1. Policy Statement

Family Promise of Puget Sound is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all individuals and families participating in our programs and utilizing our facilities. While we strive to minimize risks, we recognize that participation in any program or use of any facility involves inherent risks. This document serves as a formal acknowledgment of those risks and a waiver of liability, ensuring transparency and legal clarity regarding the responsibilities of both the individual and Family Promise of Puget Sound.

2. Scope

This Acknowledgment of Risk and Liability Waiver applies to all individuals (“Guest(s)”) and all individuals enrolled in the program with them, residing at any Family Promise of Puget Sound shelter or participating in any and all activities connected with Family Promise of Puget Sound programs, or using its facilities or equipment.

3. Guiding Principles

* Transparency: Clearly communicate inherent risks associated with program participation and facility use.

* Individual Understanding: Ensure individuals understand their responsibilities and the terms of this waiver.

* Safety: While acknowledging risks, Family Promise of Puget Sound remains committed to maintaining a safe environment for all.

* Legal Compliance: Adhere to all applicable laws regarding liability waivers.

4. Definitions

* Guest(s): Refers to the individual(s) and all family members enrolled in the program who are sheltering at any Family Promise of Puget Sound location or participating in its programs.

* Family Promise: Refers to Family Promise of Puget Sound, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, including its officers, agents, servants, employees, Board of Directors, volunteers, and affiliates.

* Program: Encompasses all services, activities, and facilities provided by Family Promise of Puget Sound, including shelter, case management, transportation, and communal living.

5. Program Duration Expectation

Family Promise of Puget Sound’s emergency shelter programs are designed to provide temporary assistance and support for families as they work towards stable housing. Our expectation is that a individual’s stay in the shelter should typically be less than 30 days. Extensions beyond this 30-day period may be granted on a per-individual basis, as determined and approved by the Shelter Manager, based on individual progress, housing opportunities, and program capacity.

6. Acknowledgment of Risk

As a participant in the Family Promise of Puget Sound program, I/we (myself and all individuals enrolled in the program with me) recognize and acknowledge that there are certain inherent risks of physical injury – including death, damages, property damage, or loss – which we may sustain as a result of residing at Family Promise of Puget Sound shelters and/or participating in any and all activities connected with the program, or the use of the facilities or equipment. These risks include, but are not limited to:

* Personal Injury: Risks of injury, including but not limited to, slips, trips, falls, exposure to the elements, and contact with other individuals.

* Property Loss: Risks of loss, theft, or damage to Guest’s personal belongings, including but not limited to, clothing, electronics, and valuables.

* Pet Injury/Loss: Risks of injury, illness, or loss of Guest’s pets, if brought to the shelter and kept in designated outdoor kennel spaces as per Family Promise policy.

* Other Risks: Risks of any other harm or injury that may occur while at the shelter or participating in program activities.

7. Waiver of Claim for Injury

We, myself and all individuals enrolled in the program with me, agree to waive and relinquish all claims that we may have for injuries or damages as a result of residing in/participating in Family Promise of Puget Sound shelters and its programs, activities, or using the facilities or equipment, against its officers, agents, servants, employees, Board of Directors, volunteers, and affiliates.

8. Release from Liability

I/we do hereby release and discharge Family Promise of Puget Sound and its officers, agents, servants, employees, Board of Directors, volunteers, and affiliates from any and all claims for injuries, including death, damages, property damage, or loss which may have or may in future accrue to me/us on account of participating in or volunteering for the non-profit organization.

9. Indemnity & Defense

I/we further agree to indemnify and hold harmless and pay defense costs and defend Family Promise of Puget Sound and its agents, servants, employees, other volunteers, and affiliates, from any and all claims resulting from injuries – including death, damages, property damage, or loss – sustained by me/us and arising out of, connected with, or in any way associated with the activities of the program or the use of facilities or equipment.