Resident Rules and Responsibilities

  1. Residents are limited to two large or three small bags/ luggage. All personal items must fit in either the under-bed storage or a provided locker. The Shelter is not responsible for any personal items left during the day. Personal belongings will be disposed of three (3) days after the client leaves the shelter unless other arrangements have been made with the administration staff.
  2. Residents must enter using the front entrance only. They may never open any of the gates / doors for anyone, including other residents of the shelter.
  3. Residents may check into the shelter daily. There is a 10:00 pm curfew in effect each day. Missing curfew is a rule violation. Exceptions must be approved 24 hours in advance by the Director. Working residents must provide a copy of their job schedule to the shelter director for written approval.
  4. No weapons of any kind are permitted into the shelter.
  5. No sexual activity is allowed. At no time are women to be in the men’s dorm / restroom, nor men in women’s dorm / restroom.
  6. No fighting, foul or abusive language, arguing, or petty bickering is allowed.
  7. No smoking at the entrance of the building; smoking is allowed 25 feet from the front entrance.
  8. Residents are not permitted to use or possess alcohol or illegal drugs on or within sight of the property, including the patio, parking areas and alley for the length of their stay.
  9. All prescription and over the counter medications (including vitamins) are to be locked in a personal locker in the front office. It is the client’s responsibility to tell the supervisor / staff when they need to take their medication. And at no time will staff / volunteers or designee administer any prescription medication.
  10. Clients will shower at least every other day. They must always wear appropriate street attire including when sleeping. Appropriateness is determined at the discretion of the staff. Shoes, socks, or sandals are to be always worn when not in bed. Residents must change clothes in the bathroom, not in the dormitory.
  11. Residents will be asked to volunteer for a morning and nightly chore, in addition to this they will be responsible for their bed and the area under and around their bed; this area will be neat and clean. In the morning before they leave the dorm their bed will be neatly made. Nothing wet may be left on the beds or surrounding area.
  12. Lights go out at 11:00pm daily and all activities will cease by 10 pm. This allows for 1 hour to make sure nightly chores are completed and enough time to get ready for lights out. At lights out cell phones need to be put on silent. Lights come on at 6:00am. Dorms are locked from 8 am to 8 pm.
  13. Residents must get permission from staff to use the landline telephone and the laundry facilities. Laundry must be finished prior to 9:00 pm no loads starting after 7pm.
  14. No loitering permitted around the building, neighboring businesses, or neighborhoods. During open hours before lights out you may gather on the back fenced patio under staff supervision. This is a privilege and any mess made is expected to be cleaned up by the person who made it before reentering the building.
  15. Three meals a day are provided. Food and drinks are not allowed in the dorms. Food and drink may be consumed only in the day use area and dining room. A single bottle of water is the exception to the rule.
  16. Children aged 17 and under must be always accompanied by their legal guardian. No person under the age of 18 will be allowed overnight. Parents must accompany their children to bathrooms/ laundry/etc.… and are responsible for their oversight. Children are not permitted in the dormitory rooms.
  17. The clothing closet will be open daily. Clients are permitted to select two sets of clothing and may only select clothing for themselves (and their children who are present, if applicable).
  18. All guests are to be screened at the front door. This will include a check via metal detector as well as a bag check. During times of viral outbreaks, symptoms and potential contact will also be screened.
  19. We will require clients to meet with the case manager within the first 3 days of their arriving at Noah’s Ark and develop a housing stability and general needs plan.
  20. Regular house meetings will be held at least once a month.
  21. Violation of any rule may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the shelter. If asked to leave the shelter the resident is required to take his or her belongings at that time. Under no circumstances will they be allowed back in to get their things. Residents who are dismissed for a violation of any rule may not be able to return to Noah’s Ark Homeless Shelter without first scheduling and participating in a restoration meeting with the Director. The residents must be able to demonstrate that they have made changes in their life that establish they are no longer a threat to others and/or can follow all shelter rules. Without the approval of the Director the client cannot return for any reason.
  22. If a resident would like to speak to the case manager, they may schedule an appointment with him/her. They are required to review their plans and goals with him/her at least 1 time per month and more if requested by staff.
  23. Staff and security personnel will be on site at all hours and should be contacted immediately if any dispute arises between residents, or to report any possession or use of illegal drugs or alcohol, the presence of a weapon or any behavior that creates a safety risk to residents.
  24. If a resident needs emergency services, if possible, they should ask staff for assistance and to place the call for them if truly needed. If a resident places a 911 call, they must report that call right away to either staff or security so it can properly be logged into our records.
  25. In order to help with the reduction of 911 calls, Noah’s Ark has a case manager onsite Monday- Thursday 9am- 6pm to assist clients in setting up doctor appointments and with other client needs.
  26. Residents who have a dispute with another resident or with staff will be required to participate in a process facilitated by staff to discuss the dispute and reach a peaceful resolution.