Shelter Rules
1. Residents are limited to two large or three small bags/ luggage. ALL personal items must fit in the dresser drawers provided. The Shelter is not responsible for any personal items left during the day. Personal belongings will be disposed of 24 hours after a resident leaves the shelter.
2. Residents must enter using the front door ONLY. Never open the door for anyone, including other residents of the shelter. Please inform the staff if you see anyone who wants to enter the shelter.
3. There is an 8:00 pm curfew in effect each day. One curfew violation and you will not be able to re-enter the shelter. Any exceptions must be approved in advance (24 hrs) by the Director.*If you are a working resident you have until 1 hour after your shift to arrive. Proper documentation (weekly schedule) has to be filed in advance. See Director for further information.
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, or men to be in women’s dorms. No public display of affection will be tolerated.
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 next to the shelter on the benches until 8:00pm. After 8pm only one person is aloud outside to smoke at a time. There is no smoking inside this building.
8. Residents are not permitted to use or possess alcohol or illegal drugs on or off the property for the length of your stay. Anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be admitted. If it is suspected that you have been drinking a breathalyzer test will be administered and staff reserves the right to exit you from the program. One alcohol or drug violation constitutes immediate exit from the shelter.
9. All prescription and over the counter medications (including vitamins) are to be given to the staff. Your medication will be individually bagged and marked. It is your responsibility to tell the supervisor when you need to take your medication.
10. Residents will shower every day. You must wear appropriate street attire at all times including when sleeping. Appropriateness is at the discretion of the staff. Shoes, socks, or sandals are to be worn at all times. Change clothes in the bathroom not in the dormitory.
11. Residents are assigned a nightly chore, this includes your bed and the area under and around it; they are to be neat and clean in the morning before you leave. BEDS MUST BE MADE DAILY. Do not leave anything wet on the headboards, beds or the dressers.
12. Lights go out at 10:00pm and all activities will cease. No cell phones are to be used after lights out and must be turned on vibrate or silent. Lights come on at 6:00am. You must leave no later than 7:00am every day.
13. You must get permission from staff to use the telephone; keep all calls brief. Get permission to use the laundry facilities. Laundry must be finished prior to 10:00 pm
14. No loitering around the building before or after hours.
15. You may come to the Soup Kitchen for lunch or you may prepare your lunch the night before if you are taking a bagged lunch. There is NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR DRINK in the shelter. You may NOT have any food or drink in the dorm rooms.
16. The computer is for job or housing searches only. If you are taking online classes, speak to the staff for permission to do course work. If you are found using the computer for other purposes your privileges will be taken away or you may be asked to leave.
17. Onslow Community Outreach (OCO) Staff is not responsible for child care. Children age 17 and under must be cared for by their guardian at all times. OCO does not provide child care.
18. You are allowed one night out during your stay at the shelter. All nights out need to be cleared with the Shelter Director 24 hours beforehand. NO EXCEPTIONS!
19. Any resident who is unemployed must seek employment daily and/or permanent housing. Do not go job hunting with other residents. Your main goal is to find a job and somewhere to live.
20. You are required to turn in a job or housing sheet per stated on each sheet, if you do not, you will be asked to leave the shelter.
21. The shelter is for short term stays only; up to 30 days. There will be periodic checks of your progress; If no visible progress is made you will be given a review to determine your exit date. A person may stay in the shelter no more than (3) three times in a two year period. There must be at least (4) four months in between stays.
22. Violation of any rule may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the shelter. If you are dismissed for violation of any rule you may not be able to return to OCO Homeless Shelter.
23. I understand that the policies and regulations of the Shelter may be changed at any time by Onslow Community Outreach Board of Directors or their designees.
24. If you would like to speak to the Shelter Director during nonresident hours, please schedule an apt with her. You are required to review your plans with her at least once a week.
