HAVE QUESTIONS?
We Have Answers
Shelter sites are open from 5:30 pm to 7:00 am. We start letting guests in around 5:30 – 6:00 pm to help set up the site. Lights out is 10 pm.
Our cut-off time is 8:30 pm. However, if the guest works past that time, they just need to call/arrange ahead of time with the shelter.
During the evenings, you are free to leave at any time. We can’t force you to stay. However, once you leave the premises that night, you will not be allowed to return until the next day. The shelter closes at 7:00 am so that is the latest a guest can stay. Many guests have jobs which require them to leave early, and we don’t wish to interfere with that.
Yes and no. We operate under a strict rule of zero tolerance. If we suspect you are under the influence of any kind, we will ask you to leave. Breathalyzers are used at every check-in and each guest entering is required to take the test.
However, we are compassionate and don’t wish anyone to be without shelter during the winter months. That’s why we incorporated the 40 degree temperature rule. If it’s forty degrees or above, people under the influence will not be allowed to enter. Below forty degrees, we allow you in but closely monitor behavior.
If the guest becomes disruptive, they will be asked to leave. If they don’t leave, then law enforcement will be called. The safety of our guests is our top priority.
Our site is set up with 40 mats, with pillows and blankets. As of yet, we have not reached max capacity. We don’t intend to turn anyone away.
We don’t turn anyone away regardless of background and that includes people with a criminal past. We do thorough intakes so we know who is coming into our shelters. We work closely with law enforcement to ensure compliance.
We try to serve a hot meal each night around 7:00-8:00 pm. Everyone will get a chance to eat if they choose. We don’t promise you’ll get full but you’ll get some warm food in your system. In the morning, we offer hot coffee and cold breakfast items like cereal, donuts or breakfast bars.
Yes, we have a restricted-use shower. It’s available for emergency use only. However, we are partnered with Keys to Hope which offers a place to launder and take showers. You need to be registered at Keys to Hope to continue using the shelter programs.
Our site is cleaned each morning. We assign guests to perform select cleaning duties. We make it mandatory that guests shower daily to maintain personal hygiene as well as making sure clothes are laundered at Keys to Hope. After a guest uses the dryer at the Keys to Hope, the lint trap is checked for bugs. There is not much we can do to combat the flu bug. Temperatures are taken upon entry. A simple cough is enough to infect the next person, so anyone with a cough is required to wear a mask. Rest, proper diet, and staying clean are the best we can ask.
If a mother has children, they are not excluded from the shelter. Fathers with children are not allowed at this time. When children are involved, we network with other organizations to get them the assistance they need to minimize their time in the shelter.
Our staff monitor the sites to ensure a safe environment. From the beginning, we make sure each guest understands the rules and the consequences if the rules are broken. We have a good relationship with law enforcement if anything should get out of hand. In addition, sites are digitally monitored for safety.
We are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged property. We ask that anything of value be kept in storage or at a trusted location.
Have Other Questions?
If you have other questions that aren’t answered above, feel free to reach out and a member of our team will be happy to help you.
