences for behaviors that compromise the safety or integrity of the shelter environment.
* Collaboration: Promote cooperation between guests and staff to ensure a positive and secure sheltering experience.
4. Rules and Expectations for Guests
To ensure a safe and harmonious environment for all, guests are required to adhere to the following rules and expectations:
4.1. Substance-Free Environment
* Consumption or possession of alcohol, illegal drugs, or marijuana is strictly prohibited on the shelter premises. This includes any unauthorized prescription drugs.
* Individuals suspected of substance use prior to arrival at the shelter may be asked to leave the premises.
* Possession or use of controlled substances at the shelter site is grounds for immediate expulsion from the shelter.
4.2. Weapon-Free Facility
* Weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited on the shelter premises. This includes, but is not limited to, guns, knives, razor blades (including pocket knives), and any other item used or intended to be used to threaten or cause harm.
4.3. Personal Belongings and Accountability
* Family Promise of Puget Sound staff are not responsible for any personal items left unattended.
* Personal belongings left at the shelter for more than five (5) days after a guest’s departure will be considered abandoned and will be discarded. This includes clothing, bicycles, and any other personal property.
* Guests are required to check in and out of the shelter for accountability purposes, as instructed by staff.
4.4. Pet Policy
* Only well-behaved pets are allowed within the designated outdoor kennel areas of the shelter premises, as per Family Promise of Puget Sound’s Service Animal and Pet Policy.
* Disruptive or aggressive pets will be asked to leave the shelter premises for safety purposes. Service animals (as defined by ADA) are permitted inside the facility, subject to their own specific policy guidelines.
4.5. Appropriate Behavior
* Guests may not engage in any inappropriate intimate behavior while on the shelter premises.
* Guests are to conduct themselves in a manner that is not disruptive to others. Racist comments, sexist comments, lewd behavior, and offensive language will not be tolerated.
* Shelter staff are allowed to use personal judgment in managing behavior to maintain a safe and respectful environment.
4.6. Smoking Policy
* Outside smoking areas (if permitted) will be assigned by the Facility Manager. Smoking is strictly prohibited within 25 feet of any entrance or within the shelter building.
4.7. Property Respect
* Damage to the shelter property as a result of misuse or abuse will result in expulsion from the shelter and may result in a fine. Guests are expected to show respect for the property of others, including FPOPS property and the belongings of other guests, staff, and volunteers.
4.8. Staff Access
* Shelter staff will have access to all areas of the facility at all times to ensure safety, provide assistance, and maintain operations.
4.9. Non-Tolerance for Violence and Threats
* Striking or threatening the shelter staff, other guests, or volunteers will be cause for immediate expulsion from the shelter.
* Violence, threats of violence, or verbal abuse will not be tolerated. This includes yelling, name-calling, and physical abuse of children, including excessive or violent spankings.
4.10. Child Supervision
* Parents/guardians are solely responsible for the supervision of children under 18 years of age at all times.
* Young children must be accompanied to the restroom by a parent or responsible family member and may not be left in the care of other guests.
4.11. Electronic Devices and Noise
* Televisions, radios, musical instruments, and loud noise-making electronic devices are not acceptable within the shelter common areas or sleeping areas, to ensure a peaceful environment for all. Personal headphones should be used for individual listening.
4.12. Photography and Privacy
* No photos or videos are allowed within the shelter premises due to privacy issues for all residents.
5. Emergency Information Disclosure
By signing the Inclement Weather Sheltering Agreement, guests agree that in case of any emergency, Family Promise of Puget Sound may disclose necessary personal information to other emergency personnel and agencies (e.g., medical personnel, law enforcement) for the purpose of ensuring safety and providing immediate assistance.
6. Acknowledgment and Consequences
“I agree that I understand and will adhere to the above rules and regulations for Inclement Weather Sheltering at Family Promise of Puget Sound. I also understand that any violation of the above rules and regulations will result in disciplinary action, which may include immediate removal from the shelter and disqualification from future shelter services. I certify that all the information I provided during the initial consulation is true to the best of my knowledge and that any discrepancies may result in disqualifying me from shelter services. I understand that the shelter may require compliance with additional shelter policies as necessary for the safety and security of shelter guests.”
7. Responsibilities
* Guests: Responsible for understanding and adhering to all rules and expectations outlined in this policy.
* Staff and Volunteers: Responsible for communicating, upholding, and enforcing these rules consistently and fairly, and for reporting any violations to their supervisor.
* Facility Manager/Program Director: Responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the shelter and ensuring adherence to this policy.
8. Policy Review and Revision
This policy will be reviewed annually by the CEO and Program Directors, or more frequently as needed, to ensure its continued effectiveness and alignment with best practices and legal requirements. Any revisions will be communicated to all relevant personnel.